12 Days of Gratitude: Day 4 - Give back to your volunteers

Do something out of the ordinary for your volunteers! 

We live in a time when people are busier than ever.  Just ask anyone how they are doing, and chances are they will tell you, “I'm so busy.”  And while day-to-day pace of our lives continues to pick up momentum, you will always find those inspiring groups of committed volunteers who carve out time in their busy schedules to offer a helping hand. 

Volunteers are a vital part of the work that you do, and they are often the key to the survival for your organization. How do you let them know this?

They may also be the greatest ambassadors for your work. Their friends, co-workers, bosses, bankers, and families are who they are going to speak so passionately to about the awesome work that your organization does.  Why? Something inspired them to want to make a difference.  Something is driving them to spend hours in a food pantry, tutoring kids after school, or stuffing envelopes for your year-end annual appeal.  Have you taken the time to ask them what compelled them to get involved?

Today, find a new and different way to thank your volunteers.  Do something out of the ordinary to really show them what a difference they are making through their work.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

•   Host a luncheon for volunteers to meet with your Executive Director, Principal or Superintendent. Ask them what they think is going great, ask for their insight, and talk to them about what inspired them to get involved.  Ask them where they would like to see your organization go in the future, really listen, and tell them just how vital a part of the organization they are.

• Or why not join them and work right beside them?  Show them you really understand and appreciate what they do.  Get to know them and show them you value their hard work.

• Give your volunteers a piece of framed artwork, a poem or story that the children your organization serves wrote.  A personal story or handwritten thank you note from someone your organization serves or from all of your staff would also be something for them to cherish for years to come. 

Take some time to really engage, thank and appreciate your volunteers.  Treat them as you would a full-time employee or major donor.  People’s time is often a gift more precious than money.  When you listen and really show you appreciate your volunteers' work, you make their experience even more meaningful and rewarding.