The Volunteer Leadership Training Series is a peer-to-peer program researched, complied and created through an initiative of KAVCO members. This series of training is focused on sharing the vital elements of leading volunteers.

1. Volunteer Leadership Training
Recognizing and Appreciation
How to better recognize your volunteers
April 2012
Module 4 of 4
Created by C.Piggott

2. Question?
Why is volunteer recognition so important?
Vo lunte e rs are ve ry spe cial pe o ple who se
do natio n o f time and e ffo rt warrants spe cial
co nside ratio n. The y sho uld always be
e nco urag e d to g ro w, le arn and se e k fulfillme nt
as the y he lp an o rg anizatio n, e ve n if it me ans
acce pting the re ality that no t e ve ryo ne is
pe rfe ct fo r e ve ry jo b.

3. Question?
Why do we leave it to once a year to recognize
our volunteers?
There are thousands of ways to recognize
people for their efforts… a smile, a thank-you
for…, newsletter/press releases, reimbursement
of expenses when possible, name tags, letters of
appreciation, banquets, special occasion cards,
calendars, baby-sitting services, a picnic…we
do not have to wait for one day …once a year.

4. Don’ t know how to start?
• Brainstorm Ideas – List Their Hobbies and Interests
• What do they read?
• How do they dress?
• Do they like to cook?
• What have they mentioned in conversation?
• What time are they available?
• Do they like sports?
These areas will reveal new forms of recognition that are creative,
appropriate and user-friendly .

5. Ideas for informal recognition
• A personal note of thanks, either after an event or
periodically
• Sending a picture of the volunteer at the event or
activity as a keepsake
• Giving out stickers: you would be surprised how
many people like stickers
•Inviting the volunteers to a staff meeting to talk
about the success of the event

6. Ideas for informal recognition
• Sending or giving cards for many occasions;
remembering a special personal event
• Providing an area where the volunteers can relax
•Creating a wall of fame
• Saying thank you, offering on the job praise
•Setting aside time to evaluate their performance

7. Ideas for informal recognition
•Sending a letter of thanks to the volunteer, their
supervisor at work or teacher at school
•Giving opportunities for learning by providing
workshops and educational opportunities
•Writing an article in a newsletter, website, journal or
local publication

8. Ideas for formal recognition
•Awarding certificates and plaques
•Distributing formal evaluation and volunteer
placement feedback surveys
•Providing a timely orientation and training and
provide proper supervision
•Holding an annual event that is both timely and
appropriate to your volunteers

9. Ideas for formal recognition
•Offering letters of recommendation
•Providing individuals with meaningful volunteer
work that reflects their personal goals
•Nominating them for local, provincial and national
volunteer awards
•Highlighting their accomplishments at the annual
AGM or board meeting

10. Video
If you can’ t see the video follow this link
http://youtu.be/bffTWt1r9_w

11. Finally,
To develop best practices in volunteer recognition, you
need to plan ahead and know what you want to do. It is
important to share your ideas with staff and volunteers.
Remember that recognition should be a priority if you
want to retain good volunteers.
We all need to know we are doing well at our jobs, as it
helps motivate us to continue our work. Most importantly,
you need to be sincere about saying thank you. Make
every occasion count and make sure that your thanks are
meaningful and appropriate for your volunteers and truly
reflect the impact they have had at your organization.

12. Test
You have now completed Module 4 of the KAVCO
Volunteer Leadership Training. Please follow this link
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HQLYFSH
to complete the quiz.

13. Resources
• http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/research/rvol85.html
• http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/research/rvol38.html
• http://www.volunteercard.com/2010/11/101-ways-to-appreciate-
your-volunteers/
• http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/01/10/volunteering-
appreciating-how-bittersweet-life-can-be/
• http://www.baudville.com