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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

Guides

Volunteer Guide

Guide for volunteers outlining why and how to volunteer, including rights and responsibilities.
1 minute read
Volunteering Victoria
General
Resources

Digital Marketing

This Digital Literacy series offers a number of videos and guides to help you learn common, devices, tools and methods for undertaking a range of key volunteer management activities using modern technology.
1 minute read
Digital Literacy Foundation, The Centre for Volunteering, The Knowledge Base
Guides

Welcome to volunteering

Guide for people considering volunteering, outlining what to expect and key things to consider before getting involved.
1 minute read
City of Swan
General
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
Volaby
Tech

Volaby

Volaby is an end-to-end volunteer and people management platform, enabling organisations to do more with less! Built from the collective voice of our volunteer managers using the platform, Volaby helps you automate and simplify the volunteer and manager experience to save time and scale impact.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
Be Collective
Tech

Be Collective

A volunteer management & community engagement platform. Be Collective is all about empowering volunteering and the organisations supporting volunteering to build stronger, more sustainable networks for doing good.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management Donations
scheduled

Managing Member Disputes and Board Conflict - Dec 2026

Learn how to prevent, manage and resolve disputes in not-for-profits. This practical webinar explores common conflicts, legal requirements, dispute resolution processes and governance tools, with expert guidance, resources, recording and slides included.
Justice Connect's Not-for-profit Law Training
–
Free
scheduled

An Introduction to Succession Planning: Developing your Future Leaders

Learn the fundamentals of succession planning to build a resilient, sustainable organisation. Discover practical strategies to identify critical roles, develop emerging talent, reduce risk, and strengthen your team's future capability.
VolunteeringWA
–
Free
scheduled

Volunteering SA&NT Roadshow Workshop Riverland SA

Connect with volunteer leaders, coordinators and community organisations to share challenges, solutions and good practice. Explore the National Standards, volunteer engagement tools and support from Volunteering SA & NT.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free