Volunteer Recognition
Knowing Why They Volunteer Helps
You Know How to Recognize Them
This spring, in both Canada and the US, April 19
– 25 is designated as National Volunteer
Appreciation Week. What this means is that
organizations across both countries that depend on
volunteers will be spending time and money to
acknowledge volunteers for their contributions.
Organizations will purchase tens of thousands of
certificates, logo-emblazoned trinkets, bouquets of
flowers, boxes of chocolates, gift cards, and other
expressions of appreciation to present to volunteers.
While the sentiment behind such acts may be genuine,
the form of recognition may not be appropriate
for all the recipients. While some may treasure the
certificates they receive for years, others will soon
deposit these tokens of appreciation in recycle bins.
Just because an organization likes to see its logo
everywhere doesn’t mean that volunteers want – or
need – a travel mug bearing its logo.
For recognition to be most valued by recipients, it
must be appropriate, and that is something that will
vary from volunteer to volunteer. Understanding the
different reasons why people volunteer can provide
clues to how to make recognition appropriate.
Ideally, recognition should be matched to the reasons
why people volunteer. Here are a few reasons
for volunteering, along with implications for making
assignments and suggestions for recognition:
To fill a social need. To meet others. Often, newcomers
want to get involved in their new community.
Assigning these people to solitary tasks would be a
mistake. They should work with others. Volunteer
coordinators should introduce them to others. Social
events with other volunteers are a great way to thank
those for whom volunteering helps fill a social need.To gain experience that will prepare them
for the world of work. For parents preparing to
return to the workplace after spending time away
raising children, volunteering may be their first step
in this transition. Education students are encouraged
to augment their studies by volunteering in classrooms.
What these volunteers want – and need – is
a variety of experiences. One way to let them know
that their contributions are valued is to write letters
of reference for them that include specific examples
of how they contributed.
To find out what is going on. Parents want to
understand what is happening in their children’s
schools. Residents want to know what is happening in
their community. Demonstrate your appreciation and
trust by keeping them in the communication loop.
Share as much as possible without revealing confidential
or proprietary information. Invite and then
answer their questions.
To be seen as worthwhile people. Get to know
these volunteers. What are their strengths? How can
these be used so that volunteers can see that what
they have to offer is important to the organization?
Assign tasks from which they can experience success.
Regularly let these volunteers know that what they do
is valued by the organization and essential to its success.
If they weren’t doing these tasks, who would be?
To learn and grow. Some lifelong learners are
looking for new challenges that will add to their
knowledge and skills. Assign tasks that provide them
with these opportunities. Express appreciation by providing
opportunities for them to attend workshops or
to participate in other learning opportunities.
Whatever you do to say thank you during National
Volunteer Appreciation Week, remember that it is just
one week out of 52. The need of volunteers to know
that they are valued will not end when the week ends.
Those who work with volunteers can fulfill this ongoing
need by using simple, inexpensive recognition
techniques such as a few words of appreciation delivered
regularly and occasional thank-you notes
throughout the year.
Many years ago, when I was principal of
Thickwood Heights Elementary School in Fort
McMurray, our staff decided to thank our volunteers
by inviting them to lunch. Nothing unusual about that.
Hosting a volunteer luncheon is a common way to
show appreciation.
What made it special was the teachers’ decision
not to order food from a local caterer. Instead they
volunteered to prepare the food themselves. We each
prepared a favourite dish and treated our volunteers
to a great potluck lunch.
If parents were volunteering their time to help, it
seemed appropriate that we use some of our time to
say thank you. Sure beat giving everyone another mug. |
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