volunteer experiences

December 28, 2023

Episode #90: Improving Volunteer Experiences & Raising More Funds with Kristina Carlson 

In this episode, guest Kristina Joy Carlson and host Tobi Johnson share valuable insights on improving volunteer experiences through the power of the KIND method. From navigating turbulent times to cultivating deep commitment even in conflict, they offer practical strategies for nonprofit success and creating meaningful connections with volunteers and donors.

Their conversation also highlighted the potential for volunteers and donors to connect and contribute to causes that resonate with their values. Volunteers provide a meeting ground where people from diverse backgrounds come together for common causes, transcending political and social divisions. If you’re passionate about building exceptional volunteer experiences, boosting your fundraising results, and creating positive change, this episode is a must-listen!

Volunteer Experiences – The Power of the KIND Method

Through her transformational KIND method, Kristina emphasizes the value of small acts of kindness in our daily lives. KIND stands for Knowing more and being open to different points of view, Identifying impact and being kind to oneself, Normalizing change and embracing its inevitability, and Dancing, celebrating success, and making things enjoyable. It’s a powerful tool for self-management and supporting others in these turbulent times.

Volunteer Experiences –  Aligning Passion & Shared Values

Volunteerism has the potential to unite us, despite political differences in society. And, volunteer experiences can be enjoyable, even when we disagree.  All it takes is an understanding of where our passions, values, and interests overlap to realize we are often more alike than different, both as individuals and departments that may be siloed within an organization.

Volunteer Experiences – Show Highlights

01:43.3 Do we pay attention to how people feel?
02:30.9 Introducing Kristina Carlson
04:35.9 How Kristina got into nonprofit work
06:22.1 Role of volunteers in today’s age
11:05.5 The KIND method and how people can use it
13:39.7 K is knowing more
15:05.9 I is identify your impact
15:07.7 N is normalize change
16:14.0 D is you gotta dance
26:40.5 Recommendations on better communication in the beginning
39:01.0 Reducing the silos for how we treat volunteers and donors differently
42:16.1 Collaborating on supporter engagement
44:22.9 How to get in touch with Kristina

Volunteer Experiences – Quotes from the Episode

“It is one of the greatest honors you can have to help others find ways to invest their time, talent, and treasure in meaningful ways.” ~ Kristina Joy Carlson

“It isn’t just a model for philanthropy or even volunteerism. It’s really a model for creating transformational change in your life, your business, and the world.” ~ Kristina Joy Carlson

“Kindness starts with that understanding that there’s more to learn, more to discover, but you’ve gotta be open to that. And you’ve gotta be willing to accept that you don’t know everything and everyone you need to know in life.” ~ Kristina Joy Carlson

“They wanna know they’re doing things that are impactful. So I think that’s a piece of it as well, committing to knowing more, that K again, and then identifying the impact, the I and the kind, really making sure that what you’re asking them to do is meaningful. It’s measurable. You can tell them the significant difference that they’ve made, and you’re gonna give them the training and support that they need to do that, particularly in the fundraising space working with volunteers.” ~ Kristina Joy Carlson

“It shouldn’t require a huge sacrifice to get started. It can be a little step, and organizations, I think, sometimes make it so complicated to get involved, to make a donation, or to do whatever That people are left thinking, I don’t wanna have to give up that much time.” ~ Kristina Joy Carlson

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.

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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!

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