Celebrating volunteers doesn't happen by accident

When we think about good volunteer management, we often think about recruitment, training and support. But one of the most important parts of creating a positive volunteering experience is often one of the simplest: saying thank you.

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Recognising and celebrating volunteers isn't just a nice thing to do. It helps people feel valued, strengthens relationships and encourages people to continue giving their time. It also shines a light on the enormous contribution volunteers make to communities every day.

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As part of our Volunteering Doesn't Happen by Accident campaign, we're highlighting the many ways local infrastructure organisations help create the conditions for volunteering to thrive. Volunteer celebration events are one example of how investing in volunteers builds stronger communities.

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A fantastic example comes from NAVCA member Voluntary Action Rotherham, who each year bring together volunteers, community organisations and local partners to celebrate Volunteers' Week.

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This year's event was a reminder that recognising volunteers can be both meaningful and fun. Alongside inspirational speeches from volunteers and community organisations, attendees had the opportunity to meet other volunteers, try activities hosted by local groups and celebrate the difference volunteering makes across Rotherham.

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More importantly, the event created space for volunteers to share their own stories. One volunteer, June, reflected:

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"I've met so many lovely people through volunteering and would be lost without Crossroads Care. Volunteering is something I absolutely love."

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These personal stories remind us why recognition matters. Behind every volunteer role is a person giving their time, skills and experience to support others. Taking time to acknowledge that contribution helps volunteers feel connected, appreciated and part of something bigger.

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Volunteer celebration events also bring wider benefits. They strengthen relationships between local organisations, create opportunities to recruit new volunteers, raise the profile of volunteering with local decision makers and demonstrate the value volunteers bring to communities. They are an investment in the volunteering ecosystem.

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As the event in Rotherham showed, successful volunteer recognition doesn't happen by accident either. It relied on collaboration between local organisations, volunteers, businesses, sponsors and public sector partners, all coming together to create an experience that genuinely celebrated volunteering. From the venue and activities to local sponsorship and volunteer involvement in organising the day, it reflected the power of partnership.

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Across the country, local infrastructure organisations are helping communities create positive volunteering experiences in countless ways. Whether through volunteer centres, training, brokerage, recognition events or strategic leadership, they are ensuring that volunteering is supported, valued and able to flourish.

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Thank you to Voluntary Action Rotherham for sharing this example of how celebrating volunteers helps strengthen communities and inspire even more people to get involved.

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Because volunteering doesn't happen by accident. It happens when we invest in the people, partnerships and infrastructure that make it possible.

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