Cork Volunteer Centre Booklet 1 | Page 14

12 Last year, we had over 600 volunteers register with us 13 Rewards Cork Volunteer Centre Ionaid d’Oibrí Deonacha Corcaigh Hugely rewarding experiences can be achieved by everyone. Being a Volunteer can be very Rewarding You can assist volunteers in re-affirming their commitment by pro-actively helping them to meet their motivational objectives. Many rewards are offered to volunteers and often include the following: Important things to remember: Volunteers are not free. They need you to invest in them. Experience Working on a voluntary basis can provide individuals with experience that can be useful on entering the workplace or education. They cannot substitute paid employees. You can acknowledge their efforts with a thank you. Social Networking Develop ways to allow your volunteers to have more fun. Volunteering is an effective way of increasing your social network. When in doubt, ask them what they would like to achieve. Friendship One of the known benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to form friendships and meet people within the community. Make them feel involved by asking for their opinion. Don’t forget to smile. This is the easiest way to make someone feel at ease. Rewards Giving and receiving can be hugely rewarding on a personal level. Achievement When an effective volunteer programme is put in place in an organisation, the end result for all concerned is achievement. Steps to Achievement Experience Social Networking Friendship Rewards Achievement