Volunteer recognition should be meaningful, flexible, and accessible to everyone. That is why the Global Volunteer Recognition Program created Volunteer Achievement Badges, an earnable badge system inspired by the idea of merit-based patches. These badges recognize real volunteer work, real impact, and real commitment.
Whether you volunteer locally, virtually, or globally, our badges are designed to celebrate service in all forms while helping volunteers track their growth and achievements.
What Are Volunteer Achievement Badges?
Volunteer Achievement Badges are earned recognition awards that acknowledge completed volunteer tasks, skills, and milestones. Each badge focuses on a specific type of service, skill, or impact area. Badges are available for individuals of all ages and experience levels.
Badges are not participation trophies. Each one has clear criteria and requires proof of completed tasks before it is awarded.
Who Can Earn Volunteer Badges?
Anyone can earn Volunteer Achievement Badges. Membership in the Global Volunteer Recognition Program is not required unless otherwise stated. Badges can be earned by:
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Students
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Adults
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Families
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Community groups
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Remote and virtual volunteers
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Volunteers serving locally or internationally
How Do You Earn a Volunteer Badge?
Earning a badge is simple and transparent:
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Choose the badge you want to earn
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Complete the required volunteer tasks
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Upload proof of completed work during the badge submission process
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Once reviewed and approved, the badge is officially earned
Proof may include photos, screenshots, confirmation emails, service logs, or other documentation depending on the badge.
Why Proof Is Required
Requiring proof helps maintain the integrity of the program. It ensures that all badges reflect real service and allows volunteers to confidently showcase their achievements for school applications, resumes, portfolios, and personal recognition.
Types of Volunteer Achievement Badges
Badges are organized into collections so volunteers can easily find opportunities that match their interests and goals.
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Service Based Badges
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Skill Based Badges
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Impact Based Badges
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Cause Themed Badges
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Remote Friendly Badges
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Special Challenge Badges
Each collection highlights a different way volunteers contribute to their communities and the world.
Volunteer Achievement Badge Quick Look Chart
| Badge Name | Collection | How to Earn |
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Service Based | Complete three local community service projects and upload proof |
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Service Based | Complete two environmental or cleanup projects and upload proof |
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Service Based | Participate in one health, wellness, or emergency readiness project and upload proof |
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Service Based | Tutor, mentor, or support an education project and upload proof |
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Service Based | Complete three acts of kindness or one kindness-focused project and upload proof |
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Skill Based | Lead or co-host a volunteer project and upload proof |
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Skill Based | Plan or coordinate a volunteer project or drive and upload proof |
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Skill Based | Participate in a group volunteer project and upload proof |
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Skill Based | Complete a creative volunteer project and upload proof |
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Impact Based | Complete an international or global virtual volunteer project and upload proof |
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Impact Based | Complete one volunteer project in your local community and upload proof |
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Impact Based | Volunteer monthly for three consecutive months and upload proof |
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Impact Based | Reach a volunteer hour milestone and upload documentation |
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Cause Themed | Volunteer with animals, shelters, or rescues and upload proof |
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Cause Themed | Participate in conservation or sustainability projects and upload proof |
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Cause Themed | Complete one or more history-focused service activities and upload proof |
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Caused Themed | Complete one or more hunger relief service activities and upload proof of completed work |
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Cause Themed | Complete a mental health or encouragement-focused project and upload proof |
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Cause Themed | Volunteer for a seasonal or holiday-themed project and upload proof |
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Remote Friendly | Complete an online or virtual volunteer project and upload proof |
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Remote Friendly | Participate in awareness or outreach campaigns and upload proof |
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Remote Friendly | Complete a creative online volunteer project and upload proof |
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Special Challenge | Complete a themed volunteer challenge within one week and upload proof |
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Special Challenge | Complete the featured volunteer project of the month and upload proof |
Service Explorer Badge |
Special Challenge | Complete three different types of volunteer projects and upload proof |
How Badges Support Volunteer Growth
Volunteer Achievement Badges help volunteers:
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Track their service journey over time
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Explore new causes and service types
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Build confidence and leadership skills
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Create a visible record of impact
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Stay motivated and engaged in volunteering
Badges can be earned individually and combined to show a well-rounded commitment to service.
Don't see a badge that you are interested in?
Should you not find a badge that aligns with your interests, please inform us. We would be pleased to develop a custom badge for you, particularly if it pertains to a cause you are passionate about.
Start Earning Volunteer Achievement Badges
Volunteer Achievement Badges are available through the Global Volunteer Recognition Program and can be earned year-round. Choose the badges that align with your passions, complete meaningful service, and celebrate the difference you make.
Volunteering matters, and your impact deserves to be recognized.
