December 7, 2023
Episode #87: Volunteer Research – Sector Trends & Our Latest Survey
In this episode, Tobi reviews the history and impact of the Volunteer Management Progress Report, a global state-of-the-industry survey spanning 9 years and encompassing insights from leaders of volunteers across 36 countries.
She delves into key trends from past reports, the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion planning, correlations between resources and capacity, the increasing tech-maturity of multi-generational volunteer managers, and more. Listeners are also encouraged to participate in the 2024 survey as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of volunteer management and the vital role it plays in organizations worldwide.
Volunteer Research – Volunteer Management Progress Report
The Volunteer Management Progress Report survey offers a longitudinal study of nearly a decade of volunteer trends. It serves as a pulse check for the field of volunteerism by providing a nuanced view of challenges, trends, and opportunities and has helped many leaders of volunteers advocate for change both within and outside their organizations. In this episode, Tobi reviews the history of the study and reviews one essential insight from each edition.
Volunteer Research – You’re Invited to Take Part!
Our annual progress report survey, now in its 9th year, offers invaluable insights into volunteer management worldwide. From rebounding volunteer capacity to the growing focus on diversity and inclusion, the reports have been a game-changer for organizations. By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you contribute to a collective intelligence that guides our industry’s evolution. Get early access to results and be part of a global movement.
Visit our website to download past reports and support the VolunteerPro community. Let’s elevate volunteerism together! Visit >> https://volpro.net/volunteer-management-progress-report/
Volunteer Research – Show Highlights
06:59.8 Tobi introduces the history of the Volunteer Management Progress Report
07:58.5 Year Eight: 2023 – Volunteer capacity rebounded after 2 years of decline
09:10.0 Year Seven: 2022 – Challenge and Resilience
10:25.5 Year Six: 2021 – COVID edition
12:27.5 Year Five: 2020 – Benchmarking Edition
16:58.3 Year Four: 2019 – Tech Edition
19:51.1 Year Three: 2018 – Volunteer retention is a problem in the rise.
21:52.5 Year Two: 2017 – The relationship between agency support and employee retention
24:28.0 Year One: 2016 – Salaries – were their standards? What does the field look like?
26:11.0 Overview of this year’s survey theme and how to participate (2024)
Volunteer Research – Quotes from the Episode
“What I thought was really interesting when I was doing this review was how things sometimes change and sometimes really stay the same.”
“We’ve had generous partner organizations that contribute just by sending out our survey link. We provide a press kit and they send out our survey link to their network so we can spread the word far and wide.”
“There are still major challenges in how volunteers are perceived, how the level of investment and support and work that needs to go into designing a volunteer experience that works for the volunteer and works to the organization and works for the community.”
“We create high quality content on a regular basis. Now how do we do that? We do that through understanding you all and what your organizations need to win at volunteer engagement.”
“The higher the budget, the greater the reported impact, both in capacity and perceptions of effectiveness. So that is, that’s very interesting because I believe that even your perception of your effectiveness makes you more effective because it’s around your confidence.”
Helpful Links
- Volunteer Management Progress Report
- Volunteer Nation Episode #086 – Converting Episodic Volunteers into Long-term Supporters
- Time + Talent Podcasts Episode #303: Easy Technology Solutions for Older Adult Volunteers
- Become a Distribution Partner – Contact us: wecare@volpro.net
- VolunteerPro Membership Community
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.
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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Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars. Then, select “Write a Review” and let us know what you loved most about this episode!
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