Recognizing Volunteers

With the Volunteer Spotlight Awards completed for 2011 we know there is still an ongoing need to recognize volunteers. Recognition can be anything from a pat on the back to a full black tie event but what is going to work for any orgnaization large or small? Here are some ideas that could help bring a culture of recognition to your organitation today.


Tune into WII FM
No matter what a persons reason for volunteering may be, it's likely your volunteer is tuned into one station WII FM (what's in it for me). Some volunteers may be looking for a way to give back to a cause that is meaningful for them where others may be looking to learn or practice job skills and create references for the future. When you can get to know your volunteers and tune into their reasons for being there it can help to figure out how to best recognize them. You may find that some volunteers enjoy large recognition events where others may just want a sincere thank you for a job well done.

Create a Consistent Recognition Plan
Whether it's an annual event to celebrate volunteers achievements or quarterly certificates mailed to volunteers homes, if you have a plan it lets volunteers know you're thinking of them throughout the year. There are companies like Baudv!lle and Crown Awards that provide many different types of recognition items, personalized awards and ideas that could be integrated into a recognition program. You could even consider something like t-shirts with your organizations logo on it that could be worn by volunteers while they're in the community offering them the opportunity to talk about the great things they're doing at your organization.

Consider Something New
Everyone can think of that one super volunteer who serves hundreds of hours a year or the volunteer who comes in multiple days each week but what about the volunteer who comes in to help with a specific one time project or fundraiser? Sometimes recognition can wait for an annual event or other set timeframe but it helps to have a plan in place to recognize one time volunteers. It could be as simple as a thank you email that is sent after the event is completed or as much as a thank you card sent through the mail. Either way it will help to make an impression on your volunteer that their work was appreciated and may inspire them to come back and continue to volunteer with your organization.

Spotlights, Birthdays, Anniversaries... Oh My!
Don't forget the great opportunities that are available to celebrate other great milestones with your volunteers. You could have a volunteer of the month spot in your newsletter or share your spotlight with the Volunteer Center to be published in our newsletter. What about combining a monthly celebration for volunteers and your clients with a birthday or anniversary during the month. Many volunteers would love the chance to celebrate alongside the clients they work with.

Whatever your organization decides to do consider making recognition a daily practice. A simple thank you to each volunteer as they leave or a friendly welcome when they arrive helps your volunteers feel welcome and needed. Share your ideas about volunteer recognition with other volunteer managers HERE.

Be sure to check back in the June newsletter for the results of our Volunteer Recognition survey to our volutneers. Find out exactly what volunteers need/want to feel recognized for their hard work and dedication.