Volunteer Management: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Maryland Nonprofits, we're asked a lot of different questions about a lot of different things. From nonprofit management, to finance, to board governance, to fundraising, we've spent time researching the answers to many of your questions. We are now giving you an opportunity to find the answers to some of our more frequently asked questions on our website.

We have also dedicated a frequently asked questions section for our members, to view click here.

Q: How can I recognize volunteers in my organization?

A: Many organizations need volunteers to help run programs and services. Without them, many organizations could not work towards achieving their mission or even function on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, volunteers should be treated with as much respect and care as an employee. Assign volunteers a title, job description, working space, supervisor, and evaluations. When volunteers feel appreciated, your organization will function more effectively and efficiently.

• Maintain accurate records for all volunteers. Keep track of hours of service, types of work done, accomplishments, and supervisor evaluations. This information will help in implementing meaningful volunteer recognition.

• Designate a responsible staff person to see that the recognition happens.

• Volunteer recognition should be frequent, personal, and specific to a person's needs! Every volunteer deserves recognition, but not every volunteer will enjoy or respond well to the same type of recognition. This is because people have different reasons for volunteering and different needs to be met by volunteer recognition.

The three main reasons people volunteer are:

1. Power: to have an impact or influence on others, to bring about change Volunteers who are motivated by power may enjoy public recognition or the opportunity to meet others with power

2. Achievement: having success through good performance and new or improved skills. Volunteers who are motivated by achievement may enjoy certificates and plaques announcing a certain accomplishment or letters of recommendation to their boss

3. Affiliation: to be in a social situation with others and enjoy friendships. Volunteers who are motivated by affiliation may enjoy compliments from a supervisor, such as personal thank-you notes and sharing success with others, like at the annual “volunteer thank-you banquet.”

Recognition Ideas

• “Volunteer spotlight” in organization newsletter

• Letter of commendation to their hometown newspaper, college alumni magazine, professional newsletter, or church newsletter

• Letters of recommendation to boss, union, school, etc.

• Bulletin board with volunteers' pictures, names, efforts, and birth dates

• Color-coded nametags to honor time spent volunteering with organization • Gift or donation made in the name of a volunteer

• A volunteer area with personalized coffee cups, occasional treats, and holiday decorations (be sure to recognize all religions!)

• Discounts in area stores, restaurants, and theatres

• Thank-you letter from supervisor/board members/executive director appreciating their impact • Supervisor remembering birthday, anniversary, special dates

• Listening

• Transportation arrangements-rides, reimbursement for mileage, free parking, etc.

• Award to be displayed at company where volunteer works

And don’t forget National Volunteer Week every April, celebrated with a special message from the president of the United States and festivities by organizations across the country.

Helpful Resources in the Maryland Nonprofits Libraries:

• Oetman, Michelle. Accent on Recognition: Saying Thank-you to Donors and Volunteers. Silver Spring: Philanthropic Service for Institutions, 1992.

• Maryland Advisory Committee on Volunteerism: Best Practices for Developing a Volunteer Program. Baltimore: Governors Office on Service and Volunteerism, 2002.

• Vinyard, Sue. Beyond Banquets, Plaques, and Pins: Creative Ways to Recognize Volunteers. Downer's Grove: Volunteer Management Series, 1988.

• Temkin, Terrie, Ed. Nonprofit Management Solutions: Recruiting and Managing Volunteers. Hollywood: Nonprofit Management Solutions, Inc. Nonprofit Volunteer Management: Strategies for Executive Directors and Volunteer Coordinators. Frederick: Aspen Publishers Inc., 1996.

Helpful Internet Resources:

• EnergizeInc.com - A site dedicated to people who manage volunteers. Includes a library/bookstore, recognition ideas, supervision tips, and recruitment ideas.

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