I have oodles of non-profit experience, and know of what you speak. For the most part, volunteers are only worth as much as you pay them. It's a sad thing to say, but universally true. While there are bright sparks from time to time, who will uplift your heart and validate all your efforts, they too will fade over time and eventually fail you. Non-profit success comes from making simple plans, with easily achievable goals, in short timeframes. Aim low: succeed. Aim low again: succeed again. Progress is turtle-slow, but it works for two key reasons: 1. Volunteers spend a short amount of time, and see their efforts have a meaningful effect. This gets them to come back and volunteer again. 2. "Big thinkers" get turned off and go away, and the more boring - but trustworthy - people who actually DO THINGS will stay. And do things. While the Big Picture People will be off pontificating and talking about 5-year plans, your meagre army of drone-like functionaries will push the ball ever forward. (See #1 above.) Take time for yourself. Don't burn yourself out. Slow and steady wins in the end. Good luck.
Appreciate the advice, especially this bit. Would you be open to a PM with some more specific details? I'm interested if you already know the event we put on (it's in the South Sound).For the most part, volunteers are only worth as much as you pay them. It's a sad thing to say, but universally true. While there are bright sparks from time to time, who will uplift your heart and validate all your efforts, they too will fade over time and eventually fail you.