In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down one of the biggest pitfalls in volunteer planning: confusing strategy with tactics. She explains why a plan that’s just a long list of tasks will never move your mission forward and what to do instead.

If you're ready to shift from “busy and reactive” to “focused and strategic,” this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable guidance. Plus, Tobi introduces Vision Week 2026, a hands-on, five-day planning experience designed to help you confidently create your annual volunteer engagement plan with expert support!

Full show notes: 186. Strategy vs Tactics - How to Include Both in Your Volunteer Planning

Strategy vs Tactics - Episode Highlights

• [01:35] - Why Solid Planning Matters
• [03:10] - Strategy vs. Tactics Defined
• [06:15] - The Risk of To-Do-List Planning
• [07:20] - Aligning Volunteer Engagement with Organizational Goals
• [12:20] - Real-World Example #1: Improving Program Outcomes
• [15:45] - Real-World Example #2: Growing the Volunteer Base
• [18:40] - Real-World Example #3: Boosting Staff Buy-In
• [22:10] - What Strategic Volunteer Engagement Really Means
• [24:00] - Why People Avoid Planning

Helpful Links

• VisionWeek 2026
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #134: 8 Annual Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
• Volunteer Nation Episode #82: Nonprofit Strategic Planning for 2024 in 3 Simple Steps
• Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone’s Job

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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson steps away from her usual format to share her journey through long COVID, from the first onset of symptoms to the long road of recovery.

Tobi opens up about the physical and emotional challenges she faced, the lessons learned along the way, and the radical self-care practices that helped her heal. She also reflects on what this experience taught her about compassion, resilience, and the hidden toll of chronic conditions.

Whether you’re navigating long COVID, struggling with burnout or chronic fatigue, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for the healing journey.

Full show notes: 185. To Burnout & Back - My Secret Struggle with Long COVID

Burnout - Episode Highlights

• [01:57] - The Onset of Long COVID
• [04:11] - Coping with Symptoms and Seeking Help
• [06:06] - Navigating Life with Long COVID
• [08:54] - The Emotional and Physical Toll
• [11:23] - Struggles and Realizations
• [12:20] - A Catastrophic Flood and More COVID
• [15:04] - Living with Chronic Fatigue
• [21:16] - Seeking Recovery and Radical Self-Care
• [30:44] - Struggling with Weekend Fatigue
• [31:29] - Redefining Rest and Recovery
• [32:35] - Challenges of Setting Boundaries
• [33:35] - Dealing with Brain Fog
• [35:16] - Steps to Recovery: Mental Health Counseling
• [36:05] - Functional Medicine Approach
• [38:17] - Primary Care and Specialist Support
• [42:49] - Physical Therapy and Activity Pacing
• [44:37] - Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab

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.

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson unpacks how the experience economy is reshaping the way nonprofits engage and retain volunteers.

Building on last week’s discussion about the evolving volunteer marketplace, Tobi explains why it’s no longer enough to simply offer opportunities — today’s volunteers expect meaningful, memorable, and transformative experiences.

If you’re ready to meet modern volunteer expectations and create experiences that truly stand out, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Full show notes: 184. The Experience Economy – Are Nonprofits Keeping Up?

Experience Economy - Episode Highlights

• [01:37] - Understanding the Experience Economy
• [05:23] - The Evolution of Economic Value
• [07:46] - Creating Quality Volunteer Experiences
• [15:55] - Modern Examples of the Experience Economy
• [18:04] - The Experience Economy in Nonprofits
• [18:52] - The Market Metaphor in Volunteerism
• [19:43] - Understanding Volunteer Motivations
• [22:59] - Altruism and Empathy in Volunteering
• [24:07] - Social Connection and Personal Development
• [28:51] - Value Expression and Psychological Benefits
• [32:40] - The Experience Economy in Volunteering
• [34:46] - Episodic and Flexible Volunteering
• [36:04] - The Ripple Effect of Volunteer Experience

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode 183 - The New Reality - Volunteers Don't Need You
• Volunteer Nation Episode #118: 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier
• Volunteer Nation Episode #147: Volunteer Recruitment Trends from Our New Report

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.