The VolunteerMatters Podcast

“The Y is more than a gym and swim — it’s a powerful force for good, driven by dedicated volunteers.”👉🏻 Want a guide to the YMCA & VolunteerMatters partnership?Download the FREE guide: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/VolunteerMatters_White_Paper-YMCA+Volunteering_(ep22).pdfJoin Mark, President, and Sophia, Success Coach at VolunteerMatters, a leading volunteer management software dedicated to helping nonprofits build stronger, more impactful volunteer programs.This episode dives deep into:- Our decade-long partnership with YMCA- How YMCA volunteer programs shaped our platform- Strategies for scaling across 500+ locations- The gold standard in volunteer safety and compliance- Personal stories from growing up at the Y…and moreTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction & why the YMCA matters01:02 - The global scale of YMCA volunteerism02:20 - From volunteer-run to professionally staffed04:04 - “More than just a gym and swim”05:08 - Volunteering as a gateway to the mission06:00 - Mark’s personal story with the Y08:10 - Our national partnership with YMCA USA08:55 - How YMCA needs shaped our product12:00 - Why flexibility is essential in VMS13:50 - Empowering part-time admins16:50 - Industry-leading safety and compliance19:20 - Praesidium Accreditation: What it is and why it matters21:00 - Automating onboarding, credentials & workflows25:00 - Case Study: From 26% to 90% compliance in 2 months30:40 - A thank-you to the YMCACheck out VolunteerMatters on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VolunteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volunteer-mattersTwitter/X: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerMattersWebsite: https://www.volunteermatters.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-volunteermatters-podcast/id1765384042Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41OzyIlomp8LLrZ68fgb77?si=sg92xnBGRDuL4HDnB_F1Rg

“The number one reason volunteers don’t engage is fear of the unknown."👉🏻 Want a guide to recruiting volunteers?Download the FREE guide: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/Promoting_Volunteer_Projects_(ep21).pdfJoin Mark, President, and Sophia, Customer Success Coach at VolunteerMatters, a leading volunteer management software dedicated to helping nonprofits build stronger, more impactful volunteer programs.This episode dives deep into:- How to turn attention into action- Creating effective volunteer opportunity pages- Tangible strategies for promoting volunteer opportunities- …and more.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why promoting matters01:22 - The big mistake: Eyeballs vs. Education03:44 - A great volunteer project description05:07 - Reducing fear of the unknown06:20 - Volunteer opportunity catalog08:53 - Clear calls to action09:56 - Writing for beginners, not insiders11:15 - Effective email promotion15:28 - Use your existing volunteer database first15:43 - Leveraging social media platforms18:47 - Follow peer organizations for inspiration21:10 - Community partners as promotional allies21:58 - Promoting at in-person events23:05 - Traditional media23:19 - Text messaging25:05 - Summary and recap27:20 - Email deliverability and complianceCheck out VolunteerMatters on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VolunteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volunteer-mattersTwitter/X: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerMattersWebsite: https://www.volunteermatters.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-volunteermatters-podcast/id1765384042Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41OzyIlomp8LLrZ68fgb77?si=sg92xnBGRDuL4HDnB_F1Rg

“Training that needs to be repeated adds a layer of complexity most nonprofits aren’t tracking well.”👉🏻 Want a guide to scaling volunteer training?Download the FREE guide: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/Training_Volunteers_at_Scale_(ep20).pdfJoin Mark, President, and Sophia, Customer Success Coach at VolunteerMatters, a leading volunteer management software dedicated to helping nonprofits build stronger, more impactful volunteer programs.This episode dives deep into:- Why volunteer training directly impacts your mission’s success- How to balance standardization with flexibility- The power of learning management systems (LMS) and other tech tools- How to measure success through completion rates, feedback, retention, and repeat requirements- …and more.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and Topic Introduction01:00 – Why Volunteer Training Matters01:48 – The Challenges of Scaling Training02:56 – Maintaining Consistency in Training Content03:50 – Adapting for Diverse Volunteer Audiences04:50 – Delivery Methods and Oversight Challenges05:30 – Principles of Scalable Volunteer Training08:59 – Leveraging Technology for Training Delivery10:00 – Assigning Ownership Over Training Content10:50 – Training the Trainers12:00 – Learning Management Systems and Online Tools13:05 – Addressing Concerns Around Online Training15:00 – Quizzing and Measuring Retention19:00 – Key Metrics for Evaluating Training Success21:00 – The Importance of Feedback Loops23:00 – Recap of Training Best Practices25:00 – Training Expiration and Recertification29:00 – Real-World Example (YMCA)Check out VolunteerMatters on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VolunteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volunteer-mattersTwitter/X: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerMattersWebsite: https://www.volunteermatters.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-volunteermatters-podcast/id1765384042Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41OzyIlomp8LLrZ68fgb77?si=sg92xnBGRDuL4HDnB_F1Rg

