From Bystanders to Belonging: Building Inclusive Volunteer Ecosystems that Stick

This event is offered by our partner in another state. Please double-check times and time zones prior to registering. 

NOTE: You will register through our partners in Utah (not through KNN). Register as guest rather than logging in, since your KNN login information will not work with the Utah registration system.

From Bystanders to Belonging: Building Inclusive Volunteer Ecosystems that Stick is a practical, retention-focused training for nonprofit leaders who want volunteers to keep showing up—not just once, but again and again. Participants will assess their current inclusion practices, strengthen each stage of the volunteer journey (recruitment, screening/placement, onboarding, and recognition), and leave with a simple action plan they can implement immediately.

What You Will Learn

• Why volunteers stay: how belonging, recognition, and growth directly drive volunteer retention
• How to spot gaps fast: a quick Q–Inclusion Assessment to identify the lowest-scoring area that’s most likely impacting retention.
• A repeatable onboarding approach: the EDGE Framework (Equity, Discovery, Guided Welcome, Engagement Spark) to create a welcoming first experience and a “quick win” that anchors commitment.
• Retention-friendly incentives: simple, realistic tactics across Recognition, Growth, and Belonging that increase return rates without burning out staff.
• A 30-day retention action plan: “Start / Stop / Experiment” steps participants customize for their organization.