"Anyone can be a volunteer, so be creative and ensure you are connecting with as many volunteers as possible." - Nibal Awad, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships                                                                                                                                On May 9, 2023, more than 40 WIDGB members gathered at the first in-person Lunch-and-Learn since February 2020! The event featured an excellent panel discussion featuring Nibal Awad, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Donor Impact at Positive Tracks, Carly Churchill, Associate Director of Advancement at Cotting School, and Ginny Fuller Marinaro, Senior Director of Development at Brigham & Women's Hospital.

While the panelists came from very different organizations, there were common themes they were excited to share:

#1: Anyone can be a volunteer. From one-off events to board leadership, there are many ways for volunteers to have an impact, so be creative to ensure you are connecting with as many volunteers as possible.

#2: Make it easy. From draft emails to training to expectations – communication and transparency are key to supporting volunteers. Take it slow, be intentional, and always try to put yourself in their shoes.

#3: Celebrate impact. Helping your volunteers understand their impact – on programs and philanthropy – will keep them coming back again and again. The more you can share, the better!

#4: Donors are volunteers; volunteers are donors. Highlighting the ways volunteers drive philanthropy, as well as how donors are making a volunteer impact, will ensure these two overlapping groups feel recognized and celebrated.