What if the most powerful tool in your volunteer program wasn’t a new system or strategy, but a simple, intentional conversation? In this engaging, interactive workshop, you’ll discover how to turn interviews into meaningful, mission-driven conversations that deepen relationships, improve retention, and elevate the volunteer experience from beginning to end.
Every volunteer arrives with passion, potential, and a desire to make a difference. And at every stage of their journey, from that first “yes,” to moments of growth or uncertainty, to their final goodbye, they’re telling you exactly what they need to thrive. The question is: are we truly listening?
Interviews aren’t just for screening. They’re opportunities to welcome, guide, support, celebrate, and learn. When used with purpose, they help you make better matches, address challenges before they turn into burnout, unlock hidden talents, and gather the honest insights that strengthen your entire program. Most importantly, they help volunteers feel seen, valued, and connected to something bigger than themselves.
You’ll leave with practical tools, real-world scenarios, and renewed confidence to lead with curiosity and care. Because when every conversation counts, every volunteer can flourish.
About Nancy A. Gaston
Nancy A. Gaston has directed a volunteer-staffed crisis line, a volunteer chore service, a volunteer center, and the volunteer program for a faith congregation. She is past president of the former international Association for Volunteer Administration (AVA) and is Certified in Volunteer Administration (CVA). With her training and consulting business, Gifts Differing, she presents at regional, national, and international conferences and is a retreat leader, trainer, facilitator and consultant for nonprofit boards. She also has served on boards including the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, and the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington. Nancy is also a trainer and consultant for 501 Commons, the Seattle-based organization supporting nonprofits. She is a past president of NOVAA.
