Motivating and Recognizing Your Team

Inspiring Excellence Across Your State

Motivation at the state level requires different approaches than lodge-level leadership. You're inspiring volunteers you may rarely see in person, spread across a large geographic area. Recognition becomes a powerful tool for shaping behavior and maintaining engagement.

Understanding Volunteer Motivation

DAP volunteers are driven by various factors:

• Mission connection: Genuine desire to protect young people from drugs
• Community impact: Wanting to make a difference locally
• Social connection: Enjoying working with fellow Elks
• Recognition: Appreciation for their efforts
• Skill development: Learning and growing through the experience

Effective motivation addresses multiple drivers, not just one.

Recognition Programs

Formal recognition reinforces desired behaviors and inspires others:

State-Level Awards

• Outstanding Lodge Chair: Recognize exceptional lodge programs
• Outstanding District Chair: Honor district leadership
• Volunteer of the Year: Spotlight individual contributions
• Most Improved Program: Encourage growth, not just established success
• Innovation Award: Recognize creative approaches

National Award Nominations

Submit your best performers for national DAP recognition. This represents the highest honor and reflects well on your entire state program.

Informal Recognition

• Public acknowledgment at state convention
• Features in state newsletters
• Personal thank-you notes from you
• Certificates of appreciation
• Social media spotlights

Creating Healthy Competition

Competition can motivate without creating negative dynamics:

• Track and publish district and lodge activity levels
• Create challenges with clear, achievable goals
• Recognize improvement, not just absolute numbers
• Celebrate collective state achievements
• Avoid shaming underperformers—focus on support

Addressing Underperformance

Some lodges or districts will struggle. Approach with support, not criticism:

• Understand the root causes—lack of volunteers? Leadership turnover? Community challenges?
• Offer specific, practical assistance
• Connect them with successful peers for mentorship
• Set realistic improvement goals
• Celebrate progress, even if they're not yet high performers

Maintaining Your Own Motivation

State Chair is a demanding role. Keep yourself engaged:

• Connect regularly with national DAP leadership and peers in other states
• Attend national convention DAP sessions
• Focus on the impact you're enabling, not just the administrative burden
• Celebrate your own wins—you're making a difference
• Build a support network of fellow state leaders