Engage

01/07/2026

Kicking off 2026 with a new which I hope provides some words of inspiration for the volunteer engagement year ahead.

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Happy new year and welcome to 2026.

I hope you had a restful break over the holidays. I gave myself my usual three weeks off, and I’m feeling energised and ready to go in this new year.

As always, in volunteer engagement, we have a busy year ahead of us. We face plenty of challenges and opportunities in our organisations and across the sector.

Reflecting on the coming year, I was reminded of some words that really resonated with me from the 2025 State Of Volunteering In Victoria report by Volunteering Victoria in Australia:

“The task ahead is not to restore volunteering to what it once was, but to recognise and support what it is becoming. The energy, willingness, and care are all still here. The question is: with our institutions, practices, and strategies, evolve to meet them?”

I find these words both inspiring and challenging.

As I said last year, we’re going to need all the energy we can muster to influence and effect change in our organisations so that they embrace and invest in changing their approach to volunteer engagement.

I’m excited about the challenge and keen to help.

Please let me know if I can help you.

#2026

01/06/2026

Announced on December 31st:
🌎 "America Gives challenges businesses, nonprofits, schools, youth groups, faith-based networks, and organizations of all kinds to commit to increasing their volunteer efforts and measurable impact starting today."

Help us make the Semiquincentennial a record setting year of volunteer service.

01/05/2026

A new year brings new goals. Instead of listing potential goals here, we'd love to hear from you, our community of volunteer engagement professionals. Even seemingly small goals can make a positive impact.
🌎 Do you have a specific volunteer program goal for this year? Or a specific personal goal? If so, what is it?

01/03/2026

"If everyone stopped and no corrective action was taken then UK society would quickly descend into a dystopian state."
🌍 Download this report through here:

01/03/2026

“What you need to know on Day One is not the same as Day 15 or Month Six,”
🌎 This AHEAD OF THE CURVE reveals the challenges we all face.

01/03/2026

"There's a willingness to give back and contribute to the community. Unemployment being high really does encourage people to engage with the workforce and get experience," Crichton said.
"It really is about staying connected with the community and meeting others."
🌏

It comes as some businesses receive thousands of applications for paid roles and people look for experience anywhere they can.

01/02/2026

"By creating opportunities that fit into those tiny windows, you make it easier for busy professionals, parents, students, or anyone else with full calendars to get involved."
🌍 What small tasks do you offer?

Ever have someone tell you they're "too busy" to volunteer? Coffee break volunteering might just be the answer - for them and you!

01/02/2026

"So many families want to do this and literally just don’t know where to start,” said Polly Lagana, executive director of Volunteer New York!, which connects people with service opportunities. “In a turbulent time in our world, families — and parents in particular — are very interested in showing their kids how they can help out"
🌍 Do you have opportunities that include family volunteering that you can share?

Volunteering with children can build confidence and teach social and problem-solving skills

01/01/2026

Here's to a wonderful New Year filled with joy and passion, light and learning, and celebration for the impact you make on our communities and the world.
Here's to you, our audience, our partners, our heroes.
Cheers!

12/31/2025

"Updating the CCVI to reflect these shifts is not about abandoning its foundational principles — it’s about ensuring they meet the moment."
🌎

Volunteer Engagement Matters

12/31/2025

"Which strategies or sites are suited for reaching volunteers with diverse skill sets, lived experience, or interests?"
🌏 This Research to Practice explores the gaps in the research on volunteering.

12/31/2025

It's been a wonderful and productive year at the Engage Journal. We've published 4 content-rich issues, consisting of 27 articles from volunteer management practioners who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.
🌍 From personal stories to research and practical applications, Engage strives to shed light on volunteer engagement's successes, best practices and future trends.
We're already working on the first issue for 2026. If you aren't already a member, subscribe now to catch up on all the great content and be first to see what we've planned for this coming year.
Thank you for your support, comments and suggestions. Here's to a great 2026!
https://engagejournal.org/amember/signup