Have you heard – it’s National Volunteer Week! As a small staff association professional, you probably recognize the important role volunteers play in keeping your association going. (At least, we hope you recognize the importance of their roles!)

How do you thank your volunteers?

I think the most important thing to remember when thanking volunteer (and coworkers, too!) is to make it personal. If you’re just going to give a generic “thank you” card with little or nothing written inside, you probably shouldn’t waste the effort. Take the time to think about how each staffer or volunteer has helped make your association better, and include that in your thank you card. Everyone has that unique “something” that makes them important to their associations.

Other ideas to thank your association’s volunteers?

- Start an “employee of the month” program, but make sure it has clear benefits, such as a gift certificate or premium parking space
- An extra paid day off
- A certificate, trophy or plaque
- A cash bonus
- Gift certificates to a nice restaurant or movie theater

I think setting one day aside each year to recognize everyone’s unique contributions isn’t too much to ask of an organization. If your organization has 10 or fewer staff members, consider including the active volunteers who really help run the association.

Recognizing key staffers and volunteers at your annual meeting is certainly important, but be sure to keep the ceremonies brief. Everyone likes to be recognized in different ways. For some, hearing a simple “good job” often is enough. Others prefer more formal types of recognition, and others still find the more casual awards fun.

However you choose to recognize your staffers, volunteers and members, be consistent, keep it fresh and don’t take them too seriously. Be sure the recognition program fits your association’s culture, and no meaningful contribution is too small to be recognized.

Whether it’s a thank you card, a kind word or a huge gesture or gift, don’t forget to thank the lifeblood of your association: your volunteers.

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