How to Reward Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations and institutions, and although most of those who give so freely of their time and energy expect nothing in return, organizations often want to let volunteers know just how much they are appreciated. Expensive gifts are usually out of the question and would probably meet with skepticism on the part of the volunteers. However, using some ingenuity, organizations can come up with a variety of clever and creative rewards.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Start a Volunteer-of-the-Month program. Hang posters with a photo of the volunteer at work. Run articles about the individual in the organization’s newsletter, the website, and the newspaper. If possible, hang plaques at the end of the year which list the names of all the monthly honorees.
-
2
Ask paid staff members to host a potluck luncheon or dinner for volunteers. Assign each staff member a particular dish to bring. Use place cards so staff members are seated among the volunteers. If you ask each volunteer to bring a possible new volunteer, you will have an opportunity to let draftees know how much they will be appreciated before they even start.
-
-
3
Contact entertainment venues such as theaters, ballparks, and concert halls to ask if they would be willing to donate tickets which could be presented to volunteers in appreciation for their contributions. Similarly, try finding stores that will donate small items such as candy bars or hand lotion. Ask one shop to donate gift bags; package all the donated items in a gift bag.
-
4
Designate a small area in your building (if you are a large organization) as a volunteer center. Post a bulletin board, hang a clock, set up a card table and a couple of chairs. Put in a coffee machine and a water dispenser.
-
5
Assign a staff member to interview volunteers about their experiences. You might type up the interviews as given (or concentrate on one particularly rewarding experience) and then copy them and bind them into a booklet. These could be distributed at the gathering described in Step 2. Alternately, you might videotape the interviews, edit, and show the video.
-
6
Send volunteers e-cards from time to time letting them know that they are appreciated. You’ll find a good source for these at the end of the article. Or you might ask children (if your organization serves them) to design personalized cards for each volunteer. Let kids sign their names, and, if their parents are in agreement, attach their photos.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ask long-time volunteers for ideas about how they think volunteers in the group would appreciate being rewarded.
Make sure beforehand that volunteers are willing to have their name and/or photos included in publicity releases.
