In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson dives into why it’s time to move beyond traditional volunteer metrics like hours logged and retention rates. She unpacks the difference between outputs and outcomes, sharing practical examples and actionable strategies for measuring and showcasing the true impact volunteers have on communities and organizations.

Tobi explains how tracking outcomes can inspire volunteers, improve program quality, strengthen recruitment messaging, guide strategic decisions, and demonstrate real value to stakeholders. You’ll also learn how to create visual graphics to communicate these outcomes!

Full show notes: 175. Outputs vs Outcomes: Why Counting Hours Isn’t Enough

Outputs vs Outcomes - Episode Highlights

• [02:47] - Proving Volunteer Impact
• [03:37] - Key Metrics to Track
• [06:14] - The Importance of Outcome Metrics
• [09:41] - Communicating Impact Effectively
• [13:58] - Why Volunteer Outcomes Matter
• [13:58] - Why Volunteer Outcomes Are Essential
• [18:36] - Communicating Volunteer Impact
• [22:24] - Improving Program Quality with Outcomes
• [25:40] - Strengthening Recruitment Messaging
• [28:42] - Supporting Strategic Decision Making
• [31:53] - Creating Visual Impact Graphics

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #135: How to Use Video Storytelling to Connect with Aaron Walton and Emmanuel LeGrair

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 shares expert tips on how to craft volunteer emails that truly connect and convert. From attention-grabbing subject lines to warm, welcoming salutations and easy-to-read content, Tobi breaks down the key elements that make emails more engaging and effective.

You’ll learn why personalization matters, how to structure your emails for maximum impact, and the small details, like a creative sign-off or a compelling P.S. that can make a big difference. Plus, Tobi offers practical strategies like A/B testing your subject lines, using email tools for smarter communication, and ditching the dull bureaucratic tone that turns readers off.

Whether you're trying to recruit new volunteers or keep your current team engaged, this episode will help you write emails that get opened, read, and acted on.

Full show notes: 174. Write Volunteer Emails Volunteers Actually Read (and Love)

Volunteer Emails - Episode Highlights

• [01:00] - The Importance of Volunteer Emails
• [02:53] - Crafting Effective Subject Lines
• [06:29] - Creating Friendly Salutations
• [08:13] - Writing Readable Body Copy
• [15:20] - Creative Closings and the Power of PS

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #173 - Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away?
• Subject Line Checker
• Use AI to Improve Emails

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 shares valuable insights on how nonprofits can improve volunteer websites to attract and engage more volunteers effectively. Addressing common issues such as unclear value propositions, excessive choice options, stock imagery, and poor mobile experiences, Tobi discusses practical strategies to create a compelling and user-friendly volunteer hub.

She emphasizes the importance of clear calls to action, authentic visuals, social proof, and urgency to convert visitors into active volunteers. With actionable tips and a focus on modern user behavior, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to optimizing nonprofit websites for better volunteer recruitment!

Full show notes: 173. Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away?

Volunteer Website - Episode Highlights

• [01:04] - The Importance of Volunteer Websites
• [02:42] - Adapting to Modern Content Consumption
• [04:33] - Creating Effective Volunteer Hub Pages
• [09:14] - Common Issues with Volunteer Websites
• [15:52] - Improving Volunteer Website Conversions
• [26:21] - Social Proof and Trust Signals
• [28:59] - Creating Urgency and Clear Navigation
• [34:13] - Ensuring a Good User Experience
• [39:41] - Final Tips

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Google Analytics
• Hotjar
• ScoreApp
• Volunteer Nation Episode #5: 8 Ways Your Nonprofit Website is Failing to Attract Volunteers
• Volunteer Nation Episode #59 – 6 Must Have Strategies to Recruit Volunteers Using Your Website
• Volunteer Nation Episode #20: How to Design Irresistible Online Volunteer Opportunities

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.