10 Conversation Starters That Spark Volunteer Stories

Guest Contributor: Carly Euler, Marketing Manager at MemoryFox

Nonprofits that are looking to tell impactful volunteer stories must channel their inner interviewer by asking the best questions that will elicit the best stories which will ultimately lead to the best content. But not every volunteer is a natural-born storyteller. Therefore, asking the right questions can make a real difference in getting that memorable, shareable content you need.

Not quite sure where to start? No problem! Check out these 10 targeted questions that promise to spark compelling conversations with your volunteers. 

1. Tell us about the first time you volunteered with (your organization).
2. How does volunteering with (your organization) make you feel?
3. Tell us about one experience you’ve had while volunteering for (your organization) that you’ll never forget.
4. How has your life been impacted by volunteering with (your organization)?
5. What’s the most rewarding part about volunteering for (your organization)?
6. What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering for (your organization)?
7. What was it about (your organization) that inspired you to become a volunteer?
8. What is one thing you learned - that you wouldn’t have known otherwise - if it weren’t for your time volunteering with (your organization)?
9. How does (your organization) make our community a better place?
10. There are a lot of nonprofits out there — what is so special to you about (your organization)?

While every question will not work for every need, they should get the wheels turning as you create your next storytelling campaign! If you’re looking for more interview-style questions to spark great conversations, check out these 20 Storytelling Interview Questions to Capture Great Stories. Best of luck capturing and sharing your volunteer stories!

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Author Bio: Carly comes from the nonprofit world ready to elevate the hundreds of nonprofits in the MemoryFox community. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Wily Network’s Young Professionals Association, and has previously held positions at the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, the Code of Support Foundation, Kenya Lacrosse Association, and the BOMA Project, where she has specialized in marketing, communications, and fundraising. Storytelling has been an integral part of each role.