50 Ways to Give Recognition to Volunteers

We think it is important to remember that recognition is not so much something you do as it is something you are. It is a sensitivity to others as persons not a strategy for discharging obligations.

1. Smile
2. Put up a volunteer suggestion box.
3. Treat to a soda.
4. Reimburse assignment-related expenses.
5. Ask for a report.
6. Send a birthday card.
7. Arrange for discounts.
8. Give service stripes.
9. Maintain a coffee box.
10. Plan annual ceremonial occasions.
11. Invite to staff meetings.
12. Recognize personal needs.
13. Accommodate special needs.
14. Be pleasant.
15. Send a thank you note.
16. Provide study time together.
17. Post Dean's list in public area.
18. Respect their wishes.
19. Draw them a picture.
20. Keep challenging them.
21. Send a Holiday card.
22. Provide time to socialize.
23. Say "Good Morning".
24. Take time to explain.
25. Promote a "Volunteer of the Month" program.
26. Afford participation in the planning.
27. Respect sensitivity.
28. Enable to grow on the job.
29. Enable to grow out of the job.
30. Send newsworthy information to the media.
31. Have a bagel breakfast.
32. Ask client-patient to evaluate their work service.
33. Say "Good Afternoon"
34. Honor their preferences.
35. Create pleasant surroundings.
36. Welcome to staff coffee breaks.
37. Enlist to train other volunteers.
38. Have a public reception.
39. Take time to talk.
40. Defend against hostile or negative staff.
41. Make good plans.
42. Commend to supervisory staff.
43. Send them a happy face.
44. Plan a time to go out together.
45. Recommend to prospective employers.
46. Send them a quote of the day.
47. Give them a gift certificate to a place to eat.
48. Help develop self-confidence.
49. Nominate for volunteer award.
50. Have a picnic.