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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

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

Role Descriptions

Designing a volunteer role description

Template and guidance to support organisations to create clear and effective volunteer role descriptions.
1 minute read
Volunteer Ireland
General
Templates

Sexual harassment

Guide outlining sexual harassment, relevant policies and organisational legal obligations when involving volunteers.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
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
SEEK Volunteer
Tech

SEEK Volunteer

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

Board Inductions for Not-for-profits - July 2026

This webinar explores effective board induction processes for not‑for‑profits. Learn how to prepare, onboard and support board members, clarify roles and responsibilities, and implement induction practices that strengthen governance.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00
scheduled

Focus Group: Volunteering in Health

This focus group invites participants to share experiences of volunteering in health. Insights will help inform future policy, support and best practice to strengthen volunteer involvement across health services and improve outcomes.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free
scheduled

Focus Group: Far West Volunteering in Emergencies

This focus group invites participants to share experiences of volunteering in emergency services across the Far West. Insights will inform future policy, support and best practice to strengthen volunteering in rural and regional emergency response.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free