As you know, our clubs don’t run without dedicated volunteers. Volunteers take time out of their extremely busy schedules to help our clubs and we rely entirely on their kindness. It’s important to show gratitude any chance we get. There are several ways to show your appreciation that won’t break the bank.
Don’t let your budget limit your gratitude
- Handwritten thank you notes are very personal. Write your best memory of the volunteer in action this past year or of a quote that reflects their commitment.
- Shop at discount stores like the Dollar Store and Dollar General for cute gifts.
- Make homemade gifts—yummy treats, flowers grown from seeds, or certificates—they all reflect appreciation.
- Photographs of your volunteers are also nice as a keepsake. The best gift I ever received was a photo of me dressed in 50s attire in a nice frame. To this day, it still sits in my office.
Host a recognition event
- Be sure to ask your school, gym, or clubhouse for help. They might be willing to split the costs or host alongside you.
- Remember that you can get a community sponsor to help offset the costs
- Local restaurants might be willing to donate desserts or coffee as long as you give them proper credit (signs, menus, or a graphic on your Membership Toolkit site) and patronize them in the future.
- A video collage memorializing the year can be shown and shared. (From the volunteer pictures you snapped.)
To recognize volunteers, invite and include all of your volunteers
- Speeches and introductions can help set the mood.
- Volunteers enjoy meeting others and learning of their stories.
- For those volunteers moving away or graduating with their children, allow them to recite special memories of their time on campus.
- Above all, remember to thank your volunteers!
For more ideas on how to celebrate your volunteers, check out our Pinterest board. Also, please share your ideas in the comments below–we’d love to hear from you!Also, please share your ideas in the comments below–we’d love to hear from you! Also, please share your ideas in the comments below–we’d love to hear from you!
