How To Motivate Volunteers v2

Purpose & how to use: Tips for keeping volunteers engaged and motivated, since standard staff-management techniques rarely work for unpaid people. Use it for committee onboarding and ongoing volunteer management.
Who it's for: Town Team leaders, chairs, and anyone managing volunteers.
Key points: Specific positive feedback is the number one motivator, with recognition for people doing the role they took on and rewards (vouchers, t-shirts, life memberships, awards) for those going above and beyond. On-the-job training and mentoring builds skills and supports succession, free food at meetings always helps, and leaders should set the example, communicate two-way, be clear about expectations and keep things fun.