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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

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?

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

Staff vs Intern vs Volunteer

This article clarifies the distinctions between volunteering, internships, and placements.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Fair Work Australia, The Knowledge Base
e-learning

BeConnected Program

Be Connected is a Australian government initiative designed to bridge the digital gap and equip older volunteers with the skills they need to thrive in today's online world.
1 minute read
Be Connected
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), Older Volunteers +2 more
Weblinks

Charity Register

The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) Charity Register contains information about Australia's registered charities. It is free to search and is available to everyone.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

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

FreddyMatch

FreddyMatch is a web-based platform that facilitates and optimises the process of volunteering. We help match organisations and volunteers based on their unique interests, skill sets, location and availability using the “FreddyMatch” algorithm.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
scheduled

Values Based Leadership

Values should be more than just words on a wall. Well-developed and defined organisational values can shape culture, guide action, and become one of your strongest tools for attracting volunteers. In this session, explore how values-driven leadership can help you create a more purposeful volunteer
Volunteering Victoria
–
FREE
scheduled

Exiting and Transitioning Volunteers 'It's not always as simple as it seems'

This workshop will explore the different reasons and circumstances that may lead to a volunteer transitioning out of their role. Work through different scenarios to build your understanding of this space and leave with practical tools, resources and a plan for managing this moving forwards.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

Introduction to the Volunteer Involvement Cycle

Introducing the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, a new resource aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. This session guides you through the key stages of volunteer engagement, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to run an effective, sustainable & impactful volunteer program
Volunteering Victoria
–
FREE