Back in 2016, I shared an article about how to show your volunteers you appreciate them. This reminded me that caring for and appreciating volunteers is such an important part of leading them.
Volunteers are at the heart of your ministry. Focus your appreciation efforts to retain their support and involvement with your mission. Developing a strong, volunteer recognition plan ensures that those who give their time to your organization feel appreciated in return.
With that in mind, here is an updated article with 20 more easy ways to show your volunteers you appreciate them.
1. A handwritten note. In the day of electronic communication, a handwritten note is gold.
2. Send them a text message and express your appreciation for them.
3. Have a picnic lunch with them after church. Provide the food.
4. Have a "shout out" wall where you put pictures of them serving and thank you notes.
5. Give them a small plant with a note that says "Thank you for helping the kids grow in their faith."
6. Say "thank you for serving and making a difference" every time they serve.
7. Send them a Christmas card and thank them for being a gift to the kids and families they serve.
8. Celebrate your volunteers through social media.
9. Honor them on their birthday.
10. Plan a thank you lunch or dinner with you, a volunteer, and the Senior Pastor.
11. A bag of microwave popcorn with a note that reads, “You are a POPular volunteer with the kids."
12. Host an appreciation dinner for your volunteers.
13. Video - make a quick, 30 second thank you video on your smartphone that you can share on social
media.
14. Wash their car for them.
15. Host a cookout / BBQ for them. Break out the grill and cook some hot dogs, burgers, and barbecue. Be sure to have fun games to play while they are there, like badminton, corn hole, horseshoes, etc.
16. Celebrate volunteer anniversaries through a years of service award. You can get a special gift or token to represent each year of service. Present special awards for 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and more years of service.
17. Recognize your volunteers in the church bulletin / newsletter.
18. Make a "thank you" video with the kids. Have kids thank their teachers in a short video.
19. Give them a ministry shirt or other merch for serving.
20. Give them a small gift basket with some of their favorite snacks and drinks.
You can get lots more ideas in my book - The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams - it is available at this link.
Your turn. What are some other ways you show volunteers you appreciate them? Share your ideas in the comment section below.
