Volunteers stay engaged when they feel seen, valued, and connected to purpose, even when they are not actively volunteering.
If your program is paused, changing, or operating differently, this is a powerful moment to strengthen relationships, not lose them. Thoughtful and consistent connection supports volunteer wellbeing, retention, and long-term participation.
This approach is also reflected in national best practice, including the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement and the National Strategy for Volunteering, which both emphasise communication, inclusion, flexibility, and meaningful engagement.
Stay connected, regularly and intentionally
You do not need to do everything, but you do need to show up consistently.
Consider using a mix of the following, based on what suits your volunteers best.
- Regular online catch ups
Informal check-ins help volunteers stay connected to each other and to your organisation, even when roles are on pause. - Email updates
Share what is happening behind the scenes, what is changing, and what volunteers can expect next. - Text messages
Short, friendly messages can help volunteers feel remembered and valued. - Phone calls
Especially important for volunteers who may not have reliable access to technology or prefer more personal contact. - Social media posts
Celebrate volunteer contributions, share stories, and reinforce a sense of shared purpose. - A video message from your CEO or Board
A brief, genuine message of thanks and reassurance can help build trust and transparency.
Invite volunteers to have a voice
Engagement is a two-way relationship. Volunteers are more likely to stay connected when they feel heard.
- Ask volunteers to complete a short survey
Check in on how they are feeling, what support they need, and how they would like to stay engaged. - Invite feedback and ideas
Volunteers often bring valuable insights into how programs can adapt and improve. - Encourage story sharing
Stories reinforce meaning and help volunteers feel connected to the impact of their contribution.
This aligns with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, which encourage organisations to actively listen to volunteers and involve them in shaping volunteering experiences.
Support learning and flexible involvement
Even when traditional volunteering activities are paused, learning and contribution can continue.
- Offer online training or professional development
This helps volunteers build skills and feel invested in. - Explore virtual or remote volunteering opportunities
Flexible options can support inclusion and make it easier for people to stay involved.
The National Strategy for Volunteering highlights flexibility and innovation as key to building a volunteering ecosystem that can adapt to change.
Create community through a private online group
If you do not already have one, a private social media group or communication app can be a simple and effective way to maintain connection.
It creates a shared space where volunteers can connect with each other, not just with your organisation.
Ideas include:
- Sharing organisational updates and news
- Posting thank you messages or short videos
- Highlighting milestones, statistics, or stories that show volunteer impact
- Inviting volunteers to share reflections or experiences
- Running light-hearted activities such as:
- Pet photos
- Baby or throwback photos
- Favourite recipes
- Creative or wellbeing prompts
Keep participation optional and inclusive. Connection should feel supportive, not demanding.
Key resources to support best practice
These national resources provide practical guidance for building strong, inclusive, and sustainable volunteer programs.
- National Standards for Volunteer Involvement
A best-practice framework to help organisations attract, engage, support, and retain volunteers across all stages of the volunteer journey. - National Strategy for Volunteering
A long-term vision for a strong volunteering ecosystem in Australia, focused on inclusion, flexibility, and shared responsibility. - National Strategy for Volunteering Action Plan
Outlines practical actions for organisations, governments, and communities to support volunteering into the future. - Volunteering Gateway
Helping you effectively engage and lead volunteers.
Using these resources can help ensure your engagement approaches are consistent, inclusive, and aligned with national expectations.
Remember
Volunteers give their time because they care. Engagement is less about constant activity and more about trust, communication, and appreciation.
When volunteers feel valued and connected, even during quieter periods, they are far more likely to return confident, motivated, and ready to contribute.
