HOW CAN WE BEST CELEBRATE VOLUNTEERS & VOLUNTEERISM

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Community Works participant comments from the registration form.

Community Works is a once a year conference designed to support partnership between volunteers and nonprofit agencies by addressing the key elements of for successful relationships. 

NETWORKING -  brings likeminded people together to get acquainted and establish ties.

ACKNOWLEDGING COMMUNITY RESOURCES - avoiding duplication of services and enables appropriate referrals and collaborations.

TRAINING - to equip volunteers, staff, and administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish significant work

Valuable Organized Loving Understanding Needed Tireless Energetic Enthusiastic Responsible Skilled

HERE'S WHAT SOME PEOPLE HAD TO SAY:

Give an award to an organization or volunteer that has achieved something remarkable.   Run a public service spot or short ad encouraging people to volunteer.

By making it easier for people to work with organizations.

We can best celebrate volunteers and volunteerism by showing them our gratitude over and over and over again.

recognition dinner

Sponsor an area or table at local events that showcases ways to volunteer in the Princeton area.

A loud handshake

How about a rubberband bracelet with the word  "Volunteer", similar to LiveStrong?  Orange, Purple or Lime Green would be awesome.

Always remember to verbally thank every volunteer that you interact with everyday!

Recognition is the best possible celebration. A sense of accomplishment ranks a close second

Help each person find the job that gives them joy.

Media exposure of the organizations, personal letter of thanks, recognition events.

Distinguish advantages/disadvantages of Volunteerism

By empowering those who organize the Volunteers

Immediate feedback

Volunteer recognition day.

Give volunteers an opportunity to present their ideas to the NFP's leadership in an organized and meaningful way

I think a luncheon along with giving out Certificates for years of services would be nice.

Treat us with respect (something you are already doing)

We can pass on the "spirit of volunteerism" to others thru training & the recruitment of new volunteers.

Volunteers need regular feedback on how much they are appreciated.

Profile volunteers on non-profit community sponsored website    Annual volunteerism fair  Annual volunteer award ceremony    Utilize regional television, radio and print media to relate volunteer achievements

Gratitude and recognition along with gratitude and more recognition!

Provide publicity for their organizations; and act as a "broker" for prospective volunteers or Board members.

Often.  Reward.  Remember.  Thank!  But most importantly, often.

Recognize efforts publicly or with a social gathering just for volunteers

An insert in the local papers full of vol pix submitted by orgs and agencies with glowing praises!
It might cost too much? Maybe some special public recognition event at Community Works? Followed by the various orgs treating the vols to potluck dinners at a staff members home?

By communicating and celebrating what they accomplish.

really PayPal

By making the program fun and uplifting.

Recognition - set aside a special day, through media relations, etc.

Knowing the tangible results of our volunteer efforts.

-Recognize efforts and achievements of individual volunteers
-Support volunteer agencies & groups / generate awareness of what they're doing (and their needs)

Acknowledging and Thanking them.

Recognition that is timely, sincere and personally delivered when possible

(Mercer County) Volunteer of the Week program.    Could be a regular feature in local print media.

Organizers need to know the tools available & resources to draw from, i.e. internships, etc.

Have a party, brunch, cocktail party!     Give a token gift, pin from the organization.    Make a donation in the name of volunteers.    Publish a thank you.

encourage a community volunteer day, honoring volunteers as well as encouraging new volunteers

Ask a few selected people to give a brief (one minute each) statement as to where they volunteer and why. They could describe what they have gained from being a volunteer, how it has affected their lives, etc.

I think celebrating volunteers as a part of Community Works is an excellent opportunity to do so.

Distinguish advantages/disadvantages of Volunteerism

Help each person find the job that gives them joy.

Do something once a month, a breakfast, a certificate ceremony, a special parking place for 3 months, etc.

Allow them to play a meaningful role in decision-making in your organization.

Support your volunteers. Listen to the suggestions and allow them to run with what they suggest.

Recognition - is enough for me!