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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Factsheets

Evidence based recovery from trauma resources

Collection of evidence based resources supporting recovery from trauma, including guidance for individuals and those providing care and support.
1 minute read
Phoenix Australia
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Resources

Planning and Maintaining a Volunteer Program

This article, guides and e-learning provide an overview of the things you need to set up and maintain a successful volunteer program for your organisation.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering ACT, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, The Knowledge Base
Articles & Reports

Rights and responsibilities of volunteers

Overview outlining the rights of volunteers and the responsibilities they hold when volunteering.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
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
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
Tech

VIKTOR

VIKTOR is a volunteer recruitment system designed to run a referral service for volunteers. It allows you to create and advertise volunteer roles, enter volunteers and match them to roles offered by your members.
Volunteer database Recruitment Reporting
scheduled

Defamation and Not-for-profits - Oct 2026

Delivered by MinterEllison and Justice Connect, this practical webinar for not-for-profits covers defamation law, key defences, social media, complaints, media enquiries, and managing communication risks.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
A$49.00
scheduled

Write It, Win It: Grant Writing Skills for Community Volunteers - Session 2

A free two-session online workshop building volunteers' confidence and skills to find the right grants and write applications that stand out, covering funder matching, storytelling, budgets and eligibility criteria.
Volunteering SA&NT
Free
scheduled

Gladstone Satellite Event - Queensland Volunteering Conference

Volunteering Queensland and Gladstone Regional Council invite you to connect with the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference through an affordable local satellite event.
Volunteering Queensland
A$38.00