“The higher you go, the less you should be doing. Your job is to equip, empower, and get out of the way."👉🏻 Want a guide to building a strong volunteerism team?Download the FREE guide: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/Volunteerism_Dream_Team_(ep1).pdfJoin Mark, President, and Sophia, Customer Success Coach at VolunteerMatters, a leading volunteer management software dedicated to helping nonprofits build stronger, more impactful volunteer programs.This episode dives deep into:- How to know when you're the bottleneck—and how to fix it- The power of delegation, trust, and empowering your team- How giving up control leads to organizational and mission growth- …and more.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome: The inspiration behind this episode00:50 – A customer story: When leadership took over02:23 – Micromanagement: What it is and how it harms your team04:33 – The ripple effects: morale, time loss, and stalled innovation05:09 – Scaling your nonprofit starts with trusting your team07:15 – “80% done is 100% awesome” – why perfection isn’t the goal08:48 – Staff on the ground are closer to the real problem10:14 – Everyone has a role—strategic, marketing, HR, fundraising10:55 – What great leadership actually looks like12:40 – Leadership self-reflection: Are you holding things back?13:05 – Delegation creates ownership, joy, and long-term growth14:05 – Real talk: Letting go is hard, even for us15:10 – What happens when leadership gets out of the way15:50 – Don’t micromanage—trust, delegate, empowerCheck out VolunteerMatters on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VolunteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volunteer-mattersTwitter/X: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerMattersWebsite: https://www.volunteermatters.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-volunteermatters-podcast/id1765384042Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41OzyIlomp8LLrZ68fgb77?si=sg92xnBGRDuL4HDnB_F1Rg

“Retaining volunteers is 70% less expensive than recruiting new ones—so why aren't we doing more to bring them back?" 👉🏻 Want a guide to re-engaging volunteers? Download the FREE guide: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/Re-Engaging_Lapsed_Volunteers_(ep18).pdfJoin Mark, President, and Sophia, Customer Success Coach at VolunteerMatters, a leading volunteer management software dedicated to helping nonprofits build stronger, more impactful volunteer programs.This episode dives deep into:- Why retaining volunteers is more cost-effective than recruiting new ones- How poor tracking systems and weak communication can alienate returning volunteers- Actionable strategies to re-engage lapsed volunteers—from personalized outreach to feedback loops- …and more.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Why volunteers stop showing up00:26 – The ROI of retaining vs. recruiting new volunteers01:04 – Why volunteer experience quality is foundational02:16 – Returning volunteers add exponential value over time03:44 – Many orgs don’t know who’s new vs. returning05:05 – Why tracking volunteer data is critical08:03 – Top reasons why volunteers lapse11:09 – Communication gaps: the root of disengagement13:03 – What a strong volunteer experience looks like16:27 – Personalizing outreach to re-engage past volunteers18:08 – Segmenting volunteers based on activity19:00 – Fix the reasons they left in the first place20:01 – Why real-time, iterative feedback matters22:33 – Volunteer incentives and appreciation events24:08 – Re-engagement powered by peer volunteers27:27 – Episode RecapCheck out VolunteerMatters on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VolunteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volunteer-mattersTwitter/X: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerMattersWebsite: https://www.volunteermatters.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-volunteermatters-podcast/id1765384042Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41OzyIlomp8LLrZ68fgb77?si=sg92xnBGRDuL4HDnB_F1Rg

Sophia interviews Mark, President and Co-Founder of VolunteerMatters, to uncover the inspiring origin story of the company. Mark shares his journey from custom software development to creating an impactful platform dedicated to helping nonprofits engage and manage volunteers effectively.Key Highlights:• How It All Began• The Evolution of VolunteerMatters• Overcoming Early Challenges• Pivotal Milestones• Vision for the Future"You measure what you value, and value what you measure. For us, it’s always been about demonstrating the transformative impact of volunteers—not just through anecdotes, but with real, measurable data.” - MarkDownload the PDF Guide to the Origin Story of VolunteerMatters Now: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/Orign_Story_of_VolunteerMatters_(ep17).pdfLinks:Visit Our Website: https://volunteermatters.comFollow Us:Stay updated with VolunteerMatters on:Facebook: https://facebook.com/volunteermattersLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/volunteermattersX/Twitter: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/Tune in to this inspiring conversation to understand the heart and vision behind VolunteerMatters, and to gain insights into building a purpose-driven organization!

