Thanking Your Volunteers

Updated: Nov. 18, 2013  |  Categories: Volunteers  

Volunteers can be a critical part of an association. Without their efforts, many important tasks may not get done. Volunteers keep budget costs down as well, because they don’t require pay.

But how can you keep volunteers motivated if they aren’t being paid?

It can all be summed up in two words: Say “Thank you.”

While that sounds simple enough, it can be much tougher to implement.

Here are a few ways to thank your volunteers.

• Annual Appreciation Dinner – Show your volunteers you appreciate their hard work by feeding them. Whether you have an elaborate banquet or just a catered lunch in a conference room, taking the time to plan such an event lets volunteers know you care about them.

• Recognize Them in Your Newsletter – Dedicate some space in each of your newsletters to recognize those who have helped out your association since the last newsletter.

• Handwritten Thank You Note – These days, handwritten notes stand out. When you make an effort to write them a letter, volunteers will feel special. Rather than just signing a thank you card, personalize the card by mentioning the specific task or event that the volunteer assisted with.

• Say Thanks During a Meeting – Mentioning volunteers in front of their peers can often have more impact than a private thank you. It makes a volunteer feel like a valued part of the organization.

• Post Photos on Your Website – Have you been taking photos during events? Be sure to gather volunteers at the beginning or end of the event to get a group photo. When you post the photo on your website, add the volunteers’ names as well. In addition, these photos make terrific social media content.

Saying “thank you” is imperative all year, but with Thanksgiving and the end of a calendar year approaching, now is the perfect time to be sure you have said “thank you”.

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