Four Motivators of Volunteers

Each person has different reasons for volunteering. It is important to identify and recognize these motivators so that the agency can recruit, manage and recognize volunteers effectively. Nan Hawthorne runs a very active and informative website called CyberVPM (http://www.cybervpm.com). She presents a model of motivation in Recognizing Volunteers: Right from the Start. You can link directly to Nan's motivators at http://www.cybervpm.com/supervision/motivators.htm

Number One: Praise

Some people like:

• being recognized for their skills and accomplishments
• seeing their achievements identified
• having others see the results of their efforts

Number Two: Accomplishment

Some people like:

• seeing evidence of their work
• practical , tangible projects
• seeing what they have accomplished

Number Three: Affiliation

Some people like:

• being part of a group and not working alone
• the social aspects of the programs

Number Four: Power / Influence

Some people like:

• influencing others
• showing others what they know
• filling positions where they are involved with making decisions, and training