Q&A: Meet The Salvation Army’s Director of Volunteer Engagement in the West

Tiffany Wortley aims to intentionally leverage individuality among volunteers.

So often, Salvation Army volunteers are referred to as the army behind the Army—a vital support system that allows The Salvation Army to meet human needs and fulfill its mission. 

Tiffany Wortley knows the rich resource this army can be. In July, she became the new Territorial Director of Volunteer Engagement, bringing over 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a deep commitment to volunteerism and community engagement to the post. 

In her previous roles—including District Manager of Girl Experience at Girl Scouts of Central California, Director of Mobilization at the Fresno Rescue Mission and Director of Community Outreach at Mission Church—she led transformative initiatives that strengthened volunteer programs across multiple campuses, churches and communities.

“Tiffany’s strategic mindset, operational expertise and heart for service make her a tremendous asset to our team and to the field,” said Territorial Executive Director of Development Maria Todaro. 

Wortley spoke with Caring about the power of volunteers and how she hopes to deepen volunteer engagement across the West. 

1. What is your earliest memory of connecting with The Salvation Army?

My earliest memory of The Salvation Army comes from when I was 4 years old. I remember I had just found out that there were kids in my city who didn’t have stuffed animals, and I was horrified. I immediately went through my room, collecting my favorite ones, insisting my mom figure out how to get them to these kids. It was then that I learned about this amazing group of people called The Salvation Army, and I remember feeling so relieved that there were people helping those in need.

2. What is one way you identify with what The Salvation brand promises?

I love people. I love hearing their stories, laughing with them, crying with them and lending them a helping hand. I believe that each person is a masterpiece, created on purpose, for a purpose, with a story to tell and a unique contribution to make to the world. Over the past 17 years, I have had the opportunity to lead thousands of volunteers, and I truly believe that we are better together. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing people come together to love their neighbors, and this is seen so clearly here at The Salvation Army. I am blown away by the many ways in which this Army of people treat others with dignity, meet needs without discrimination, and commit themselves to ‘doing the most good.’

3. Describe a moment in your early life that deeply influenced you and, in some way, perhaps led you to the work you do today.

When I was in middle school, I lost my dad to cancer. It turned my world upside down, and yet in the midst of one of my darkest seasons, there were moments of such incredible light. Family, friends and neighbors surrounded and supported us, showing us the love of the Heavenly Father in very real, tangible ways. I vowed then and there to dedicate my life to sharing that love with others. I told the Lord I would go wherever he wanted me to go and do whatever he wanted me to do. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work and volunteer in a variety of different roles, but that commitment remains the same. The cry of my heart will forever be, Here I am Lord, send me (Is. 6:8). 

4. What do you see as the biggest opportunities for growth for The Salvation Army when it comes to volunteerism?

Volunteers who are truly engaged with the mission become the heart and soul of an organization. They are the boots on the ground, the hands and feet of Jesus—their impact measured not just in the work they accomplish, but in the lives they impact. Not only that, but research shows that volunteers become our biggest advocates and strongest donors. Those who witness firsthand the impact of an organization and the difference their contribution makes naturally begin educating their community, raising awareness and support, and are 66 percent more likely to donate financially themselves.

Volunteers can be our greatest resource—if we are willing to truly invite them in. I believe our biggest opportunity lies in welcoming volunteers with open arms, being intentional about helping them engage and belong, and creating space for them to make personal, meaningful contributions to the organization.  

5. How do you hope to deepen volunteer engagement in the West?

One of the best ways to deepen volunteer engagement is to look beyond the tasks and recognize the talent. So often volunteers are celebrated for the strength they bring in numbers, while the value they bring individually goes overlooked. Don’t get me wrong—nobody can stack boxes, stuff envelopes or move tables better than a group of dedicated volunteers. Yet, they are so much more than that. Each person who volunteers has a passion that drives them, experiences that shape them and a unique set of gifts and abilities that they bring to the table. I have seen time and again that when we are intentional about recognizing and leveraging not just how much time a person can give, but who that person is, our ministry begins to flourish in ways we never thought possible.  

6. What are trends in volunteerism that you think The Salvation Army could benefit from?

In recent years, we have seen a shift in how people volunteer as they are increasingly looking for opportunities that align with their values, expertise and schedules. In response, we are seeing organizations broadening their opportunities to allow for more skills-based volunteerism, recognizing that volunteers can provide more than just manpower, and success should be measured not in hours served but in impact made. 

Similarly, we are seeing an ever-increasing number of corporate, community and educational groups who are looking for uniquely designed opportunities that allow them to leverage their resources to create positive change. Since the pandemic, we have also seen an increased desire for flexible volunteerism, with people interested in short-term, virtual and even remote opportunities. While it may take some creativity on our part, and a willingness to think outside the box, we have an opportunity to multiply our impact by listening, understanding, and embracing our volunteer Army. As we head into this next season of volunteerism, I am so excited to link arms with the incredible team here at The Salvation Army and together seek new ways to engage volunteers in caring for our community.

Do Good:

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