February 6, 2015

“The happy phrasing of a compliment is one of the rarest human gifts and the happy delivery of it another.” – Mark Twain

Now that you are well versed on volunteer recruitment, an important question may spring to mind: “How can I keep the volunteers?” Learning and understanding what motivates volunteers will play a key role in retaining and recognizing them. There are many factors that motivate volunteers to dedicate their time to a cause. Some of those motivators are:

  • Meeting the need of an affiliation
  • Making a difference by helping others
  • Being a part of a certain group or team of volunteers, clients, or members
  • Desiring a new challenge

It is important to know how to communicate to volunteers. Be SINCERE.

S — Be straightforward with your volunteers. Deliver personal and authentic messages in a way that lets them know they are valued.
I — Provide immediate communication. The continuous contribution of volunteers through each project needs to be acknowledged immediately.
N — Offer recognition numerous times. Association staff are often surprised by a volunteer complaint about recognition. Recognition has a short shelf life — offer continuous acknowledgment.
C — Be creative. The more creative and personal you are, the more genuine and convincing it is to a volunteer. Don’t always do the same thing — mix it up.
E — Provide explicit messages. Messages should be clear and concise. Create a clear distinction between the accomplishment and the recognition given by telling them exactly why they are being recognized.
R — Make it relevant. Remember, volunteers are unique in their interests, motivations, and needs. Volunteers will respond to recognition that is complimentary to their motivations. Be sure to tie it back to why they volunteered in the first place.
E — Make the message evident. Recognize the volunteer by name. Remember to recognize the individual, not the event that was successful.

While many associations may actively partake in being SINCERE, it is always important to ask yourself questions, such as What attempts do I personally make to recognize volunteers within my association? and What has been my biggest challenge in recognizing volunteers within the association? If associations and individuals base their recognition tactics off of these questions, it will provide a seamless and meaningful way to retain volunteers, while continuously offering gratitude. 

Check out my next blog post on the golden rule of Managing Volunteers.

 

 

 

Chrissy Kissinger, director of Committee Relations for the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society, graduated from Eastern University with a bachelors degree in communications. A seasoned professional in areas of development, public relations, and marketing, Chrissy joined the WOCN Society in February 2011, adding an innovative approach to membership and committee development. Chrissy previously worked in the development department at The Franklin Institute and has also lent her marketing expertise to Virtua Health. She is currently enrolled to receive her masters in business administration at Eastern University. Chrissy is an avid runner who enjoys running for causes such as Crohns and Colitis Disease and Cancer Research and Awareness. Chrissy resides in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.