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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Articles & Reports

Volunteering in Australia 2022: The Organisation Perspective

A practical research resource focused on improving risk management and support across volunteer programmes.
1 minute read
Kirsten Holmes, Leonie Lockstone-Binney, Amanda Davies, Kirsten Holmes, Patrick D. Dunlop, Leonie Lockstone-Binney, Amanda Davies, Hawa Muhammad Farid, Callan Lavery
General
Resources

Foundations of Volunteer Management: Work Legally and Ethically

This unit explores Australia’s legal system and ethical frameworks, equipping you to apply laws, manage ethical dilemmas, and uphold integrity at work. Aligned with CHCLEG001, it builds practical skills for legal compliance and ethical decision-making.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, National Volunteer Management Activity Project
Information

Including volunteering in your CV

Guidance for volunteers on how to include volunteering experience in a CV or résumé to demonstrate skills and experience.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
General
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
GoodCompany
Tech

GoodCompany

GoodCompany is a Workplace Giving Platform based in Australia and NZ. It's designed to enable companies and their people to come together to donate, volunteer, fundraise, and match donations for the charities closest to their hearts.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

SEEK Volunteer helps connect people to volunteering opportunities that enrich their communities, lives and careers.
Recruitment
scheduled

Volunteering SA&NT Roadshow Workshop Darwin

Connect with volunteer leaders, coordinators and community organisations to share challenges, solutions and good practice. Explore the National Standards, volunteer engagement tools and support from Volunteering SA & NT.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

Volunteering SA&NT Roadshow Workshop Limestone Coast

Connect with volunteer leaders, coordinators and community organisations to share challenges, solutions and good practice. Explore the National Standards, volunteer engagement tools and support from Volunteering SA & NT.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

AI for Volunteer Managers: Work Smarter, Save Time, Support More Volunteers

Celebrate International Volunteer Managers Day with this practical AI workshop led by Aidan Morgan, Chief Engineering Officer at Bankwest. Learn how AI can support volunteer recruitment, communications and planning while using it responsibly.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free