Mapping Strengths, Empowering Communities: Volunteer Task Alignment in a Neuroinclusive Nonprofit Organization

Umbrella U.S., Inc., is the U.S. branch of a global nonprofit advocacy organization focused on improving the economic security of the neurodivergent population through community involvement, education, and sustainable change initiatives. Volunteer retention was the local organizational issue at hand. I conducted an applied improvement project in collaboration with the executive director to address this problem. The intervention solution targeted the volunteer onboarding process and included a volunteer onboarding survey, a task-mapping process to align volunteer strengths with tasks, and formal task and role descriptions. The improved clarity that resulted from the alignment of strengths to tasks and the tangible descriptions of the task and role profiles created pathways that empowered volunteers to contribute to the organization in meaningful ways. The community played a crucial role in the solution, offering a safe and welcoming space for volunteers to share strengths and support needs while fostering a sense of belonging.