Whether you have a large or small volunteer pool you can use apps or other online tools to communicate and motivate your volunteers.

The first way to get volunteers to participate is to make it easy for them to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Stop using paper sign up sheets and switch to an app or software program designed for volunteer management. An app like GoodSocial app matches volunteers and nonprofit based on shared social cause interests.

And nothing can motivate like a little friendly competition. Many volunteers apps and programs allow you to gamify your volunteer opportunities.  Gamify simply means that you add some type of reward, be it a virtual badge or ribbon or and actual prize to your volunteer opportunities..

For example, the VolunteerMe app lets volunteers earn badges. All a volunteer needs to do is  completes a specific task, such as signing up for an event, or sharing to social media, once they do the task they earn a badge.

Another way is to recognize volunteers is to create a rewards program.  With VolunteerHub you can use their Volunteer Recognition feature to design a reward program that fits your organization’s values. Perhaps volunteers can earn points towards a badge or certificate or they can redeem their points for a physical prize such as a shirt or tote bag.

Peer to peer motivation also works. With Higher Logic the gamification includes badges, ribbons, and a leaderboard.  However, Higher Logic also can be used to track and reward volunteers using traditional things like Thank You letters and physical gifts. With Higher Logic volunteers can also nominate each other if they want to volunteer together or see a position that fits someone they know.

Even if you don’t have a specific volunteer program, you can also publicly acknowledge your volunteers via your social media channels or newsletters.