Thomas McKee has a free website called "Volunteer Power". There, he offers these suggestions when taking care of volunteers in an organization. Great ideas!
The best, most effective way to motivate volunteers is to create a culture that stimulates the inner motivation of each volunteer. The following ideas are ways to create a volunteer culture that says, “Thank You.”
Positive Gossip
When someone says something good about a volunteer, I tell that volunteer about it. It almost seems to get more reinforcement value second hand. The other day I was talking with a business colleague, and she told me how much she appreciated Gary’s leadership. And then she said, “Wow, I don’t know how Gary does it. He not only puts in hours at work in a very stressful job, but is so involved in our Rotary community projects. Gary is a leader that I really respect, and we all know that he will never let us down.” The next week I saw Gary and my first words to him were, “Hey, we were just talking about you last week.” And then I told Gary what my friend had both said about him.
Motivation principle: Wow, people were saying nice things about me.
Huddles
Remember the roll call on the TV show of the 80’s “Hill Street Blues”? A huddle is like the roll call. It is a quick, stand-up meeting just before the volunteer shift or duty. The purpose of the huddle is to go over assignments, update communication, introduce new volunteers and most important take the opportunity to recognize a very specific action of a volunteer. Be very specific such as . . .
“Today I want to say thank you to Tom for his special work yesterday. He came in early and put together all of our packets for our session today. That is so Tom. Thanks a bunch for all you do to help us (state your mission).”
Motivation principle: Constant communication. Without feedback, I don’t know where I stand.
Thanking the Family
Write a note to the family members of a volunteer thanking them for their support of the volunteer, acknowledging the good work their family member has done and explaining the importance to accomplishing the mission of your organization.
Motivation principle: Encouragement (and discouragement) from family members is huge.
Logo Apparel
Provide all of your volunteers a top quality (don’t scrimp) shirt, sweater, T-shirt, sweatshirt or cap to wear when they volunteer. This not only provides a uniform, professional look, but volunteers will wear their apparel in public—advertising your mission. One caution, make sure that only volunteers get the apparel. Make them special.
Motivation principle: Volunteers are cool.
Food
Provide a special break room for just volunteers and make sure that you have plenty of snacks (Krispy Kreem, fruit, coffee, juice, soft drinks). Keep the refrigerator full.
Motivation principle: Food is always a motivator.
Restaurant Gift Certificates
Restaurant gift certificates for special recognition are always winners. And they don’t have to be to the most expensive restaurant in town (although that is nice) but even a $5.00 Starbucks or Ben and Jerry’s gift card to all of the volunteers is a great thank you that helps the volunteer feel appreciated. And by the way, sometimes these places will donate gift certificates to your organization—because they know that when the people come to cash them in, they usually spend more.
Motivation Principle: Food plus special recognition.