Recognizing and Appreciation

Volunteer Leadership Training

How to better recognize your volunteers

April 2012 Module 4 of 4

Created by C.Piggott

Question?Why is volunteer recognition so important?

Volunteers are very special people whose donation of time and effort warrants special consideration. They should

always be encouraged to grow, learn and seek fulfillment as they help an

organization, even if it means accepting the reality that not everyone is perfect

for every job.

Question?Why do we leave it to once a year to

recognize our volunteers?There are thousands of ways to

recognize people for their efforts… a smile, a thank-you for…,

newsletter/press releases, reimbursement of expenses when

possible, name tags, letters of appreciation, banquets, special

occasion cards, calendars, baby-sitting services, a picnic…we do not have to wait for one day …once a

year.

• Brainstorm Ideas – List Their Hobbies and Interests

• What do they read? • How do they dress? • Do they like to cook? • What have they mentioned in conversation? • What time are they available? • Do they like sports?

These areas will reveal new forms of recognition that are creative, appropriate and user-friendly.

Don’t know how to start?

• A personal note of thanks, either after an event or periodically

• Sending a picture of the volunteer at the event or activity as a keepsake

• Giving out stickers: you would be surprised how many people like stickers

•Inviting the volunteers to a staff meeting to talk about the success of the event

Ideas for informal recognition

• Sending or giving cards for many occasions; remembering a special personal event

• Providing an area where the volunteers can relax

•Creating a wall of fame

• Saying thank you, offering on the job praise

•Setting aside time to evaluate their performance

Ideas for informal recognition

•Sending a letter of thanks to the volunteer, their supervisor at work or teacher at school

•Giving opportunities for learning by providing workshops and educational opportunities

•Writing an article in a newsletter, website, journal or local publication

Ideas for informal recognition

•Awarding certificates and plaques

•Distributing formal evaluation and volunteer placement feedback surveys

•Providing a timely orientation and training and provide proper supervision

•Holding an annual event that is both timely and appropriate to your volunteers

Ideas for formal recognition

•Offering letters of recommendation

•Providing individuals with meaningful volunteer work that reflects their personal goals

•Nominating them for local, provincial and national volunteer awards

•Highlighting their accomplishments at the annual AGM or board meeting

Ideas for formal recognition

Video

If you can’t see the video follow this link http://youtu.be/bffTWt1r9_w

Finally,To develop best practices in volunteer

recognition, you need to plan ahead and know what you want to do. It is important to share

your ideas with staff and volunteers. Remember that recognition should be a

priority if you want to retain good volunteers.

We all need to know we are doing well at our jobs, as it helps motivate us to continue our

work. Most importantly, you need to be sincere about saying thank you. Make every occasion

count and make sure that your thanks are meaningful and appropriate for your

volunteers and truly reflect the impact they have had at your organization.

Test

You have now completed Module 4 of the KAVCO Volunteer Leadership Training.

Please follow this link

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HQLYFSH to complete the quiz.

Resources

• http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/research/rvol85.html• http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/research/rvol38.html• http://www.volunteercard.com/2010/11/101-ways-to-

appreciate-your-volunteers/• http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/01/10/

volunteering-appreciating-how-bittersweet-life-can-be/

• http://www.baudville.com