<p>This year’s International Volunteer Day launches the 2026 UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development — and there has never been a more important time to rethink how we recognise and value volunteers.</p><p>In this episode, Tracey O’Neill flips the script on traditional volunteer appreciation. Instead of asking <em>“How do we thank volunteers for what they do?”</em>, she asks the bigger question:</p><p><strong>“How do we honour who volunteers are — and the strengths they bring that shape culture, community and impact?”</strong></p><p>Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, Tracey introduces her <strong>Four Pillars of Volunteer Appreciation </strong>— Recognition, Reward, Participation and Progression — and explores how leaders of volunteer engagement can move beyond morning teas and certificates to activate strengths, shift systems and influence organisational culture.</p><p>She unpacks how Participation and Progression aren’t just ways to value volunteers, but powerful practices that position leaders of volunteer engagement as cultural leaders — shaping belonging, voice, inclusion and leadership across the organisation.</p><p>Here’s the shift we’ve been waiting for: seeing volunteer engagement as culture work, not administrative work.</p><p>If we want a more inclusive, equitable, community-centred future, then Participation and Progression must sit at the heart of our recognition practices.</p><p>If you’re ready to shift from “thank-you strategies” to practices that elevate voice, leadership and belonging, this episode will spark new ways of thinking.</p><p><strong>Every contribution matters. Every contribution begins with strengths. And recognition is only the beginning.</strong></p><p>Stay bold, stay curious — and keep making a ruckus.</p><p><strong>Connect:</strong></p><ul><li>Learn more: <a href="https://www.traceyoneillconsulting.com.au/">⁠⁠www.traceyoneillconsulting.com.au⁠⁠</a></li><li>Join the conversation on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyoneillcva/">⁠⁠@traceyoneillcva⁠⁠</a></li><li>Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracey.oneill.cva/">⁠⁠@tracey.oneill.cva⁠⁠</a></li><li>Follow on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578939917786">⁠⁠Tracey O&#39;Neill Consulting</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br></p>

Making a Ruckus

Tracey O'Neill

Recognition Isn’t Enough: The Part We’re All Missing

DEC 2, 202538 MIN
Making a Ruckus

Recognition Isn’t Enough: The Part We’re All Missing

DEC 2, 202538 MIN

Description

<p>This year’s International Volunteer Day launches the 2026 UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development — and there has never been a more important time to rethink how we recognise and value volunteers.</p><p>In this episode, Tracey O’Neill flips the script on traditional volunteer appreciation. Instead of asking <em>“How do we thank volunteers for what they do?”</em>, she asks the bigger question:</p><p><strong>“How do we honour who volunteers are — and the strengths they bring that shape culture, community and impact?”</strong></p><p>Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, Tracey introduces her <strong>Four Pillars of Volunteer Appreciation </strong>— Recognition, Reward, Participation and Progression — and explores how leaders of volunteer engagement can move beyond morning teas and certificates to activate strengths, shift systems and influence organisational culture.</p><p>She unpacks how Participation and Progression aren’t just ways to value volunteers, but powerful practices that position leaders of volunteer engagement as cultural leaders — shaping belonging, voice, inclusion and leadership across the organisation.</p><p>Here’s the shift we’ve been waiting for: seeing volunteer engagement as culture work, not administrative work.</p><p>If we want a more inclusive, equitable, community-centred future, then Participation and Progression must sit at the heart of our recognition practices.</p><p>If you’re ready to shift from “thank-you strategies” to practices that elevate voice, leadership and belonging, this episode will spark new ways of thinking.</p><p><strong>Every contribution matters. Every contribution begins with strengths. And recognition is only the beginning.</strong></p><p>Stay bold, stay curious — and keep making a ruckus.</p><p><strong>Connect:</strong></p><ul><li>Learn more: <a href="https://www.traceyoneillconsulting.com.au/">⁠⁠www.traceyoneillconsulting.com.au⁠⁠</a></li><li>Join the conversation on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyoneillcva/">⁠⁠@traceyoneillcva⁠⁠</a></li><li>Follow on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracey.oneill.cva/">⁠⁠@tracey.oneill.cva⁠⁠</a></li><li>Follow on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578939917786">⁠⁠Tracey O&#39;Neill Consulting</a></li></ul><p></p><p><br></p>