Recognition Program Ideas Just for National Volunteer Week

• Hang a banner in town at the main intersection thanking volunteers.
• Have volunteers serve as disc jockeys on local radio stations. Take one- or two-hour shifts.
• Use bank or telephone bill stuffers thanking volunteers for their service.
• Have the mayor or governor proclaim National Volunteer Week.
• Develop a special page or section with the local newspaper’s cooperation.
• Have clubs create displays in local store windows or heavily traveled areas honoring the work their club leaders support.
• Have a legislative coffee honoring volunteers and county officials who are program supporters.
• Distribute bumper stickers or other promotional items recognizing volunteer contributions.
• Honor the first volunteer recruited during National Volunteer Week. Give this volunteer and recruiter special prizes.
• Have an agency volunteer parade.
• Have a motorcade around the parish. Follow with a supper for those in the motorcade – it can be large or small.
• Select a leader of the day for a press coverage or recognition.
• Have alumni and recipients write thank you notes to volunteers who have touched their life.
• Plant trees in the community commemorating volunteer contributions.
• Distribute cookies or cupcakes to local merchants, supporters and volunteers.
• Work with a ministerial council to provide recognition for volunteers in church bulletins.
• Develop a slide or video presentation featuring volunteer contributions.
• Sponsor a dinner theater honoring volunteers with songs included in this packet.
• Hold a special event at a nice community setting, like a museum, to recognize volunteers with special recognition.
• Create a yearbook to be displayed in the lobby that contains all volunteers photographs along with their achievements for the year.
• Conduct an out-to-dinner program for volunteers. Award dinners to volunteers for doing something special.
• Develop a Behind the Scenes Award especially for those whose actions are not usually in the limelight.

Volunteer Recognition Cards of All Occasions

• Thanks for sharing your work with our agency.
• Thanks for all the “heart work” you do throughout the year on behalf of our agency.

• We salute you! Volunteerism is a hallmark of a free and democratic society.
• Our agency appreciates all that you do for our community -- and our country. You are a star in our eyes! Happy 4th of July!

• Thanks for giving through the year.
• It’s time to say thanks for all you’ve given and done through the year. Happy Holidays!

• May the joy you receive this holiday season be equal to the pleasure you bring to others throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving!
• For sharing your volunteer warmth and joy with others, we extend holiday greetings and best wishes for a year filled with peace and harmony.

• A special person was born today! We send wishes full of good cheer along with our thanks to a special volunteer.

• Put up a volunteer suggestion box.
• Reimburse assignment-related expenses.
• Work with businesses to provide discounts or coupons to volunteers.
• Maintain a coffee/refreshment area.
• Invite volunteers to staff meetings.
• Accommodate personal needs and problems.
• Be pleasant and smile.
• Post an honor roll in the reception area.
• Keep volunteers challenged with interesting assignments utilizing their talent.
• Provide child care during meetings.
• Take time to fully explain responsibilities.
• Hold feedback sessions and value a volunteer’s opinion.
• Create pleasant surroundings, like a toy box in your office or reading material for persons waiting to see you.
• Enlist volunteers to help with training.
• Provide resources for conferences and workshops.
• Utilize volunteers as consultants.
• Praise volunteers to others, especially those individuals whom the volunteers value.
• Create opportunities for volunteers to work together and build relationships with others.
• Send a letter of appreciation to employer or spouse.
• Provide munchies during meetings and at work sites.
• Create a bulletin board that features pictures and accomplishments of specific volunteers.
• Give volunteers buttons or staff badges.
• Provide volunteers with a directory of volunteers in your program so they can network.
• Ask volunteers to represent your organization at other agency programs.
• Plan for a monthly volunteers' night out event where volunteers can just socialize with each other.
• Establish a wall of fame to honor volunteers who make a contribution to the program.
• Make yard signs that say volunteer lives here.

There is a job to be done, could be lots of fun. Just give us a call, and we’ll have a ball. You must have a big heart. It’s always a help to be sorta smart. The money is rare, but the rewards are big in compare.-- Pat BoyEs