Welcoming the Next Generation of Volunteers

Young people bring energy, creativity, fresh ideas and new perspectives that can strengthen your organisation and the communities you support.  They volunteer for many reasons—to make a difference, connect with others, support causes they care about, learn new skills and become part of something meaningful.

For organisations, welcoming young volunteers is more than filling volunteer roles. It is an opportunity to grow your volunteer community, bring new voices into your organisation and invest in the future of your cause.  Creating a positive experience doesn’t need to be complicated. Small changes can make a big difference in helping young people feel welcomed, supported and excited to stay involved.

Start with Connection

Great volunteer experiences begin with relationships.  Young people are more likely to continue volunteering when they feel valued, included and connected. Take time to understand who they are, what interests them and what they hope to gain from their experience.

A few simple actions can make a lasting impression:

• Welcome them warmly and introduce them to your team.
• Talk with them about their interests, goals and availability.
• Be clear about expectations, including their role and time commitment.
• Check in regularly and ask how they are finding the experience.
• Celebrate their progress and achievements.
• Consider pairing new volunteers with an experienced buddy or mentor.

A supportive first experience can shape how a young person views volunteering for years to come.

Make Volunteering Easy to Access

Many young people want to volunteer but may face barriers that make getting involved difficult.  Consider how your organisation can make volunteering more accessible:

• Offer flexible options such as one-off events, short-term projects or micro-volunteering.
• Clearly explain volunteer roles, responsibilities and the support available.
• Create a welcoming onboarding process that builds confidence.
• Avoid assuming young volunteers have previous experience—focus on their strengths and potential.

The easier it is for young people to take the first step, the more likely they are to get involved.

Help Them See the Difference They Make

Young volunteers want to know their contribution matters.  Help them understand how their role connects to your organisation’s purpose and the wider impact of your work.  Whether they are helping at an event, supporting your community programmes or completing behind-the-scenes tasks, show them how their time makes a difference.

When volunteers can see the value of what they do, they feel more connected, motivated and committed.

Support Their Growth

Volunteering is a valuable opportunity for young people to learn, grow and build confidence.  Provide:

• Clear guidance and expectations.
• Training and support.
• Opportunities to contribute ideas and take on responsibility.

Many young volunteers are developing skills for their future education, employment and community involvement. Through volunteering they can strengthen communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills while building valuable connections.  By supporting young volunteers, you are also helping develop future volunteers, leaders and community champions.

Create an Experience They Want to Return To

A positive volunteer culture is one of the best ways to encourage people to stay involved.  Young people are more likely to continue volunteering when they:

• Feel welcomed and included.
• Build friendships.
• Enjoy being part of a supportive team.
• Feel respected and appreciated.

Creating an enjoyable and inclusive environment benefits volunteers of all ages and strengthens your whole volunteer programme.

Recognition Matters

Never underestimate the power of a genuine “thank you.”  Recognise effort as well as achievement. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge contributions and provide positive feedback.  Feeling appreciated helps volunteers understand that their time and skills are valued—and encourages them to continue making a difference.

Listen, Learn and Improve

Young volunteers bring fresh ideas and valuable perspectives that can help your organisation grow.  Take time to ask:

• What is working well?
• What could we improve?
• What would make the volunteer experience better?

Most importantly, show that their feedback matters by acting on their ideas wherever possible.

Young Volunteers Are Making a Difference Today

Young people are not just the volunteers of tomorrow—they are making meaningful contributions right now.  By creating flexible, welcoming and rewarding volunteer opportunities, organisations can attract enthusiastic young people, strengthen their volunteer programmes and build stronger connections within their communities.

The investment you make in young volunteers today can inspire lifelong volunteers, future leaders and passionate community champions for years to come.

Volunteer Nelson’s work with young volunteers

Read more about our Rangatahi in the Community programme.