Motivating Volunteers: Keep Them Happy

Once you’ve got good volunteers, you want to keep them! Motivating Volunteers requires relationship building. Right from the start make sure communication is good – very good.

• Share information; add the volunteer to email or mail lists.
• Let volunteers know how their work impacts the organization, the clients and your vision. Give credit! Say thanks!
• Keep birthdates in your volunteer files and prepare cards at the beginning of each month so you are ready to send them a couple days before the event.
• Ask and listen. Take the opportunity to get feedback, to identify opportunities and to discover more about the interests and talents of the volunteer.
• Keep a bulletin board with information for volunteers so they have a regular place to check-in for news and updates. Post some pictures too.
• Have an occasional volunteer breakfast or dinner. Nothing fancy, just a chance to gather, share and appreciate. It may be appropriate in your organization to ask everyone to bring food to share.
• Send a thank you note (or email) whenever a volunteer does something extra.
• Happy volunteers make connections, even life long relationships, with the people they meet. Be sure you offer the opportunity for interaction and conversation.
• Ask volunteers to be part of your Tour. One or two volunteers can speak, briefly.
• Encourage volunteers to invite friends and family to your Tour.
• Be flexible. Volunteers are busy people. Find ways to accommodate schedules, family commitments and limitations. Make it easy for them to be there.
• Have a family day so volunteers can introduce the organization to their children/grandchildren/spouses – and maybe get them involved.
• Show gratitude. We explore Volunteer Appreciation, Awards, Recognition and Gifts on this site, you’ll find lots of great ideas.

Motivating Volunteers is the third action in the Cycle of Volunteer Management