Volunteer Motivators

What makes Volunteers volunteer?

1. Plan annual ceremonies to recognize volunteers.
2. Rely on them in an emergency situation.
3. Give them the honor of meeting with higher-ups.
4. Recognize personal needs and problems.
5. Take time to explain things fully.
6. Put up a volunteer suggestion box (and answer all suggestions)
7. Provide training.
8. Mention them in media coverage.
9. Greet them by name.
10. Ask them for a report.
11. Give them challenging assignments.
12. Trust them with additional responsibility.
13. Be familiar with details of their assignments.
14. Honestly confront them when you have a problem with them.
15. Let them know they were missed if absent.
16. Send letters of commendation to their employers.
17. Recognize a volunteer in each newsletter.
18. Recognize a "volunteer of the month".
19. Hold exit interviews and say "thank-you".
20. Conduct regular conferences and evaluations.
21. Accept and be thankful for their individuality.
22. Be genuine, let them get to know you.
23. Praise them in front of others.
24. Serve as a volunteer yourself, to stay in touch.
25. Carefully match the volunteer with the specific task.
26. Nominate them for volunteer awards.
27. Get their input on difficult issues and policy decisions.
28. Send cards on special occasions.
29. Ask them for suggestions on their job design.
30. Use them as consultants.
31. Equate volunteer experience with work experience.
32. Be prepared for meetings.
33. Ask them (informally) for their suggestions on important topics.
34. Value their time.
35. Take time to talk with them.
36. Ask them to help train others.
37. See that they grow on the job.
38. Let them grow out of a job.
39. Start and end on time.
40. Prepare and distribute meeting agendas ahead of time.