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Thinking about starting a volunteer program for your nonprofit, or looking to bring structure to your current program? Start Smart is the perfect first step. This course is designed specifically for nonprofit and volunteer leaders who want to build a strong foundation for a sustainable, effective volunteer program. You’ll get a clear overview of the essential components every program needs—without the overwhelm. From setting up a strategic plan with structure and goals, to crafting key policies and procedures, to ensuring safety through background checks and risk acknowledgments, this course walks you through what it takes to start strong. We’ll also touch on volunteer onboarding, orientation, and training, as well as how to support, recognize, and retain your volunteers over time. Plus, you’ll learn how to use feedback and evaluation to improve your program as it grows. Whether your organization has been established for some time or you want to get it right from the beginning, Start Smart: The Foundational Basics for Effective Volunteer Programs gives you the clarity and confidence to take the next step. It’s the first in a series of deeper-dive trainings designed to help you launch and lead a volunteer program that makes real impact. After completing this free course, I invite you to explore my other courses, templates, and packages that dive deeper into each topic. If you’re looking for personalized guidance, I also offer one-on-one consulting tailored to your nonprofit’s unique volunteer program needs. Together, we can build a volunteer program that truly thrives.