1. Thank Them

Thank your volunteers again, and again, and then again. Look for new ways to show them your appreciation and make it a point to mention volunteers who make an impact in your organization.

2.  Honor Them

Volunteers work long hours, and spend a lot of time doing menial tasks to help the organization run smoothly. A little recognition goes a long way. You can reward them in a variety of ways: public acknowledgement, thank you cards, certificates, coffee gift cards, etc. Adding a “Volunteer of the Month” recognition in your newsletter, social media, and other outlets will help keep your volunteers motivated and excited to be a part of your organization.

3. Include Them

It’s easy to get so involved in your organization’s missions and tactics that you overlook your volunteers. While you may have set tasks and schedules for them, it’s important to include them in general meetings and announcements. Volunteers need motivation, and want to know their time and energy is directly and positively impacting change. Include them in your decisions and go out of your way to make sure they know how appreciated they are, as valued members of the team.

4. Train Them for Larger Roles

You never know what your next volunteer outreach program will bring. You can have a wide variety of volunteers—some who prefer to be only slightly involved, and some who have a lot of time to give, and want to be very involved. Make sure you get to know what they expect to gain from their experience, and set up time to train them for larger roles. You want to retain the volunteers who love being a part of the team.

5. Value Their Time

Set up streamlined, organized tasks that are easy and clear to follow BEFORE you solicit volunteers. Don’t create opportunities to serve that are mismanaged, uninteresting, and or boring. This may cause your volunteers to become uninspired and quit. Instead, have a clear plan with real initiatives and tasks. Set them up with clear goals and objectives so they can see what they’re working towards. Nothing will discourage a volunteer more than a disorganized, unfulfilled team.

6. Listen to Them

You never know who will have a great idea that propels your mission. Volunteers come in all different ages and life experiences, and are truly invaluable to your organization. If one of them has a plan, or an idea, it may be time to consider it. Take the time to meet with them, and listen to their idea. It may be brilliant right off the bat, or it may need some work. Be proactive in your feedback. 

7. Show Them Their Impact

This is one of the best ways to retain volunteers. Show them their impact. If you were able to take in more cats and dogs off the street because volunteers offered to foster, then showcase that number. If you were able to donate more food to the needy because volunteers increased your social media reach, then show them that too. Seeing the results and numbers make an impact. Your volunteers will feel content and encouraged knowing their time is not going to waste.