189. How to Use a Communications Audit to Recruit More Volunteers

In this episode of the Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down why it’s one of the smartest, most powerful tools nonprofits can use to attract more aligned, motivated volunteers. Often, the issue isn’t a lack of interest from the community; it’s that your communication isn’t connecting, isn’t clear, or isn’t consistent across platforms. 

Tobi walks through the three core areas to examine when evaluating your volunteer recruitment efforts and explains how even small refinements can dramatically increase inquiries, improve onboarding, and strengthen your brand presence. By the end, you’ll see your volunteer recruitment ecosystem through fresh eyes and know exactly where the gaps (and opportunities) are hiding. 

Full show notes: 189. How to Use a Communications Audit to Recruit More Volunteers 

 Communications Audit - Episode Highlights 

• [01:00] - What a communications audit really is (and why it’s not scary) 
• [03:30] - Three core areas of a communications audit 
• [06:00] - Are you inspiring action or listing information? 
• [08:10] - Onboarding and follow-up as critical parts of recruitment 
• [12:15] - Reducing friction for new volunteers 
• [15:00] - Involving your team and volunteers in the audit process 
• [16:00] - Turning audit insights into better recruitment and engagement 
• [19:00] - Why communications must be more refined than ever 

Helpful Links 

• VisionWeek 2026  
• VolunteerPro Impact Lab  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #143: 3 Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment Flyer  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #019: Improve the Volunteer Experience with a Journey Map  
• Volunteer Nation Episode #173: Is Your Volunteer Website Turning People Away? 

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].