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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Factsheets

Engaging Volunteers Factsheet

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) factsheet offers some things to keep in mind when engaging volunteers.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Information

Volunteering in Aged Care

Information for potential and current volunteers, Volunteer Managers and providers, including eligibility and where to find volunteering opportunities.
1 minute read
Department of Health Disability and Aging
First Nations, Youth or Student +14 more
Volaby
Tech

Volaby

Volaby is an end-to-end volunteer and people management platform, enabling organisations to do more with less! Built from the collective voice of our volunteer managers using the platform, Volaby helps you automate and simplify the volunteer and manager experience to save time and scale impact.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
Better Impact
Tech

Better Impact

Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Social media Donations
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
scheduled

Bridge to Volunteering - An introduction to volunteering

This introductory workshop explores what volunteering is, its benefits, and the rights and responsibilities of volunteers. Learn how to find a suitable volunteer role and how to get involved in your community with confidence.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Focus Group: Volunteering in Health - Griffith

This focus group invites participants to share experiences of volunteering in health settings. Your insights will help inform future support, policy and best practice to strengthen health‑related volunteering across regional NSW.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Protecting Mental Health: Psychosocial Hazards in Not-for-profits - June 2026

Learn your not‑for‑profit’s legal duties to manage psychosocial hazards. This webinar explains WHS obligations, how to identify risks like stress and trauma, and practical steps to protect the mental health and safety of staff and volunteers.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00