Recognizing Volunteers in 2017

Volunteer Canada's 2013 Volunteer Recognition Study illuminated a gap between how volunteers want to be recognized and the volunteer recognition activities in organizations. It shows that many volunteers prefer a personal expression of thanks throughout the year, rather than an annual volunteer appreciation reception. Some volunteers are more motivated by knowing the impact of their time than by receiving a certificate or gift of appreciation. Finally, younger volunteers want the skills they have demonstrated or acquired through volunteering to be recognized to support their educational or career paths. Overlaying these findings was the broader notion that every individual has a unique style and preference for how they want to be recognized. From this study,  the Volunteer Recognition Tool - https://volunteer.ca/vdemo/rec_tool.html - was developed to help organizations better match their volunteer recognition strategies to the preferences of volunteers.