Module 2 covered the four main motivators of volunteers: praise, accomplishment, affiliation and power/influence. It also addressed the four types of volunteers. The recognition needs of each group varies as described in the following two tables.

Motivator Focus of Recognition Examples
praise recognizing talents and accomplishments
  • say "Thank-you"
  • give a gift, public recognition or reference letters
accomplishment having concrete evidence of achievement
  • assign a concrete or physical project with a recognizable end or product
  • set up competitions
  • present with certificate of completion
affiliation getting together with others and being seen as part of the organization
  • say "we" and "us"
  • offer them group projects to do
  • post list of volunteers in office
  • let them wear a badge or T-shirt with organization's logo at events
power/influence providing leadership roles or opportunities to make decisions
  • ask them to be committee chairs or spokespeople
  • take photos with executive director or VIPs
  • ask their advice
  • have them train or mentor others

Type of Volunteer Focus of Recognition Examples
episodic on-going as opportunities arise
  • provide informal thanks at end of specific tasks
designer personal benefit matched to needs
  • offer training they requested
  • write letter of reference they want
youth experience and sense of worth
  • write letters of reference
  • give opportunities to learn new skills
  • provide on-going praise
seniors contribution to society
  • use knowledge and skills they have
  • give them the opportunity to feel needed

Appropriate recognition is a very individual thing. You need to know your volunteers to know the best forms of recognition for them. There is no single form of recognition that suits all volunteers. However, you may be able to combine a few forms of recognition in one event. For example, holding an appreciation evening provides a public venue for praise, a place to present certificates, a time for socializing, and an opportunity to take on leadership roles as MC or committee chairs.

And remember - volunteer appreciation doesn't always have to cost a lot of money. Be sure to check out some "cheap and cheerful" (and creative!) ways of recognizing volunteer contributions in an upcoming additional resources posting.

If you do have some money to spend and are looking for some volunteer gifts, there are a few companies that specialize in this area. In Canada, you can contact Cabam in London, Ontario or visit their website at http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~cabam.

In the United States, try The Thanks Company in North Carolina. Their website is http://www.thankscompany.com.

What do you do now to recognize volunteers in your organization? What could you do in the future to meet their recognition and reward needs?

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