Give your volunteers more than instructions—give them a reason to care, connect, and come back

As leaders in effective volunteer training, we understand that a successful training video go beyond simply delivering information. It’s about giving volunteers an experience that makes them feel like they belong. Use this checklist to create videos that motivate, inform, and show gratitude for their time and commitment:

1. Start With Why

Volunteers aren’t just signing up for a task… they’re signing up for a purpose. Whether it’s supporting a local food bank, helping run community events, or mentoring youth, people are drawn to causes that matter. That’s why your training video should begin with the why behind your work.

Start by welcoming them into the bigger picture. A short, warm intro from a team leader or founder can go a long way in helping volunteers feel seen and valued. Reinforce that they’re not just filling a role—they’re contributing to something meaningful. Framing the content around a shared purpose sets the tone for everything that follows.

2. Video for Education

As we mentioned in the video, information overload will quickly lead to disengagement. Volunteers are often busy, and many are learning outside of regular work hours—so respect their time and attention by keeping things streamlined.

Instead of cramming in every possible detail, focus on the essentials. What does a volunteer absolutely need to know to get started safely and confidently? Save the rest for follow-up materials or in-person orientations. A clear scope keeps your video watchable and your audience attentive.

Tip: Consider using a content outline to stay on track. If the information doesn’t serve the volunteer’s first day or first shift, it might belong in a different format.

3. Mix It Up! Live Action + Animation

Video works best when it’s visually engaging. While slides and screen recordings have their place, combining formats is what brings training to life. Use real people and real locations to ground your message in authenticity—it helps build trust and familiarity.

Then, add in animation or graphics where needed to show scenarios that are hard to film: safety procedures, maps, timelines, or role-play moments. This combo not only boosts clarity but also keeps energy levels high throughout the video.

Don’t be afraid to show personality! A few light touches—like a smile, a behind-the-scenes shot, or volunteer testimonials—can add warmth and relatability.

4. Break it into Bite-Sized Pieces

Instead of one long, dense video, aim for short, modular segments that stand on their own. Think of it like a playlist: easy to navigate, easy to revisit. Volunteers can rewatch exactly what they need without scrubbing through a 15-minute recording.

Segmenting your content also helps reinforce key takeaways. When each video has a clear topic and goal, it’s more likely to stick in the viewer’s mind. For example, one short video on safety procedures, another on shift expectations, and a third on how to access resources.

Bonus: This also makes updating easier! If something changes, you only have to replace one segment—not redo the entire training.

5. Design With Engagement in Mind

It’s not just what you say—it’s how you say it. Don’t give viewers a reason to tune out. Use dynamic visuals, clean text overlays, and an inviting tone. Talk with your volunteers, not at them.

Keep the language conversational and inclusive. Avoid jargon unless it’s clearly explained. And whenever possible, reinforce key points visually—through diagrams, b-roll, or on-screen text.

Captions are a must: they help with accessibility, reinforce messaging, and support volunteers watching with the sound off. And don’t forget pacing—allow time for key ideas to land before moving on to the next.

6. End With Gratitude…and a Next Step

Your ending is just as important as your opening. Wrap each video with a clear call to action—what should volunteers do next? This could be anything from signing up for a shift, completing a quiz, or reaching out to a coordinator.

And just as importantly, end with a note of appreciation. A simple “thank you” can be powerful when it’s specific and sincere. Volunteers want to know their time matters—and you don’t need to wait for Volunteer Week to say so. Build that recognition into every interaction from the very start.

Final Thought

Training is more than a checklist—it’s your first chance to show volunteers they belong. When your videos are thoughtful, clear, and purpose-driven, they can do more than just inform… they can inspire.

Whether you’re building a training series from scratch or refreshing an old one, remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. And if you’re not sure where to start, or just want a second set of eyes… we’re here to help.

If you’re ready to explore how video could help you connect, educate, or advocate more effectively, we’d love to talk.