Volunteer engagement doesn’t end when service concludes. In fact, how organizations say goodbye to their volunteers can have a lasting impact on relationships, reputation, and future support. Yet, volunteer offboarding is often overlooked or treated as an administrative task rather than a meaningful opportunity for connection.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, part of the Impact Lab POV Series, host Tobi Johnson sits down with volunteer engagement expert Ruth Leonard, who also serves as a Guest Advisor for VolunteerPro, to explore how intentional offboarding can strengthen organizational culture and foster long-term loyalty. Together, they reframe offboarding as a relationship-building process that honors volunteers’ contributions while keeping the door open for future involvement.

Ruth shares insights on the importance of transparency around volunteer tenure, the role of rituals and recognition in creating dignified transitions, and how thoughtful exit interviews can preserve valuable knowledge. The conversation also highlights the benefits of maintaining alumni connections and celebrating service as a way to reinforce human dignity and community trust.

Listeners will discover practical strategies to design meaningful volunteer exits, shift their mindset from transactional to relational engagement, and ensure that every volunteer’s journey ends with appreciation and purpose. Ruth also offers a preview of her upcoming seminar focused on helping volunteers leave well while staying connected.

If you’re looking to enhance retention, protect your organization’s reputation, and create lasting relationships with your volunteers, this episode provides the inspiration and actionable guidance to get started.

Full show notes: 210 – Impact Lab POV – Better Volunteer Offboarding with Ruth Leonard

Volunteer offboarding – Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Introduction to Volunteer Nation Podcast
• [03:33] Ruth Leonard's Journey into Volunteerism
• [05:24] The Importance of Volunteerism Today
• [08:10] Understanding Volunteer Offboarding
• [12:51] The Significance of Proper Offboarding
• [15:50] Consequences of Poor Offboarding Practices
• 19:10] Practical Steps for Effective Offboarding
• [23:51] Creating a Culture of Connection
• [27:54] Mindset Shifts for Volunteer Leaders
• [30:06] Looking Ahead: Future of Volunteerism

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #122: Rethinking Community Involvement with Ruth Leonard
• Volunteer Nation Episode #140: Volunteer Performance Issues – How to (Finally) Have that Chat!
• Find Ruth on LinkedIn
• Get Ruth’s Latest Book - Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice
• Volunteer Involvement: an Introducti

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Leadership in volunteer engagement is not defined by title or workload, but by the ability to influence, align, and inspire others toward a shared vision. Many leaders stay busy managing day-to-day tasks, yet struggle to step into a more visible and strategic role that drives real organizational impact.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, part of the Impact Lab POV Series, Tobi Johnson sits down with Megan Vixie, a seasoned nonprofit leader, to explore how professionals can grow their leadership presence and expand their influence. Drawing from her journey from volunteer to Chief Engagement Officer, Megan shares practical insights on mindset shifts, intrinsic motivation, and the importance of cultural competence in leading effectively.

Together, they unpack what it means to move from simply “working in your program” to intentionally “working on your program,” and how visibility, voice, and vision play a critical role in advancing both personal leadership and organizational success. Megan also offers actionable strategies to help listeners speak up, leverage their unique strengths, and align their work with broader strategic priorities.

If you’re ready to elevate your impact, build confidence as a leader, and step into a more influential role within your organization, this conversation will give you the tools and perspective to get started.

Full show notes:

Leadership and Influence – Episode Highlights

• [00:00] – Introducing Megan Vixie and the impact of volunteerism in today’s world
• [02:11] – Megan’s volunteer story and path to leadership
• [04:25] – The role of passion and purpose in volunteer engagement careers
• [09:07] – Why volunteerism is vital amidst societal stressors
• [13:08] – Common misconceptions about career growth in the volunteer field
• [16:29] – Mindset shifts: Using vision, visibility, and voice
• [20:27] – The importance of owning your influence regardless of title
• [23:22] – How influence intersects with organizational strategy and influence
• [28:48] – Practical steps to build confidence and speak up effectively
• [36:37] – Real-world example of shifting mindset to leadership success
• [39:53] – Starting small when seeking to enhance your influence
• [45:45] – Building trust and partnership through listening and affirming
• [48:48] – Encouragement to take risks and have tough conversations
• [52:11] – Megan’s upcoming advanced seminar and how to join
• [54:10] – Megan’s vision for the future of volunteer engagement leadership
• [55:23] – Connecting with Megan and learning about her work

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Impact Lab – https://volpro.net/join/
• Volunteer Management Progress Report – https://volpro.net/volunteer-management-progress-report/
• Volunteer Nation Episode #017: My Top 12 Nonprofit Leadership Tips Learned the Hard Way – https://volpro.net/017-my-top-12-nonprofit-leadership-tips-learned-the-hard-way/
• Find Megan on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganvixie/
• Arrive Circa Now website – ht

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways nonprofits attract new supporters, but what if you could harness it more intentionally? Without a clear strategy, many organizations miss the opportunity to turn passionate volunteers into active promoters of their mission.

In this episode, Tobi Johnson explores how to build an effective volunteer ambassador program that expands your reach, strengthens relationships, and increases engagement. She explains why ambassador programs are so impactful and how they help nonprofits connect with new audiences in a more authentic and credible way.

You’ll learn how to identify the right volunteers for ambassador roles, define meaningful activities that align with your goals, and provide the training and tools they need to succeed. Tobi also shares practical strategies for equipping ambassadors with clear messaging, building their confidence, and ensuring consistency across your outreach efforts.

If you’re ready to amplify your mission and tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing, this episode offers actionable steps to help you build a volunteer ambassador program that grows your community and attracts lasting support.

Full show notes: 208. How to Build a Volunteer Ambassador Program to Attract Support.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] - Introduction to Volunteer Ambassador Programs
• [02:57] - Why Ambassador Programs Matter
• [10:12] - Defining Roles and Activities
• [16:46] - Preparing and Equipping Ambassadors
• [20:37] - Keys to a Successful Program

Helpful Links

• VolunteerPro Membership Community — volpro.net/join/
• 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition — volpro.net/volunteer-management-progress-report/
• Volunteer Nation Episode #148: Nonprofit Advocacy 101 – Yes You Can! — volpro.net/148-nonprofit-advocacy-101-yes-you-can/

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.