Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 10-16) is fast approaching, when organizations around the nation recognize and encourage their volunteers. This is a great time to recognize all the hard work your volunteers have done, but volunteer recognition should be a year-round priority.
The Importance of Volunteer Recognition
“Volunteers aren’t paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” – Sherry Anderson
Volunteers make a huge difference in our community. They are essential to nonprofits and their mission, and provide hope and loving care to the gardens, beaches and people who need it most. We may not repay our volunteers’ efforts in money, but we can repay them in recognition and gratitude.
[bctt tweet=”Volunteers are paid not in money, but in recognition and gratitude.”]
Volunteer recognition goes far beyond making volunteers feel appreciated. It creates a more supportive and fulfilling experience, and helps them feel that they truly made a difference. This in turn keeps volunteers motivated, and more likely to participate in the future. In addition, volunteer recognition ensures that volunteers will represent your organization in a way that you can be proud of.
Remember, volunteers represent the organizations they volunteer for. By showing your appreciation, you create a positive, engaging culture that they in turn will exemplify when carrying out the organization’s mission.
Thanking and recognizing volunteers on an ongoing basis is important to an organization’s success. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to say “thank you” that can fit any budget. Stay tuned — our next post will feature some great volunteer appreciation ideas.
Photo by croisy 
