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

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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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


More like this

Factsheets

Engaging Volunteers Factsheet

This Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) factsheet offers some things to keep in mind when engaging volunteers.
1 minute read
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
General
Articles & Reports

Youth Leading Youth: A Look at Organisations Led by Young People

The report, based on the 'Youth Leading Youth' research project by Volunteering Qld, highlights the importance of culture, engagement strategies, and leadership in youth-led organisations. It offers practical recommendations for attracting, retaining, and motivating young volunteers.
1 minute read
Volunteering Queensland
Youth or Student, General
Information

Types of Volunteering

This information explores various volunteering options including formal, social action, project-based and more to help you find the right fit.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, The Centre for Volunteering
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
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
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

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

National Standards Deep Dive: Standard 7

Take a deep dive into Standard 7 of the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Introduction to the Volunteer Involvement Cycle

Join us for an in-depth training session introducing the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, a new resource aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement.
Volunteering Victoria
FREE
scheduled

Navigating Professional Boundaries

This workshop discusses the infrastructure needed to support you in navigating professional boundaries, and how to develop strong relationships with your team.
Volunteering Victoria
FREE