Recognizing Volunteers:

Informal vs. Formal Recognition

Recognition makes volunteers feel appreciated and valued. If volunteers feel like their contribution is valuable or necessary, they are more likely to volunteer again. Volunteer recognition can take many forms, from a simple thank-you card to a large annual event. Consider the benefits of both informal and formal recognition.

Day-to-day recognition is the most effective because it is much more frequent than a once-a-year banquet, and helps to establish good working relationships.

Formal recognition includes awards, certificates, plaques, pins, and recognition dinners or receptions to honor volunteer achievement. They are helpful mainly in satisfying the needs of the volunteer who has a need for community approval, but have little impact (or occasionally a negative impact) on volunteers whose primary focus is helping the clientele. These volunteers may feel more motivated and honored by a system which recognizes the achievements of their clients and the contribution the volunteer has made towards this achievement.

When determining whether to establish a formal recognition, consider the following:

• Is this being done to honor the volunteer, or so the staff can feel involved and can feel that they have shown their appreciation for volunteers?
• Is it real and not stale? Or mechanical?
• Does it fit? Would the volunteers feel better if you spent the money on the needs of the clients rather than on an obligatory luncheon?
• Can you make it a sense of celebration and builder of team identity?

Portions of the above information are taken from materials by Make A Difference, a member organization of Hands On Network; Volunteer Management by Steve McCurley and Rick Lynch (1997); http://www.serviceleader.org; and http://www.independentsector.org.

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