Rewards and Recognition
Why Recognize Volunteers?
There are three main reasons for this process.
- It makes the Volunteer feel like a Valued part of the team.
- It motivates the Volunteer to continue to provide service.
- It conveys the appreciation of the organization for the service provided.
When to Recognize Volunteer Service/ Achievement?
Easy answer - Every day. At the end of an assignment, on their birthday, volunteer of the month, and when they join the organization are all good times for recognition.
Fairness and Equality: We should recognize the achievements of each of our Volunteers without favouritism and yet also strive to maintain a standard for recognition.
Personalization: The most effective rewards and recognition programs share a common thread. Personalization! For those of us who have received the standard "Thanks and here is a complimentary widget (insert any gadget that you will never use here)", I am sure that we recognize a lost opportunity. One way to get around this is to ask volunteers how they would like to be recognized and act on the suggestions, within reason. This is a chance to be creative. Form letters do not convey commitment. Try an electronic card on the Volunteer's birthday. It is cost effective and personal if the message is right for the individual.
How?
Day to day:
- Introducing the Volunteer to people on-site or off.
- Including the Volunteer in relevant decision making.
- Smile.
- Greet the Volunteer by name.
Special occasions: Name tags, article to community paper, reference letter, pictures taken in the workplace, a surprise meal, gift certificates, etc. Creative gifts that take thought and a little work, such as homemade crafts at Christmas time, will go a long way to show the Volunteer how much you value them as long as they are suited to the personality.
Training as Reward/ Recognition: An interesting trend! A recent poll of Volunteers on rewards yielded information that more than 75% of those who responded identified Training as what they would prefer for recognition. Now I am not saying to stop plans for appreciation dinner or pot luck. This is a great opportunity to network to determine what training needs can be met from within our community.
Other low cost suggestions include: - personalized certificates of achievement with use of the digital cameras available at many C@P sites. - family night at the C@P site to thank families for their contribution/ sacrifices. - BBQ's, Wine and Cheese, picnics - creation of a Volunteer yearbook/ scrapbook - donated coupons, vouchers, promo items (require soliciting of local business- video store, restaurant, etc.)
Suggested web sites:
http://www.volunteer.ca/index-eng.php
http://www.communityfutures.ca/volunteer/
http://envision.ca/vitems/
http://www.charitychannel.com/article_173.shtml
http://www.successories.ca/
http://cap.ic.gc.ca/english/8100.shtml
http://cap.ic.gc.ca/english/8943.htm
http://charitychannel.com/article_185.shtml
http://charitychannel.com/article_178.shtml
We would appreciate it if you would use the Appraisal Sheet to send us your comments on the materials in this section. Please Download it from the Tools Page.
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