169. How to Meet 3 Core Volunteer Needs Right from the Start

In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson dives into the essential human needs that drive a meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience—safety, connection, and purpose.

Tobi explores how creating a predictable, emotionally safe environment lays the foundation for trust. She explains why fostering strong peer connections is just as crucial as delivering information, and how helping volunteers see the direct impact of their efforts brings deeper meaning to their service.

Full show notes: 169. How to Meet 3 Core Volunteer Needs Right from the Start

Volunteer Needs - Episode Highlights

• [03:03] - The Emotional Needs of Volunteers
• [06:21] - Core Human Needs: Safety, Connection, and Meaning
• [10:54] - Meeting Volunteer’s Safety
• [18:36] - Meeting Volunteer’s Connection
• [24:07] - Meeting Volunteer’s Meaning

Helpful Links

• Volunteer Management Progress Report
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab
• Volunteer Nation Episode #166: Train Volunteers with This Simple 4-Step Framework
• Volunteer Nation Podcast Episode #111: New Volunteer Orientation: What to Include, What to Leave Out

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 [e-mail].