Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Visit source (opens in new tab)

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.
Visit website (opens in new tab)

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

Resources

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities - Plain Language

Outlining volunteer rights and responsibilities ensures a smooth experience for all. Use this plain-language template from the national VMA project and SCOPE Australia to guide your own document.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, National Volunteer Management Activity Project
VIKTOR
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
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
scheduled

Volunteer Management 101 

This interactive workshop provides participants with a sound understanding of best practice volunteer management. Participants will be taken through each stage of the volunteer’s involvement, based on the ‘life cycle’ model of volunteer management.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

Volunteer Screening Deconstructed 

This interactive session examines best-practice volunteer screening, providing practical guidance on implementing robust safeguards that protect your organisation while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

Building an Inclusive Volunteer Program

This interactive workshop will provide participants with the skills and knowledge needed to recruit, engage, and retain a diverse team of volunteers, including reviewing organisational procedures and workplace culture.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free