Volunteer management, volunteer recruitment, volunteer recognition ideas for you…

Thanks to everyone who either posted a volunteer management, volunteer recruitment or volunteer recognition question on the blog or as most people did, sent through their question directly via email. We can’t guarantee that we’ll get to them all but we’ll see how we go.



Now instead of starting with answers to these questions, this email was sent through to us by Christine (name changed) who is involved in the emergency management sector (organization supplied). This email represents the experiences of many involved in volunteer management, it is seldom talked about and we’d really like to hear what you think about this too.



VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT – HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?

Hi Judy,

I have a question for you! What keeps you motivated Judy? What keeps you so inspired? Does anyone ever inspire you or encourage you? How? I ask these questions as I’m sure there are many people out there whose job it is to recruit new volunteers and who don’t receive any recognition of their great work. They may be a volunteer themselves or they may be in a professional role and are paid to recruit new members or volunteers. I know they all do a sensational job of managing and recognising the tremendous effort volunteers put in.



But do these people ever receive any recognition or thanks or “anything” to say they do a great job? Or do they have to keep themselves motivated and keep reminding themselves they are doing a great job. Do they ever feel they are ignored and forgotten when the pats on the back are handed out? Maybe they do. Maybe they don’t. I would love to know and I would love to also know how many people feel this way.



For myself, it doesn’t take a lot to get me excited and I get amazing pleasure out of sharing my love of my organisation with others. If I recruit someone new, I am over the moon and then I’m always keen to support them in any way I can so they too can enjoy their volunteering. Often the only encouragement/recognition I receive to continue in my role is me telling myself “YOU ARE A LEGEND CHRISTINE” and that has kept me going great guns for nearly 30 years. I would love to know how others keep motivated.

Cheers

Christine



WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

Christine and I would really like to read your comments.  Just below you’ll see the word ‘comment’ please click on the link and add your comments.  If you would like to remain anonymous then just choose any name you like. Are you or others you know, struggling with the same issues in volunteer management?