This webinar is presented as part of the Volunteer Engagement Webinar Series - 3 “R’s” - Recruitment, Retention and Recognition.
This series of webinars has been designed for the learner who wants to know some best practices, some tips and some strategies for the three “R’s” - Recruitment, Retention and Recognition. These three topics are interconnected and there is a dynamic tension between them. Non-profits have to actively seek people with skills, passion and experience and turn them into volunteers in order to accomplish the mission and work of the organization. This is tough work! But with greater understanding of the dynamics between recruitment, retention and recognition and how to develop more creative, engaging roles for volunteers, you will be leaders.
#3: Recognition of Volunteers: “Putting a new spin on certificates, mugs and 5 year pins!”
Recognition has long been a key ingredient in retaining volunteers. Since volunteers are not being ‘paid’ for work done, organizations find many ways to thank them. Organizations have often created programs to formally recognize the efforts of volunteers. But volunteers themselves have started to shift the views of what recognition is appropriate. What we did in the past may no longer be relevant today. The art of recognition is still extremely important in the overall retention of volunteers….but the definition of what it means may have changed. This session will explore the key questions to ask when setting up a recognition program; why money is not the issue to successful appreciation; and using the example of baby boomers as volunteers, ideas of formal and informal recognition that have emerged from recent research will be shared.
Downloads
- Webinar recording
- PPT Slide presentation
- Recognition Ideas
- 2013 Volunteer Recognition Study, Volunteer Canada
Presenter Profile/Bio
Donna Lockhart is a trainer, consultant and partner in The RETHINK Group. Her mission is to help organizations “attract, support and expand” their volunteer resources. For over 35 years, she has partnered with hundreds of non-profit organizations to help develop volunteer engagement strategies; provide training; and, develop resources for volunteers and staff.
Donna has delivered hundreds of training opportunities focused on all aspects of volunteer engagement. This wide range of experience working with volunteers in many organizations has enriched her perspective. Arts clients include the Scougog Arts Council; Royal Scottish Country Dance Toronto Association; the Robert McLaughlin Gallery; and, the 2014 Philanthropy Forum in Peterborough that focused on volunteering in the Arts and Heritage Sector.
Donna designed and currently instructs the online Certificate in Volunteer Management for Sir Sandford Fleming College. In 2006, she designed the first online course for Charity Village called Building a Great Volunteer Program. It continues today to be one of their most popular courses. Her interest in working with youth lead to the publication of The Youth Volunteer Audit, a tool for non-profit organizations to increase their effectiveness and success with youth.
Volunteering: Donna has volunteered since the age of 12 and contributed in many roles: AMVS-the local volunteer association in Peterborough; Board member and Director of Education for PAVR-O; volunteer writer for Charity Village; Advisory Member to help the HR Council of Canada and the Canadian Administrators of Volunteers to develop the first Occupational Standards for the role of Coordinator of Volunteers (completed fall 2012); YWCA of Peterborough Board Member; Peterborough Community Care Yearly Run; and, the Shoebox Project.
Donna is a Certified Volunteer Resource Manager and has a Master’s Degree in Community Development & Recreation Planning from York University.