Skip to main content

What are you looking for?

Enter keywords to search across resources, guides, training, tools, and more.

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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

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

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

More like this

e-learning

Recruiting Volunteers

These webinar, e-learning and guides offer best practices for recruiting volunteers, including recruitment selection, reference checks and interviews.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA
General
Factsheets

Conflicts of Interest Guide

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) guide has been developed to help explain what conflicts of interest are and how they can be managed. The guide features links to other resources including policy and register templates.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Factsheets

Volunteer Reward and Recognition

This document highlights the importance of valuing and appreciating volunteers. It offers practical strategies for volunteer organisations to enhance motivation and retention, such as saying thank you, including volunteers in decision-making, and offering training sessions.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland
General
INVOLVE
Tech

INVOLVE

INVOLVE is a flexible and fully-featured volunteer management technology app, centred around your volunteers.
Volunteer database Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Event management
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
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
scheduled

Rethinking Volunteer Roles

Take a second look at volunteer roles with the Sector Development Coordinator, Tony Ward
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free
scheduled

Coaching Volunteers Through Organisational Change

Change is constant in the not-for-profit world as organisations adapt to different funding models, reporting and technology. This session looks at the tools and strategies necessary for Volunteer Managers to coach volunteers through organisational change, with reference to the National Standards.
Volunteering Victoria
–
Free
scheduled

National Standards Deep Dive: Standard 2

Take a deep dive into Standard 2 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free