643. How to Build a Volunteer-Centric Culture + Mobilize Your Volunteers - Jennifer Sirangelo, Points of Light

Meet Jennifer 🤝, the President + CEO of Points of Light. She’s leading the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service—mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries to create healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

In this episode, Jennifer shares her own story—from her early days as a volunteer to leadership roles with National 4-H Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and now Points of Light. Along the way, she’s learned the power of people coming together to serve, and she’s on a mission to double volunteer engagement by 2035.

You’ll hear how Points of Light is partnering with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders to meet critical community needs. Plus, Jennifer offers practical wisdom for nonprofits navigating the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteer and her hope-filled vision of what’s possible when we build cultures rooted in service.

✨ It’s a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the belief that when we give of ourselves, we light the way for others too.

Episode Highlights: 

• Jennifer's Early Experiences with Volunteering and Nonprofit Work (05:30)
• The Importance of Volunteer Centers and Their Role in Community Impact (12:45)
• Strategies for Doubling Volunteer Engagement by 2035 (20:10)
• Challenges in Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers (28:25)
• Building a Volunteer-Centric Culture in Organizations (35:40)
• Personal Growth and Resilience Through Volunteering (42:55)
• Jennifer's ‘One Good Thing’ (40:00)

Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/634

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