Motivations

Volunteers' motivations are often a mixture of altruism - a desire to help people in need and to serve the community - and self-interest - a desire to meet people, learn new skills and do something enjoyable. To attract volunteers, spell out how they will benefit as well as the contribution they will be making to the organisation and the community.

Recognise volunteers' achievements, whether it is just thanking them for their work, organising a few after-work drinks or awarding a certificate of achievement. However you recognise volunteers make sure it is:

• Honest.
• Given to the person, not to the work.
• Appropriate to the achievement.
• Consistent.
• Timely.
• Individualised as much as possible.

Source: McCurley and Lynch, Essential Volunteer Management, DSC 1998.

It's useful to get feedback from volunteers when they are leaving the organisation, particularly if they are leaving before the time they initially agreed to. Encourage volunteers to give meaningful feedback and be prepared to listen to criticisms.

Find out more about other volunteer issues and examples in the In more depth section.