Volunteer Recognition Ideas - The Basics and Beyond!

Volunteer recognition ideas don't have to be expensive, they just have to be sincere. It’s simple really. Everyone wants to be appreciated. Treat others how you would like to be treated…but, for volunteers, we need to make an extra effort to say thank you. These two simple words: “Thank You!” are the most important words you can say to retain and recognize your outstanding volunteers. Here are some basic volunteer recognition ideas:

The Basics

• Make sure they understand their responsibilities and have clear expectations.


• Ensure that you have the right volunteer in the right job. No one likes to feel under utilized or out of their league.


• Use their time wisely. Be considerate of their schedule not just yours.


• Listen to them and honor their preferences If they like what they are doing, they WILL tell you. If not, you may need a reassignment or clearer expectations of what the task involves.


• Believe in their abilities!


• Continue to challenge them with varying tasks and increasing responsibilities.


• Say thank you EVERY TIME they volunteer.


• Create a pleasant environment (to the best of your ability). Make sure that they have everything they need to complete the task assigned. Help them to be successful.
• Extend warmth and courtesy. Greet volunteers by their name, say “Good Morning”, “Good Afternoon” or “Good Evening”.
• Make sure that they have a way to communicate back to you to share feedback, ideas and yes (sometimes) ways to improve!

Volunteer Awards

Create a tradition of specific volunteer awards for your organization. Make sure that there is a process of nomination (so anyone can nominate) and review so that the awards are significant. (Volunteer of the Year, Top 10 Volunteers, Group Awards or category, etc.)
• Develop an annual volunteer appreciation event. It can be a breakfast, lunch, dinner or public reception.
• Integrate volunteer recognition components into existing organizational events.
• Create an ongoing award in honor or memory of an outstanding volunteer.
• Create categories for volunteer achievements or hours volunteered during the year. If applicable, give small recognition items to each category. For example, logoed items with organizational logo (water bottles, shirts, pins, plaques, etc.)
• Partner with other community agencies to jointly recognize volunteers within your community.
• Nominate your outstanding volunteers for awards external from your organization.

We would love to hear from you!

Share your volunteer recognition ideas with us! Good ideas are better if they are shared. Pay it forward and tell us your successful story. We appreciate your willingness to share your fantastic idea and any tips you've learned along the way so we can share with our readers. :)