Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Articles & Reports
1 minute read

Rethinking Recognition

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

This article explores how to recognise volunteers in a way that truly motivates them. It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.

Summary

  • Some top tips for recognising your volunteers are as follows:

  • Focus on informal, ongoing recognition rather than grand events.

  • A simple thank you for a job well done can make a big difference.

  • Help volunteers see the difference their work is making.

  • Provide opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills.

  • Offer ways for volunteers to get involved that fit their busy schedules.

  • Treat volunteers as part of the team and listen to their ideas.

Benefits to volunteer managers and their organisations

Keeping volunteers happy is vital for any organisation that relies on their help. By understanding what volunteers value, organisations can create a more positive experience and encourage them to stay involved.

How to Use This Resource

Volunteer organisations and managers can use this article to brainstorm new ways to recognise their volunteers. By implementing these tips, they can create a more rewarding volunteer experience.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

Engage (formerly e-Volunteerism) is written for volunteer engagement leaders around the world who want to be informed and challenged about volunteering trends and issues. It is published by the Susan J. Ellis Foundation.

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Examples

Volunteer ambassador role description

Example role description outlining responsibilities and expectations for a Volunteer Ambassador position.
1 minute read
Volunteer Edinburgh
General
Information

The principles of volunteering

An overview of the key principles of volunteering and how they inform effective volunteer involvement within organisations.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
VIKTOR Lite
Tech

VIKTOR Lite

VIKTOR Lite enables volunteer involving organisations to recruit volunteers via a range of websites run by local governments, state peaks, local volunteer resource centres, Volunteering Australia and SEEK Volunteer.
Volunteer database Recruitment Onboarding / training Reporting
Emergency Support Volunteering website
Tech

Emergency Support Volunteering website

The Emergency Support Volunteering website allows volunteers in Western Australia to register to help in emergencies, organisations needing support can also register to contact volunteers for assistance.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
FreddyMatch
Tech

FreddyMatch

FreddyMatch is a web-based platform that facilitates and optimises the process of volunteering. We help match organisations and volunteers based on their unique interests, skill sets, location and availability using the “FreddyMatch” algorithm.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
scheduled

2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference

Join volunteer leaders and sector professionals at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference to explore sustainable futures, share insights, strengthen practice and build lasting community impact.
Volunteering Queensland
–
A$180.00
scheduled

Roma Satellite Event - Queensland Volunteering Conference

Volunteering Queensland and Maranoa Regional Council invite regional communities to the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference. This affordable two-day event ($38) offers local learning, networking and collaboration.
Volunteering Queensland
–
Free
scheduled

Paying Volunteers and Board Members: What Not-for-profits Need to Know - Oct 2026

A plain-language legal webinar on paying volunteers and board members, covering key legal issues, governance considerations, and best-practice tips to help your organisation make confident, informed decisions.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
A$49.00