Volunteer Appreciation Week is always near the 3rd week of April. Volunteers appreciate being recognized for their time, dedication, and efforts. Just because schools, businesses, etc. are temporarily closed and distance keeps you apart doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to show appreciation.
How can you show appreciation to your volunteers in a virtual environment?
We have put together some great ideas to help you recognize your volunteers while maintaining a safe, social distance:
Write Thank You Notes
Handwritten notes are very personal. Write of your best memory of them in action this past year or include a quote that reflects their commitment. Drop these into the mailbox, place on their front porch, or tape them to the front door. Or, you could also send an e-card.
Newsletter or Webpage Spotlight
Feature a “Volunteer of the Week/Month” in your communications. You could even have them fill out a data form/questionnaire about his/her likes and activities. If you want to go one step further—ask them to share a photo you can post.
Put Their Name in Lights
Utilize the school marquee or a social media post to call attention to your volunteers as a group or a single volunteer each week.
Volunteer Certificates
Create a simple certificate using online resources such as www.iclicknprint.com. You can recognize each volunteer in a virtual meeting or share the recognition through Social Media.
Year in Review
Create and share an online slideshow with PowerPoint, Prezi (www.prezi.com) or other online tool memorializing the year from event photos.
Yard Sign
Place a sign in their yards such as “An awesome PTO Volunteer lives here!”, “An awesome HOA volunteer lives here!”, etc.
Window Signs
Have the neighbors make thank you signs and put them in their windows for fellow neighbors to walk/drive by and spot on a scavenger hunt.
Virtual Toast
Drop off a bottle of sparkling juice with an invitation to join a virtual meeting in celebration. During the virtual meeting take the time to toast all volunteers for their hard work and dedication!
