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 It argues that traditional methods like awards ceremonies are outdated, and that volunteers value a more personal approach.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

More like this

Position Paper

Definition of Volunteering

Volunteering Australia’s Definition of Volunteering has a set of explanatory notes, a detailed Issues Paper that provides background and context, and a set of FAQs around it.
1 minute read
Volunteering Australia
General
Resources

Understanding Disability

This article, guides and online courses offer information on disability awareness for volunteers and volunteer managers, promoting inclusive volunteer environments.
1 minute read
The Centre for Volunteering, People with Disability Australia, The Knowledge Base
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
INVOLVE
Tech

INVOLVE

Volunteer management a headache? INVOLVE simplifies everything! Automate tasks, gain instant insights, schedule visually, track hours effortlessly, and collaborate seamlessly. Built in Australia, your data's safe. Focus on your purpose, not admin.
Volunteer database Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Event management
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
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

Disability Inclusion Training - Next Steps

In collaboration with JFA Purple Orange, Volunteering SA&NT invites you to take the next step in inclusion. Disability Inclusion Training – Next Steps is designed to move you from awareness to action and spark lasting change.
Volunteering SA&NT
–
Free
scheduled

Foundation Workshop: Understanding Volunteer Management, Challenges and Opportunities

If you are a new volunteer manager or an emerging Volunteer involving organisation this information-rich workshop is essential for you. This session looks at, but is not limited to: What volunteer management entails and the best practices as a leader, The changes and trends in volunteering & more.
Volunteering WA
–
This workshop is free for VWA members and $30 for Others
scheduled

Workshop: Applying the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

Join us on the Wednesday 3 December 2025 for a workshop tailored for Volunteer Managers, Coordinators, and Leaders. This workshop, facilitated by Volunteering Tasmania, focuses on the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and how you can apply them in your Volunteer Involving Organisation.
Volunteering Tasmania
–
Free