Recognizing volunteers throughout the service year
Abstract
The most effective volunteer recognition happens not just annually at a banquet or a luncheon, but throughout the year. This effective practice from the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Web site describes activities you can do monthly to acknowledge your hard-working volunteers.
Issue
Integrating recognition into the work routine is one of the most effective ways to express your appreciation to the volunteers in your program — but finding easy to implement and low costs ways to do so may be challenging for busy volunteer managers and project directors.
Action
Recognize your volunteers in the following ways throughout the year:
January
Distribute a list of celebrity alumni of your program. Scramble the names or develop a fill-in-the-blanks clue game to have participants identify your program’s volunteers, so members can learn more about these individuals. This activity could be included with a newsletter to constituents.
Similar to an “Employee of the Month” award, develop a "Tip Your Hat to a Top Volunteer" recognition award. Create a flier and post it in a public place (such as the University Extension oOffice, grocery store, or local café) or on your Web site. Rather than requiring a selection committee to review qualifications, draw a name from the list of all volunteers in the program. Talk to several adults and youth who work with that individual to list five reasons everyone should tip their hat to this top-notch volunteer.
February
Send a valentine to every volunteer who has helped youth grow or had an impact on youth or the organization.
Send volunteers a package of hot cocoa mix to "warm them up" during the coldest month of the year.
March
Take a jar of jellybeans to each meeting. Let participants guess how many jellybeans are in the jar. (Plan the number of jellybeans to equal the number of volunteers in your program last year.) After the guessing concludes, talk about the significance and value of that number of volunteers serving in the program.
In the spirit of Kermit the Frog, send a postcard: "It's not easy being green, and it's not always easy being a volunteer."
Have a drawing that includes all the volunteers who have attended training sessions this month (or during the past three months). Present a mug, gift certificate, or pen.
April
Deliver a packet of vegetable or flower seeds to a volunteer who has "helped us grow."
During National Volunteer Week, write a press release thanking volunteers for their service to your organization; if possible, list the names of all volunteers.
May
Make arrangements to spend three hours with volunteers helping them with their spring cleaning. Assist with raking leaves, washing windows, planting flowers, or cleaning a garage. There could be a drawing for this opportunity.
Deliver a May basket filled with flowers and/or treats to volunteers.
Send a virtual (no cost) greeting card and bouquet of flowers via the Internet.
June
Deliver a picnic lunch to a volunteer that he/she can share with his/her family.
Sponsor a potluck picnic for volunteers.
Print lots of volunteer accomplishments in the monthly newsletter.
July
As you plan a parade float, include a sign thanking one volunteer or all volunteers in a group.
Send firework "sparklers" to volunteers with a message: "You Light Up My Life!"
August
Set up a poster or display at a local event. (e.g. county fair).
Send volunteers a "back-to-school" or "new year" goal setting worksheet. Invite them to attend a meeting or training session where there will be time to share their ideas for annual organizational or program goals.
September
Prepare a meal. Invite parents as guests.
Help volunteers get organized for the new program year by sending them a calendar or yearly planner.
October
Deliver a bag of peanuts to each volunteer, with a label: "We would be NUTS without you!" (A monkey costume would be great for the delivery person around Halloween.)
Have a pumpkin decorating fun day.
November
Say “thanks” by having a reception for parents and others who volunteer for specific events or subject matter.
For northern climates, make a winter survival kit for your volunteers. (Include candles, matches, a metal cup, snacks, and hot packs.)
December
Have a cookie-baking marathon and deliver cookies to individuals and organizations that serve the community through volunteers — schools, school boards, fire departments, 4-H, and Scouts.
Send a holiday wreath to each group that works with a volunteer.
Context
The University of Illinois Extension 4-H Web site was created several years ago through a combined effort of University Extension 4-H Specialists and volunteers with the North Central Region of the Cooperative Extension Service. The materials were compiled for use during National Volunteer Week and National 4-H Week.
The site is intended for volunteer administrators, with particular emphasis on recognizing volunteers in programs for youth. It provides guides, ideas, and materials to recognize volunteers and to promote volunteerism during National Volunteer Week and throughout the year.
The mission of 4-H is to help youth learn skills for living by maximizing community and university resources to help youth, adults, and families reach their fullest potentials.
4-H programs:
- Allow youth and adults to work together in family and community environments to create real life learning laboratories that help youth practice skills they need today and will continue to need the rest of their lives
- Reach youth in their own neighborhoods and communities, with unique, hands on learning strategies suited to their needs
- Address current youth issues through positive youth development programs
- Value youth as resources by involving them in significant decision making and encouraging their participation in community roles
- Promote positive adult and youth mentor relationships
Citation
- Marilyn Lesmeister, former Leadership and Volunteer Development Specialist, North Dakota State University Extension.
- Carmel Miller, former County Extension Agent, North Dakota State University Extension.
- Some ideas adapted from Tennessee 4-H Ideas newsletter, “More of 98 Ways to Celebrate National 4-H Week,” Peggy Adkins, Associate Extension Specialist, Tennessee.
Posted On
March 22, 2009For More Information
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