Volunteer Roles That Should Never Be “Improv”: Writing Safer Job Descriptions

Nonprofits depend on goodwill, flexibility, and people who are willing to step up. But when volunteer roles are loosely defined, that flexibility can turn into exposure. Clear expectations are a cornerstone of strong nonprofit risk management. Volunteers who do not know where their role begins and ends are more likely to get hurt, overstep boundaries, […]

Youth Volunteers and School Groups: What Changes in Your Risk Plan?

Service projects often attract youth volunteers and school volunteer groups, especially for short-term or seasonal efforts like food drives, community cleanups, or special events. These groups bring enthusiasm and fresh energy, which nonprofits value. They also introduce different risk considerations that deserve attention before the project begins. That is where nonprofit volunteer insurance fits into […]

Background Checks and Volunteer Screening: A Risk Decision, Not a Trust Issue

Many nonprofit leaders feel a moment of hesitation when the topic of background checks comes up. Volunteers are mission-driven people, often well-known to staff, and screening can feel uncomfortable. That discomfort leads to a common question: Are background checks essential for volunteers, or do they signal a lack of trust? For organizations that rely on […]

Incident Response 101: What To Do Right After a Volunteer Gets Hurt

Even the most well-run volunteer programs experience injuries from time to time. A slip, a fall, or an unexpected strain can happen despite good planning and training. When it does, the first few minutes matter. So, what should a nonprofit do immediately after a volunteer is injured? A straightforward, well-practiced volunteer accident process helps organizations […]

Service-Day Surge: How To Protect One-Day Volunteers Without Chaos

Each January, organizations across the country experience a surge in volunteer interest tied to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and other national and community service days. These events bring energy, visibility, and meaningful impact. They also introduce operational pressure when large numbers of volunteers arrive for a single day. For nonprofit leaders, the challenge is […]

Winter Slip-and-Fall Risks: What To Fix Before Volunteers Show Up

Winter weather brings a familiar set of challenges for nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers. Ice, snow, wet floors, and reduced daylight can quickly turn routine volunteer activities into injury risks. Slips and falls remain one of the most common causes of volunteer injuries, particularly during the winter months. Addressing those risks before volunteers arrive […]