Teaching Paper: Volunteer Management Glossary – Core Concepts and Practical Applications for Effective Volunteer Engagement
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mn-rt-on-vl-tp-04
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About the Article
Effective volunteer management requires a clear understanding of key concepts and terminology to guide program design, engagement, and retention strategies. This Teaching Paper presents a comprehensive glossary of core volunteer management terms, including recognition tools, motivational theories, engagement strategies, feedback mechanisms, and technological innovations. Each term is defined and accompanied by practical guidance for real-world application in non-profit settings. By integrating these concepts into volunteer onboarding, training, program planning, and evaluation, organizations can enhance volunteer satisfaction, retention, and overall effectiveness. A case study illustrates the practical application of selected terms in a mid-sized non-profit, demonstrating measurable improvements in engagement and program outcomes. Reflection questions, common challenges, and considerations are included to help managers assess and adapt their volunteer management practices, linking theory directly to practice.
Key Topics
- Volunteer engagement
- Recognition program
- Intrinsic motivation
- Feedback loop
- Retention plan
- Volunteer management software
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Volunteer Management Glossary – Core Concepts and Practical Applications for Effective Volunteer Engagement. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mn-rt-on-vl-tp-04
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