August 10, 2023

Episode #70: How to Organize a Volunteer Services Department of One

In this episode, Tobi dives into the essential strategies and techniques to effectively structure and manage your volunteer program, even with limited resources. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, volunteer coordinator, or volunteer services director, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of organizing and optimizing your volunteer services.

As the heart and soul of any nonprofit organization, volunteers play a vital role in advancing the mission and serving the community. However, organizing and overseeing a volunteer services department can be a complex and demanding task. From tracking hours and tasks to ensuring alignment with organizational goals, volunteer managers have a wide range of responsibilities.

Volunteer Services Department of One – Collaboration

Collaborating with staff and supervisors is another key aspect discussed in the episode. Tobi encourages volunteer managers to have open conversations with their team to understand workloads and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of aligning volunteer services with organizational priorities and bringing up any misalignment to higher-ups for discussion.

Volunteer Services Department of One – Screening

One of the valuable tips for screening potential volunteers through the use of tools like Calendly. By providing pre-qualification questions and scheduling discovery calls, volunteer coordinators can assess the suitability of individuals interested in working with their organization. Remember, not all potential clients or volunteers will be a good fit, and that’s okay! The episode also provides resources like webinars and related materials for those who may not be a fit for a call but still want to learn more.

Volunteer Services Department of One – Show Highlights

00:24.3 Tobi started to introduce the episode and topic

04:43.5 Learning to do more with less

08:28.8 Get clear on your goals

12:22.5 Perform a task audit

14:35.6 Block your time

16:35.5 Set up your ideal year

20:07.9 This second half is about doing more with more

20:31.5 Planning out your weekly calendar

26:22.8 Expanding your team

Volunteer Services Department of One – Quotes from the Episode

“Assess the percentage of time spent on different tasks and evaluate if it aligns with the organizational goals.”
“Conduct a task audit to gain clarity and understand where time is being wasted on trivial tasks instead of focusing on essential ones.”
“Having conversations as a team can provide helpful insights and help prevent burnout by addressing the emotional work of negotiating conflict and managing expectations.”
“Choose the right people for your volunteer services department and ensure they have a self-care plan in place to prevent a depleted mind affecting productivity.”
“Active self-care is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and productivity in a demanding volunteer services department.”
“Set boundaries to manage your time effectively and prioritize deep work tasks like program development, data analysis, strategy setting, and coaching.”

Helpful Links

Want More? Check out Our Time + Talent Podcast!

Whether you’re looking for solutions, inspiration, or just want to hear what others are doing to successfully engage volunteers, Time + Talent is the podcast for leaders of volunteers.

Co-hosts Tobi Johnson, MA, CVA and Jennifer Bennett, CVA bring you uplifting and insightful conversations with thought leaders and volunteer management practitioners who are redefining their roles, and the roles of volunteers.

MORE INFO >>

About the Show

Nonprofit leadership author, trainer, consultant, and volunteer management expert Tobi Johnson shares weekly tips to help charities build, grow, and scale exceptional volunteer teams. Discover how your nonprofit can effectively coordinate volunteers who are reliable, equipped, and ready to help you bring about BIG change for the better.

If you’re ready to ditch the stress and harness the power of people to fuel your good work, you’re in exactly the right place!

Contact Us

Have questions or suggestions for the show? Email us at wecare@volpro.net.

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