Thanking Volunteers: Volunteering Handbook Ch7

Chapter 7: Thanking Volunteers

From: The Practical Volunteering Handbook for School and Club Volunteers

Regularly celebrating achievements and showing gratitude to your volunteers is vital for maintaining a strong, committed volunteer base. Volunteers who feel appreciated are more likely to continue their involvement and contribute positively to your organisation. This chapter will explore various strategies to thank and recognise your volunteers effectively.

The Importance of Thanking Volunteers

As the fundraising year comes to an end, it’s essential to make a point of thanking your committee and all volunteers. A committee that feels valued will be more likely to return the following year, saving you from the headache of recruiting new members. Repeat after me: Retaining volunteers is just as important as recruiting them.

Here are some strategies to ensure volunteers feel appreciated and valued:

Throwing a Party

From a backyard barbecue to a dinner, any celebration that focuses on your volunteers is a great way to show appreciation. Make sure to include a personal thank-you speech and create a sense of community among the volunteers.

Prize-Giving Ceremony

Reward hard workers with well-earned incentive prizes. Hold the ceremony at a public event, such as a school assembly or a sporting club award night, to make it more special.

Personal Thanks

Depending on the size of your fundraising operation, a personal gesture such as a phone call, handwritten note, or small gift can go a long way in making volunteers feel valued.

Token Gifts

Thoughtful gifts like a children’s book with a personal story or a small token that relates to their contribution can be a meaningful way to show appreciation.

Creative Ways to Show Gratitude

Volunteer of the Week Car Space

If your school or clubhouse has a car park, allocate a ‘volunteer of the week’ car space and reward a different volunteer each week.

Connection to the Cause

Always inform volunteers about how their efforts have impacted the organisation and what will be done with the funds raised. Knowing the direct impact that they have had will be thanks enough for many.

Certificates of Appreciation

Volunteers can use certificates for personal memories and job applications. Have a volunteer’s child present the certificate at an assembly for an extra touch.

Gift Baskets and Bags

Create themed gift baskets or bags with items like quality chocolates, biscuits, or small fun items as a token of appreciation.

Volunteer Raffle

Every volunteer who works on a stall gets their name put into a hat for a raffle. Prizes can include local business gift certificates or deli goods. Alternatively, organise with a local coffee shop to donate a $20 voucher every month. Volunteers get a ticket each time they help out, and a winner is drawn at random.

Consistent and Personalised Recognition

Recognising long-serving volunteers can have a profound impact. Here are some suggestions:

• Garden or Bench Seat with Plaque: Create a lasting tribute with a garden or bench seat named in their honour.
• Special Awards: Name an award at the presentation day in their honour for the student who goes ‘above and beyond’ for the school community.
• Personalised Areas: Rename a room or area of the school, such as a music room or library corner, in their honour.
• Public Recognition: Have a local MP present an award at a special assembly or morning tea.
• Nominate for Awards: Nominate them for an Order of Australia award or other forms of local recognition.
• Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate milestones and successes, both big and small, to keep volunteers motivated.
• Personal Stories: Share personal stories from volunteers about their experiences to showcase their efforts and to demonstrate their impact.

Volunteer Sergeant: Ensuring Consistent Recognition

Consider appointing a dedicated person, a ‘Volunteer Sergeant’, to manage volunteer recognition. This role involves organising thank-you gestures, ensuring no volunteer is overlooked, and maintaining a consistent approach to expressing gratitude. Consistency in recognising volunteers is crucial to maintain their motivation.

Conclusion

Thanking volunteers is a vital aspect of maintaining a strong and engaged volunteer base. By consistently recognising their efforts and showing genuine appreciation, you create a positive and supportive environment that encourages continued involvement. Implementing these strategies will ensure that your volunteers feel valued and motivated, contributing to the ongoing success of your organisation. Remember, a heartfelt thank you can go a long way in building a lasting relationship with your volunteers.