Is actively participating in ProjectManagement.com considered to be voluntary by PMI?

Generally recognition is good. However by recognizing a few you may alienate the many. Especially in a larger organization where recognition becomes political or based on personal preference or faulty intelligence. I have been in organizations that single out individuals for awards or recognition and have seen two responses: 1) the unrecognized feel left out, disappointed or at worst angered, and 2) the process becomes meaningless and ignored outside of the promoters. In either case it demotivates. My preference is to encourage "thank you" when good things happen and focus on teams rather than individuals.

I get it, but bluntly: what's the point? Are we so insecure we need external recognition to make our lives worth while? Add a line to the bottom of the dues receipt - "Thanks for participating!"

The intent is not to be rude but to drill down and determine the real need for "volunteer acknowledgement".