Volunteer Odyssey

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Caroline Norris, President and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, who discusses the organization's role as a volunteer hub connecting individuals to nonprofit partners in Memphis, emphasizing the power of volunteerism and the organization's mission to support nonprofits through capacity building and technology while fostering collaboration and leadership opportunities. She highlights the importance of both individual and corporate volunteer recruitment, noting that while Memphis is one of the most philanthropic cities, it lags in volunteerism and that Volunteer Odyssey works with about 120 established nonprofits to address various causes and needs in the community. Caroline explains the organization's operational efficiency and current fundraising initiatives, encouraging listeners to visit volunteerodyssey.com to explore volunteer opportunities and get involved.

Volunteer Odyssey: Connecting Memphis Caroline Norris, President and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, discusses the organization's role as a volunteer hub connecting individuals to nonprofit partners in Memphis. She emphasized the importance of volunteerism in supporting nonprofits and transforming both the community and volunteers themselves through meaningful connections and leadership opportunities. Caroline highlights that while Memphis is one of the most philanthropic cities, in terms of the percentage of financial giving per person, it lags in volunteerism, and Volunteer Odyssey works with about 120 established nonprofits to address various causes and build a stronger, more connected community.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiatives Caroline explains Volunteer Odyssey's mission to support nonprofit partners through capacity building, providing best practices and technology for free, and conducting monthly pathway sessions to share learning and foster collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of both individual and corporate volunteer recruitment, highlighting how corporate engagement can create sustainable opportunities for nonprofits and enhance both employee commitment and company reputation.

Volunteer Odyssey: Connecting Volunteers Caroline discusses the organization's mission to connect volunteers with nonprofit partners in Memphis. She highlights the benefits of volunteering for both individuals and corporations, including team building and community impact. Caroline emphasizes the efficiency of Volunteer Odyssey's operations, noting that it costs $72 to activate one new volunteer who, on average, supports four nonprofits for 11 hours. She also mentioned a current fundraising match, where donations are doubled, and the significant return on investment Volunteer Odyssey provides to the community. Caroline wraps up by encouraging viewers and listeners to visit volunteerodyssey.com to explore volunteer opportunities and get involved.

Visit https://volunteerodyssey.com to learn more and to get involved with Volunteer Odyssey.