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Volunteer Appreciation
By Barbara Willsher
 Among those who work at the center, probably no one needs and deserves appreciation more than the volunteer. This woman could invest her life anywhere. She is not filling up empty hours but is giving her precious time. The work she does is of great worth, but she receives little recognition for it. If she is going to receive any expression of appreciation, she will have to receive it from us. While each person responds somewhat differently to recognition, what is important is that recognition be given. Here are a few ideas about how to communicate appreciation to volunteers.
Remember the things that are special to her. Appreciation begins by thanking God for the volunteer and for her faithful service. It includes taking her prayer requests to the Lord when the shift begins and following up on her concerns with a call or a note. Beyond prayer, we can show appreciation by remembering days that are special to her such as birthdays and service anniversaries. A card on her birthday or a token of appreciation on her service anniversary will let her know we value her. Something as small as a mug, a book, a pen, or a piece of pro-life jewelry can speak volumes of encouragement into the life of a faithful volunteer.
Encourage her to develop and expand her talents. Providing adequate training and instruction and then trusting the volunteer with the work of the ministry show our esteem for her. By giving her accurate and positive feedback and by providing sufficient opportunities for her growth, we show our appreciation.
Appreciation
begins by thanking
God for the
volunteer and for
her faithful service. |
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Comment on her good performance. When we make every effort to catch her doing well and commend her specifically, we tell her that her contributions don't pass unnoticed.
Report her good performance to others. We are careful to get a pastor's good report before accepting a volunteer, but often the pastor never hears from us again. We can express our appreciation for the volunteer by contacting her pastor when her training and orientation are complete. With a brief note, we can call attention to her service and encourage her pastor to pray for her.
Make certain that others welcome her and are hospitable towards her. We are careful to show hospitality to clients, but do we make certain our volunteers feel just as welcome? We can surprise our volunteers with small acts of hospitality such as an occasional plate of fruit or cookies. We can keep the cupboard and refrigerator stocked with drinks and snacks that are provided for the refreshment of the volunteers—without any charge to them. Small acts of hospitality communicate how deeply we appreciate the faithful service of each volunteer.
Applaud her extra efforts. When we ask our volunteer to go "the extra mile" and help with a major event, we should remember to show our appreciation by sending her special thanks. The center should buy lunch for the team that cleans up the walk forms or sends out the post-banquet letters. These small acts of appreciation communicate tangibly that we understand the special gift of time and effort each volunteer has made.
Celebrate your volunteers. A spring picnic or dinner for all center volunteers and their families at which each volunteer is honored and publicly recognized is of great value. Also a staff Christmas party with a small gift for each volunteer is another way to express esteem for each volunteer.
Give special recognition to departing volunteers who have served a significant period of time. When a volunteer ends her time of service, we should be careful to show our thanks and appreciation. We should prepare a gift and a special letter of recognition. Long and faithful service ought to be honored in your newsletter. This kind of appreciation lets the departing volunteer know that she really did make a difference and communicates to other volunteers that their service is also of great value.
In isolation these events and expressions can seem obligatory and small. When appreciation is practiced often and in multiple ways, however, these events can become sweet moments of fellowship for paid and volunteer staff alike.
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