In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson is joined by Allyson Ferrari, Director of Connections at Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, to explore how organizations can make volunteering more inclusive and accessible.

Together, they dive into practical strategies for building, growing, and scaling volunteer talent by designing opportunities that welcome people with disabilities. From addressing legal and logistical challenges to embracing neurodiversity and co-creating roles with volunteers themselves, this conversation offers actionable insights for any organization looking to diversify and strengthen their volunteer base.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your current practices, this episode is packed with inspiration and tools to make volunteering more welcoming for everyone.

Full show notes: 165. Let's Make Volunteering Accessible for All with Allyson Ferrari

Accessible Volunteering - Episode Highlights

• [03:03] - Allyson's Nonprofit Journey
• [05:04] - The Value of Liberal Arts in Nonprofits
• [09:00] - Defining Accessible Volunteering
• [16:34] - Legal Aspects of Accessibility
• [28:27] - Pairing People with Complementary Skills
• [29:36] - Empowerment Through Disability Identity
• [30:48] - Recognizing Unconscious Bias in Organizations
• [32:39] - Practical Tips for Accessible Volunteering
• [35:08] - Engaging People with Disabilities as Co-Creators
• [40:40] - Creating Accessible Volunteer Opportunities
• [49:03] - Supporting Neurodiverse Volunteers

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #Episode #124: Equity Tools for Nonprofits Volunteerism with Faiza Venzant
• Crip Camp Movie
• Info on US Section 504 of the US of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Info on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• LightHouse for the Blind SF
• Find Allyson on LinkedIn
• Contact Allyson
• Volunteer for LightHouse for the Blind SF

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 Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson unpacks a powerful mindset shift in the nonprofit world: moving beyond volunteer compliance and toward building a thriving volunteer community.

Tobi explores the delicate balance between ensuring accountability and fostering genuine connection, trust, and shared purpose among your volunteers. Through real-world insights and practical examples, she contrasts the limiting effects of compliance-heavy approaches with the energizing impact of community-focused strategies.

You’ll discover how overemphasis on rules can dampen enthusiasm and engagement, while leading with mission, mutual respect, and collaboration can boost volunteer retention, motivation, and teamwork.

Full show notes: 164. Moving from Volunteer Compliance to Building Your Nonprofit Community

Nonprofit Community - Episode Highlights

• [01:04] - Shifting Paradigms: Compliance vs. Community
• [03:27] - Exploring Volunteer Compliance
• [05:04] - Defining Community in Volunteerism
• [06:27] - Comparing Compliance and Community Approaches
• [09:08] - Impact on Volunteer Experience
• [14:35] - Balancing Compliance and Community
• [20:52] - Practical Tips for Building Your Nonprofit Community

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #162 - The #1 Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation
• Volunteer Nation Episode #127: Volunteer Centric, Community Centric, Organization Centric: What’s the Difference?

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 Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson sits down with Jennifer Sirangelo, President & CEO of Points of Light, to explore why volunteerism is not just a “nice to have”, it’s a necessity.

Jennifer shares her inspiring journey into the nonprofit world and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Points of Light’s mission to position volunteer management as essential infrastructure. Together, they unpack key insights from the groundbreaking report From Nice to Necessary, which outlines the urgent need for increased investment in volunteer engagement.

If you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer coordinator, or advocate for civic engagement, this episode will leave you energized and equipped to make the case for stronger volunteer systems.

Full show notes: 163. New Research from Points of Light with Jennifer Sirangelo

Points of Light - Episode Highlights

• [03:01] - Jennifer’s Nonprofit Journey
• [05:47] - The Importance of Volunteerism and Civic Engagement
• [08:36] - Challenges and Opportunities in Volunteer Management
• [09:08] - The State of Volunteering Today
• [20:07] - The Hidden Costs of Volunteer Engagement
• [24:37] - Discussing Healthcare Access and Volunteer Management
• [26:02] - Theory of Change in Volunteering
• [27:41] - Challenges in Measuring Volunteer Impact
• [29:32] - Research and Data in Volunteerism
• [33:35] - Engaging Funders in Volunteerism
• [34:55] - Addressing Volunteer Infrastructure
• [38:44] - Digital Marketing and Volunteer Recruitment
• [43:42] - Supervisory Ratios and Staffing

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• Volunteer Nation Episode #047: The State of Volunteer Engagement with Dr. Sue Kahl and Nathan Dietz
• Volunteer Nation Episode #71: Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland
• Volunteer Nation Episode #158: Nonprofit Capacity Building with the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond
• Volunteer Nation Episode #81: How Vol Services & Nonprofit Marketers Can Work Together with Kivi Leroux Miller
• Points of Light, From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment
• Contact Points of Light
• Find Jennifer on LinkedIn

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.