Training as a Motivating Factor for Volunteer Driven Organizations

Recently I was involved in a weekend training retreat for volunteer leaders of my religious denomination. These volunteers, called Elders, were invited to attend a weekend training retreat at the expense of the association of churches in their region. The recognition of their efforts on behalf of the church and its members by making this retreat possible was appreciated by most of those polled. The motivational effect of this event is yet to be seen. However it was discussed by several of those who attended. These volunteers felt motivated by the recognition and also the equipping received. It has been argued by many in the leadership development field that training events are high on the list of motivatiing factors for volunteers to continue serving an organization.

In what ways are you motivated by training and equipping opportunities? I find them to be stimulating and rewarding for the opportunity to learn new skills and conmcepts which I can then incorporate in my work. As equippers of leaders we add value to the organizations we serve through the service of education. Our reward is often the renewed enrgy seen in the volunteer force upon their return to the filed from whence they came.