Whether you're running a small program or managing thousands of volunteers, knowing how to accurately track hours is a game-changer for funding, program efficiency, and volunteer recognition.Key Takeaways:• Unlocking Funding Opportunities• Celebrating Volunteer Contributions• Boosting Operational Efficiency• Practical Tracking Methods• The Importance of ReportingListen in to learn how tracking volunteer hours can transform your volunteer program into a well-oiled machine that attracts funding, celebrates impact, and builds long-term engagement.Learn More:Explore our top tips for tracking volunteer hours effectively: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/VolunteerMatters_Tracking_Volunteer_Hours_(ep16).pdfLinks:Visit Our Website: https://volunteermatters.comFollow Us:Stay updated with VolunteerMatters on:Facebook: https://facebook.com/volunteermattersLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/volunteermattersX/Twitter: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/Start optimizing your volunteer program with actionable insights and proven strategies—tune in now!

We address HR professionals stepping into the world of volunteer management—an increasingly common trend as seasoned HR leaders transition from for-profit to nonprofit roles. Managing volunteers is an exciting opportunity but comes with its unique challenges and differences from managing paid staff. This episode explores how to approach volunteerism with a fresh perspective and practical strategies for success.What You’ll Learn:• Understand the key differences between managing employees and volunteers—and why volunteers aren’t unpaid employees.• How to respect volunteers’ time and motivation by streamlining recruitment and onboarding processes.• The importance of front-loading applications, background checks, and training to retain motivated volunteers.• Why creating a smooth and efficient onboarding process leads to higher retention and repeat volunteerism.• Insights into when gatekeeping is necessary—like in high-commitment roles or leadership opportunities—and how to balance selectivity with accessibility.Whether you’re an HR professional new to volunteerism or a nonprofit leader looking to refine your volunteer management practices, this episode offers valuable guidance to ensure you’re maximizing impact and creating extraordinary volunteer experiences.Learn More:Discover our free guide to approaching volunteerism with a fresh perspective: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/VolunteerMatters_Volunteers_Are_Not_Employees.pdf.Links:Visit Our Website: https://volunteermatters.comFollow Us: Stay updated with VolunteerMatters on:Facebook: https://facebook.com/volunteermattersLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/volunteermattersX/Twitter: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/Tune in now to redefine how you approach volunteer management and build a stronger, more effective program!

Episode 14 | In this episode, we discuss the incredible impact that volunteer programs can have in senior living communities. From fostering meaningful connections to improving quality of life and even creating pathways for workforce development, they break down four key benefits of volunteerism in these unique environments.What You’ll Learn:1. How resident-to-resident volunteering fosters purpose, connection, and longer lives for seniors.  2. Ways family members can deepen relationships through meaningful volunteer activities in senior living communities.  3. The benefits of bringing in external volunteers, like students, to add fresh energy and gain experience.  4. How volunteer programs can serve as a pathway for workforce development in senior care.  5. Practical tips for streamlining volunteer onboarding to attract and retain dedicated volunteers.  Mark and Sophia emphasize the transformative power of fostering a culture of volunteerism in senior living communities. From improving residents’ quality of life to finding future caregivers, volunteer programs benefit everyone involved.Learn More:Download our free guide to building impactful volunteer programs in senior living communities: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/VolunteerMatters_Volunteering_In_Senior_Living_Communities.pdf.Links:Visit Our Website: https://volunteermatters.comFollow Us: Stay updated with VolunteerMatters on:Facebook: https://facebook.com/volunteermattersLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/volunteermattersX/Twitter: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/Tune in now to discover how volunteerism can enrich the lives of seniors and create stronger, more connected communities.

Tune in with us to explore the multifaceted benefits of corporate volunteering, providing insights into how nonprofit organizations can harness these programs to deepen impact, build stronger partnerships, and secure additional funding.We discuss the strategic value of engaging corporations in your volunteer initiatives, shifting the perspective of corporate relationships from a one-way transaction to a mutually beneficial partnership.Key Discussion Points:• The Value of Corporate Volunteering• A Two-Way Transaction• Generational Shifts• Strategic Benefits for Nonprofits• Corporate Support Mechanisms - Matching gifts, volunteer grants (“dollars for doers”), volunteer paid time off (VTO), and sponsored volunteer events.• Best Practices for Corporate Volunteer Programs - Tracking metrics, reporting impactWhether you're looking to establish corporate volunteering opportunities or take your existing program to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice to maximize your impact and create lasting relationships with corporate partners.Ready to Transform Your Corporate Volunteer Program? Discover our free guide to corporate volunteering best practices: https://public.volunteermatters.org/files/podcast/whitepapers/VolunteerMatters_Corporate_Volunteering.pdfLinks:Visit Our Website: https://volunteermatters.comFollow Us:Stay updated with VolunteerMatters on:Facebook: https://facebook.com/volunteermattersLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/volunteermattersTwitter: https://x.com/VolnteerMattersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/volunteermatters/Tune in now to learn how corporate volunteering can elevate your mission!