Your volunteers are your most important assets your group has, so don't forget to thank them often for all the hard work they do. Most people that donate their time to a good cause do not do it simply to be recognized for their hard work. But a sincere "Thank You" will go a long way in making them feel that what they did is important and makes a difference to you and your entire group. It will also help motivate them to continue to work hard on your group's behalf.
Since it is so easy to take volunteers for granted, here is a list of suggestions to help you show that you value them:
- Give them a small gift certificate for their favorite store or restaurant or better still a ChristianGear® Gift Voucher!
- Give them a hand written Thank-You note - and be specific in what you are thanking them for.
- Always smile and tell them you are happy to see them when they show up for a meeting or event.
- Every once in a while, end a meeting early, serve refreshments, and just enjoy their company.
- Keep up with what is going on in their lives (birthdays, promotions, anniversaries, etc.) and celebrate with them.
- Be flexible. There will be times when someone is not available to help out. Understand that and let them know it's O.K.
- Put a notice in your church bulletin or newsletter recognizing them for their help.
If your budget allows (if not hold a fundraiser just for this), you can even go further and give a gift certificate to the highest seller or host a dinner at a nice restaurant for the whole group and their families. But what really matters is that they feel that they are important and making a difference. Perhaps the best way to make them feel that is to simply say, "You are important and you are making a difference. Thank you."
Happy Fundraising!
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