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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Rights and Responsibilities

This article outlines the rights and responsibilities of both volunteers and volunteer organisations.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Videos or Webinars

Enhance the volunteer experience with Rosterfy and Seek Volunteer

The team from Rosterfy and SEEK Volunteer joined Volunteering Australia for a webinar to debut Australia's first integration with SEEK Volunteer, designed to convert volunteer interest into volunteer hours.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia, SEEK Volunteer, Rosterfy
General
Guides

National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

The National Standards for Volunteer Involvement are a best practice framework to guide volunteer involvement in Australia. They are an essential resource for Volunteer Managers.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
General
Rosterfy
Tech

Rosterfy

Rosterfy is an end-to-end volunteer management software solution, that helps organisations streamline their volunteer management and engagement. Rosterfy offers automated solutions to manage volunteers efficiently.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media 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
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

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

Masterclass: Creating Powerful Presentations

This masterclass builds confidence and skills to create powerful presentations. Learn how to structure content, engage your audience, and design compelling materials to deliver persuasive pitches and proposals with impact.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Check Listing for Details
scheduled

Focus Group: Volunteering in Emergency Services - Wollongong

This focus group invites participants to share experiences of volunteering in emergency services. Your insights will help inform future support, policy and best practice to strengthen emergency volunteering in NSW.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free