If you’re a genealogist, your family history research has benefitted from the work of thousands of volunteers who have devoted their time to transcribing records, writing down headstone inscriptions, managing and working at genealogy societies, preserving records, teaching, and helping out at meetings, workshops and conferences.
Volunteer Canada kicks off National Volunteer Week 2016 today, an initiative that runs until Sunday, April 16.
This year’s theme is Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. “Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to boom.”
Motivating volunteers
Despite all these efforts, the challenge for most societies is figuring out how retain their volunteers and how to keep them motivated.
Volunteer Canada’s website offers a number of suggestions for motivating older adults, board members, and groups, and recognizing volunteers in the Engaging Vounteers section.
A recent article in TechImpact recommended seven strategies that may further help nonprofit organizations engage volunteers:
- Provide incentives.
- Create leadership opportunities.
- Communicate effectively.
- Focus on interest and skills.
- Get social.
- Build teams.
- Go digital.
You can read more about these strategies in TechImpact‘s article, 7 Strategies Your Nonprofit Should Implement to Engage Volunteers.
For more ideas to motivate volunteers, read my blog post from last year, National Volunteer Week 2015 begins today.
If you are a volunteer, I wish you a very happy National Volunteer Week. Thank you for your work and dedication.
Big hug and thank you to all the volunteers across Canada.