Boost Volunteer Engagement with Tech: 2025 Strategy Guide

People don’t avoid volunteering because they don’t care. They avoid it because the system feels outdated, rigid, and disconnected from real impact. When people understand why they’re showing up, everything changes. Ted Talk Speaker Brian Tenclinger #guaranteedkarma #volunteerism #csr #socialimpact

The nonprofit and community engagement landscape continued to evolve in 2025 — with formal volunteering participation rising to around 28.3% and informal helping climbing even higher. Our State of Volunteering 2025 report explores these shifts and reveals how short, flexible roles, clarity in volunteer expectations, and hybrid participation models became key drivers of engagement this year. As we head into 2026 — including the International Year of Volunteers — understanding these trends can help organizations tailor opportunities that fit today’s volunteers. Read the full analysis at the link in the comments ⬇️ #VolunteerManagement #CommunityLeadership #2026Planning #SignUpGenius

Dive into the concept of shared power that is at the heart of trust-based volunteering—and what it means for companies to practice this approach. In our recent webinar, we had a chance to get into all things trust-based volunteerism. Hear insights from Angela Parker of Realized Worth, Jessie Heckman of Vanguard and our very own Tanya Bilotta as their discussion unpacks practical and smart insights around: 🔹 Treating nonprofits as co-designers of volunteer experiences 🔹 Seeing employees as amplifiers of what community partners are already leading 🔹 Listening first, then using programs to amplify community voices and needs 🎥 Watch the full replay here: https://lnkd.in/g5zyKP8R  #PurposeAtWork #Benevity #TrustBasedVolunteerism #CorporateVolunteering

Last week, the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) launched a global Call to Action at the United Nations to mark International Volunteer Day and the start of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (#IVY2026). Informed by insights from nearly 15,000 people across 164 countries, the Call to Action calls for stronger civic space, meaningful participation, and greater recognition and investment in volunteering worldwide. 👉 Explore the resource: https://lnkd.in/gPz6NySx #futureofvolunteering #volunteering

We need to talk about how nonprofits engage and active volunteers. They're spending hours on spreadsheets, chasing people down via texts, manually matching volunteers to rol, and have zero visibility into what's actually working. Then they wonder why volunteers don't show up or don't come back. Here's what we've learned after working with dozens of organizations: it's not a people problem, it's a system problem. When you automate coordination, match skills to needs, and give your team real time insights, everything changes. Volunteers show up, they stay engaged and your staff finally can breathe. Want to stop the chaos? Learn how Kaleo works 👉 https://kaleoapp.com/ #Kaleo #Volunteering #PierceCounty #Community #Bellevue #WorkSmarter

At Media Trust, we’re seeing more agencies recognise that purposeful volunteering supports wellbeing, especially when people can use their skills to drive change across the advertising industry.   Initiative UK’s INIclusion Day was one of those moments. As Rachel Coffey, Chief Strategy Officer, put it: “There are days in agency life that feel routine, then there are days that remind you why you fell in love with this industry in the first place… it has created a kind of collective pride that you cannot force with away-days or frameworks.” You can read her full reflection in The Media Leader: https://lnkd.in/eJdtbQSe   INIclusion brought together agency volunteers and disability-focused charities to work on real briefs, showing what meaningful, skills-based volunteering can look like in practice. If you’re an agency looking to support employee wellbeing while giving your teams purposeful volunteering opportunities that drive inclusion, speak to us!

Most alumni don’t introduce themselves as volunteers. They reveal interest through small, predictable behaviours. Here are 5 signs someone is ready to step in: 1.    They ask when the next event is happening 2.    They offer small, casual forms of help 3.    They show up consistently 4.    They share or amplify your content 5.    They ask how to stay involved Volunteers don’t appear out of nowhere �� they signal long before they act. Spot the signs early, and you won’t have to “push” people into volunteering. You’ll simply activate those who are already leaning in. Follow TCL for weekly insights on building meaningful, cohesive alumni communities. #AlumniEngagement #VolunteerEngagement #CommunityBuilding #TCLInsights

We are proud to release the Volunteering Reconnected Founding Document, a new blueprint for redesigning service to rebuild human connection at a moment when the country needs it most. The document emerged from collaboration across sectors, culminating in the Volunteering Reconnected Summit this fall with our partners at Goodera. Leaders from business, philanthropy, academia, and community organizations came together with a shared understanding: reversing the decline in connection requires new infrastructure, and service is one of the most powerful levers we have. Frameworks for Action As we prepare to release the State of Connection in America report in January – our annual benchmark for the health of social connection across the country – Volunteering Reconnected offers leaders a direct, actionable pathway for building the connection infrastructure our country needs. We invite you to read, share, and begin designing for connection in your organization. 👉 Download the Volunteering Reconnected Founding Document here: https://lnkd.in/gwgNE4mG Aaron Hurst Abhishek Humbad Carolyn Thayer-Azoff, M.A. Carrie Varoquiers Melissa Rhodes Carter Tara Lubbers (Van Dyken) Kenrick Fraser Brian Mattos Shasta Nelson US Chamber of Connection Goodera Idealist.org Foundation for Social Connection The Greater Good Science Center RSA US Big Think NYC Service #VolunteeringReconnected #ConnectionAsACause #EmployeeEngagement #SocialImpact #CommunityEngagement #CSR

It’s easy to focus on tasks and logistics, but the true engine of any successful volunteer program is a clearly defined why. Volunteers aren't just looking for something to do; they're looking for a mission to join. To ignite and sustain engagement, you must first answer two critical questions: What is the fundamental purpose the group is formed for? A powerful, concise mission statement provides clarity and emotional connection, turning effort into impact. How is success measured? When volunteers know their efforts contribute to specific, visible outcomes—whether it's raising a certain amount, serving a number of people, or completing a tangible project—they stay motivated. Measurable success validates their time and commitment. If you want to increase your volunteer numbers, don't just assign tasks—inspire with purpose and celebrate progress. What is the most effective way your organization communicates its purpose and success metrics to its volunteers? Share your thoughts below! #VolunteerEngagement #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityService #PurposeDriven #SocialImpact Jim Stowe

The #1 Way to Recruit Better Board Members 42% of volunteers started volunteering because someone simply asked them. Forty. Two. Percent. Associations: if you want more engaged board members, don’t wait for them to come to you. Ask. Tap the person who keeps showing up. Tap the member with strong opinions and good ideas. Tap the person who doesn’t see themselves as a “leader” yet. You never know which invitation will change their career — or the future of your association. #NAVandAssociates #BoardRecruitment #VolunteerLeadership