There are no limits to the number of ways in which you can
acknowledge the contributions made to your organization by your volunteers. To
do this effectively, however, the recognition should be meaningful to the
volunteer. Linking recognition to individual motivation will ensure that your
volunteers are recognized in ways that are meaningful to them.
Volunteer recognition can come in a variety of formal and
informal ways. In addition to, or instead of, a large annual event try
spreading your recognition efforts out over the year. A simple thank you card
or a potted plant or a packet of seeds can say more to the volunteer about your
appreciation than an annual dinner. A little can go a long way!
Here are some tools for recognizing volunteers.
Award:
Nominate for an award.
Competitions and Prizes:
Present trophies for different categories at an event.
Present a plaque to the volunteer with the highest participation.
Create a competition between people/groups.
Give out donated prizes to volunteers who volunteered beyond expectations.
Give volunteers an incentive if they visit your Facebook fan page and leave comments about their experienc.
Offer a chance to win prizes in order to get volunteers excited.
Enter volunteers into a draw for various prize.
Create an event:
Host a free BBQ for volunteers and hand out donated gifts; personally thank each volunteer.
Provide an opportunity for benefiting organizations to speak to volunteers about their services and how much they appreciate their contribution.
Coordinate a volunteer Leadership team recognition even.
Arrange benefiting organizations to say thank you to all the volunteers who participated.
Recognition Certificates:
Present recognition certificates to participating groups or individual volunteer.
Arrange for certificates to be given out at a related ceremony.
Write a formal letter and send it with the certificat.
There's many ways to say "thank you":
Personally thank volunteers who participated.
Thank participants and organizers of events in community newspaper ads.
Send a thank you message via email and let them know how successful the event was.
Recognize volunteers on your website, in the local media, or some other way that works for you.
Recommend that benefiting organizations recognize the contribution of volunteers through a certificate, letter or card that highlights the projects and number of hours complete.
Send out continuous "thank you for your ongoing effort" emails and use faceto-face accolades.
Post Facebook message and note on your website to recognize those that were involved with the challeng.
Send thank you cards to groups and volunteer.
