Re-engaging lapsed volunteers is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to boost your program’s capacity—far easier than convincing someone brand-new to take the leap. In this practical, strategy-packed masterclass, you’ll learn how to design and launch a targeted volunteer “win-back” campaign that rekindles interest, rebuilds connection, and inspires past volunteers to return with renewed energy.

You’ll discover how to blend email nurture sequences with thoughtfully personalized outreach to speak directly to your volunteers’ motivations, experiences, and past contributions. Instead of generic recruitment messages, you’ll craft tailored “return invitations” that feel human, respectful, and genuinely compelling. You’ll also learn how to turn common volunteer objections into opportunities—surfacing insights that strengthen your messaging and improve your results.

In this session, you will …

  • Create “win-back” messaging that differs from regular recruitment calls to action
  • Use volunteer objections to strengthen, not weaken your appeals
  • Get fresh ideas to connect with lapsed volunteers in new ways

NOTE: To get the most from this workshop, bring a list of 3-5 of the most common objections you hear from past volunteers when asked to return.

You will get …

  • Win-Back Campaign Messaging Workbook
  • Slide Thumbnails for Note Taking

Speaker: Tobi Johnson, MA, CVA

Tobi Johnson, CVA is an internationally recognized expert and advisor in volunteer engagement, known for her practical, evidence-based strategies and innovative, “big hat” thinking on supporting and activating volunteers. She is President of Tobi Johnson & Associates, a consulting firm that helps nonprofits and professional associations strengthen volunteer engagement and build high-performing volunteer programs. In 2015, she founded VolunteerPro, an online training and networking community for volunteer leaders, and she hosts the Volunteer Nation Podcast. Tobi is currently writing a book for volunteers who lead to be released this year.

With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Tobi has designed, led, and scaled programs across arts, youth development, healthcare, senior services, employment, and advocacy, working with non-profits, government agencies, and professional associations. She chaired the Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA) Job Analysis Task Force and leads the annual global Volunteer Management Progress Report, tracking engagement trends in over 36 countries.