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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Articles & Reports

International Youth Volunteering Resources

This collection of resources by the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) explores the role of youth volunteering in social change and personal development.
1 minute read
International Association for Volunteer Effort
Youth or Student, General
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
Resources

Depression and Anxiety

This information, videos, guides and weblinks explain depression, anxiety, and their connection. It also provides self-help options and referrals to crisis support resources in Australia.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
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
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

Creating an Impact: Volunteering for a Cause

This webinar explores how volunteering can create meaningful social impact. Learn how to turn your interests into action, connect with causes you care about, and understand the role volunteers play in driving positive change in communities.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free
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

Setting up a Social Enterprise - June 2026

An introductory webinar on setting up a social enterprise. Learn key legal issues, structural options, charity status and tax concessions to help your not‑for‑profit create sustainable income while maximising social impact.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
A$49.00