The Pink Panel - June 2025

Moderated By Judith Lawrenson

Dear Pink Panel,
I work for a non-profit, and most of the people I work with are volunteers. It is so important to keep volunteers engaged and happy. Panel, what kind of ways or things can I use for rewards or motivation without seeming to play favorites or make others jealous?
Signed,
Amy R.


Answers from the Pink Panel

Judith Lawrenson, Moderator:
I really like this question. As I had hoped, each panel member answered simply from their own point of view and experiences. Yet, their answers are pretty universally useful. I guess this type of problem is universal, as well.

Carolyn:
You may not think this question is relevant to me but, in fact, it is one I really enjoyed answering. In my job, which is very part-time, I supervise a department, and I find it relatively simple to both motivate and interact with the staff. At home, as you know, I have five children aged 5 to 13. My three oldest are boys, and I have five-year-old twin girls. 

This is a challenge to me not only on a daily basis, but actually minute by minute. Since we home school, I am with them all day, and that adds to the challenge. I make it sound like my children are difficult, which is surely not the case. They are wonderful, loving and kind. But, they are each very unique. From my very adult and independent oldest, to my adorable little blondie twins, each child is so very different.  

Because of their different personalities, each child requires different ways to be motivated, made enthusiastic, and feel loved. I never want any of my children to feel that one is the favorite or more loved or cherished. I take special time and do special things with each one. I think this is what also works in motivating everyone, including volunteers—just understanding each person as an individual.

Renee:
One of the churches I currently attend, Hope Community, has actually implemented a program to recognize and appreciate their volunteers. They even have a line item included in their budget for volunteer appreciation. Twice a year they have designated two weeks to recognize their volunteers with small gifts or a meal given in their honor. I have also received gift cards thanking me for my service. Cards are also sent on different occasions remembering, acknowledging and appreciating people’s service and talents. I believe just feeling appreciated and knowing others enjoy my service is the best “payment” for any volunteer. It doesn’t have to be much, just knowing you are “seen” means a great deal!

Riley:
I think providing volunteers with simple treats like morning coffee, donuts, or snacks would be good motivation. In case you would like to do something a little more special, you could host a group dinner or lunch where everyone can be together. This would make sure everyone gets the same fair treatment and satisfy everyone. I would not single out any one person. (Moderator: I found it interesting our youngest panel member, Riley, feels strongly that rewarding individuals isn’t appropriate. Group treats or events are very much preferred!)

The Final Word, Elizabeth Millen:
The gift of time is THE most valuable gift anyone can give. None of us know how much time we have left, and giving our time to serve others is noble and definitely deserves recognition and praise. No matter the setting, non-profit or for-profit, people thrive when they feel useful and needed. Having a purpose is everyone’s life purpose, and most often, voluntarism provides people with great purpose and joy. However, even volunteers can become disgruntled. People have to feel good, even while doing good. Therefore, things such as favoritism, cliques, and negativity are deal breakers. No one wants to go do good things and leave feeling bad, angry, excluded or inadequate. Executive directors, paid employees, and volunteer leaders have to make it their No. 1 mission to stay positive. Never share organizational problems with volunteers unless they are part of the solution. Never talk about other employees or volunteers negatively. And, for God’s sake, never lecture, scream or raise your voice, even if you’re stressed to the max. Volunteers are giving their time, something they cannot make more of, and they don’t want it filled with a bunch of problems, stress, or pettiness.

As far as rewards, do fun things that include everyone. Get people laughing! One idea is a prize drawing at the beginning or end of each shift. People love to win, even if it’s a candy bar. Another idea is have a volunteer-of-the-day simply by drawing their name out of a hat. Maybe they get to wear a special t-shirt or hat and pick the job they’ll do for that shift. Consider gathering in a circle when everyone arrives. Tell them how much you appreciate them being there and what their presence means. Remind them of the mission of the organization and how they are a special part of something larger than themselves. Always have a “together we can” attitude. And yes, an annual picnic, a halloween costume party, a game night, a Christmas party, all together is always fun and connecting. After all, this is why they are all there—to feel connected. If they feel connected, you will have their hearts for life.

P.S. I like the idea of a line item in the budget for volunteer appreciation! There’s a whole world out there doing amazing things because of volunteers.

If you have a question for The Pink Panel, email Judith Lawrenson at at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Pink Panel will do their best to give thought-provoking guidance. Remember, panel members’ ages range from 13 to 80, so you are bound to get a wide variety of advice.

Meet the Panel--------------------------------------------------

- Renee: accounts manager, youth group leader, grandmother. Renee recently started a women’s Bible study on the Book of Genesis, and there was so much
difference of opinion and argument she nearly quit! She stuck with it, made some modifications, and the group not only survived, but it is growing!

- Carolyn: mother of five, homeschooler, pharmacist, military spouse

- Judith Lawrenson: Pink Panel Moderator, freelance writer, volunteer, and educator

- Riley: middle school student, active in sports, studious. Riley won First Place Overall in the
Science Fair at her school last month!

- Elizabeth: publisher of Pink Magazine, business owner, mom, writer, observer of life and human behavior

Would you like advice from The Pink Panel? Email Judith your question at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..