I just read the email from Christine. It is true. If looking for a pat on the back, it doesn’t happen often. I might get a “well done” when something big happens that involve volunteers.

Since taking over this position (with no knowledge at all) I’ve created a more formal volunteer program, including an online registration system, orientation classes, volunteer positions and much more.

I recently began a program to involve youth of all ages in service learning. I’m not real sure anyone noticed. To keep myself motivated, I remind myself how lucky I am to work with such giving people. I tell myself that I have the chance to make a difference in many children’s lives through the youth program.

As far as anyone else noticing, I feel like the people who lead the volunteer sector rate about as high as a receptionist in the eyes of others within the company. I do, however feel like many of the volunteers appreciate what I do. That makes a huge difference.

Jack (name changed as requested).

However I firmly believe that primarily my motivation comes from a deep belief in the value of the work that I and other volunteers do – otherwise we’d all be doing something else!

Secondly I wouldn’t keep going if I didn’t belong to a small group of other people, doing a similar job to me, with whom I can joke, empathize, sympathize and whose company I generally enjoy whether at work or out of work hours. In this way many of the tasks we do together are a pleasure and fun, rather than work! when the hard times come we can share those too, and a burden shared is a burden halved.

Basically I think if you believe in what you’re doing you’re more than half way there.

I also belong to an area volunteer mangers group (we call it a community volunteer counsel) which is part of our area volunteer center. Every year we hold an one day conference where we offer sessions on volunteer management, self-care etc. We need this conference with honoring a volunteer manager of the year. Organziation nominate generally through the executive director their volunteer manager. A committee then reviews all the applications and selects the volunteer manager of the year. this is done last friday in October just before International volunteer manager day. We notice that since we have been doing this, more volunteer managers are getting the recognition they deserve from their organizations.

Yes, while volunteer managers get together on the committee to put this event on, we recognize that peer support is a great motivator. We also but on training all throughout the year, allowing volunteer managers to continue to educate themselves and most of the time finding out that we all have the same problems and concerns regardless of the type of organization we come from.

My thoughts on what motivates me are reflected in many of the comments above, especially Kerryn’s comment on her volunteers.

Our volunteers also do what they do because they care and are motivated only by their desire to make a difference to the lives of other human beings. Knowing this, how can I not be motivated in my rewarding role as coordinator.

Each year on Manager’s of Volunteer’s Day I am presented with flowers by our Service Manager in appreciation for the work I do. I appreciate that. My team is recognised at special volunteer events throughout the year.