How can you recognize volunteers who provide mentorship or leadership to others?

1 Why recognition matters

Recognizing volunteers who provide mentorship or leadership to others is not only a nice gesture, but also a strategic move. It can boost their motivation, satisfaction, and retention, as well as inspire others to follow their example. Recognition can also enhance the reputation and credibility of your organization, as it shows that you value and respect your human capital. Moreover, recognition can strengthen the relationships and trust between your staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, creating a positive and supportive environment for your mission.

2 How to identify mentors and leaders

Before you can recognize volunteers who provide mentorship or leadership to others, you need to identify them. This can be done through various methods, such as surveys, feedback forms, nominations, testimonials, or observations. You can also use indicators such as the number of hours, tasks, or projects completed, the quality of their work, the impact of their actions, or the level of their engagement. However, you should also consider the intangible and personal aspects of their roles, such as their attitude, communication, empathy, or creativity.

3 How to tailor recognition to individuals

One of the key principles of effective recognition is to tailor it to the preferences and personalities of the volunteers. Not everyone likes to be recognized in the same way, and some may even feel uncomfortable or embarrassed by certain forms of recognition. Therefore, you should ask your volunteers how they would like to be recognized, or observe their behavior and reactions to different types of recognition. Some volunteers may prefer public recognition, such as awards, certificates, or announcements, while others may prefer private recognition, such as thank-you notes, emails, or calls.

4 How to diversify recognition methods

Another principle of effective recognition is to diversify the methods and channels of recognition. This can help to avoid monotony and boredom, as well as to reach different audiences and stakeholders. You can use a variety of recognition methods, such as verbal, written, visual, or digital, and combine them with different incentives, such as gifts, vouchers, discounts, or opportunities. You can also use different channels of recognition, such as social media, newsletters, websites, or events, and involve different people, such as staff, board members, donors, or beneficiaries.