Note that this training will be available in English this winter. 

This training explores volunteer recognition beyond everyday gestures of gratitude. It invites participants to reflect on how to demonstrate the real impact of volunteer engagement, highlight learning, contributions, and the positive effects of volunteering on individuals, organizations, teams, service users, and the community.

It also encourages participants to rethink volunteer retention. The goal is not to keep volunteers at all costs or view their departure as a failure. Volunteers may wish to explore different experiences, change causes, adjust their availability, or pursue other forms of engagement.

The objective is to nurture their desire to contribute, maintain a positive relationship with the organization, and support the lasting benefits of a successful volunteer experience.

The training places particular emphasis on transitions: renewing a role, changing responsibilities, taking a break, concluding a volunteer commitment, or maintaining a different connection with the organization’s mission.

Participants will learn how to:

• Recognize factors that influence volunteer motivation and continued engagement;
• Distinguish between everyday gratitude, formal recognition, and impact recognition;
• Adapt recognition practices to volunteers’ profiles, motivations, and journeys;
• Better demonstrate volunteer contributions and impact;
• Identify signs of fatigue, disengagement, or a need for change;
• Respectfully manage transitions, breaks, role changes, or the end of volunteer involvement;
• Maintain positive relationships with volunteers when appropriate;
• Recognize the role of word-of-mouth and positive volunteer experiences in attracting new volunteers.