SHOW APPRECIATION TO VOLUNTEERS

25 Ways to Show Appreciation to Volunteers
1. Greet the volunteer by name; encourage students to use volunteer’s name.
2. Thank the volunteer personally each day, noting special contributions.
3. Set a time to talk with the volunteer when children are not present; speak briefly with the volunteer each day before departure.
4. Celebrate the volunteer’s birthday, and encourage students to write occasional thank-you notes.
5. Use the volunteer’s special talents, knowledge and interests in assigning tasks.
6. Give the volunteer increasing responsibilities and more challenging tasks.
7. Share articles and books of mutual interest—on child development, learning styles, or content areas in which the volunteer works.
8. Include the volunteer when planning class activities.
9. Include the volunteer in staff meetings and in-service training when appropriate.
10. Send a letter of appreciation.
11. Take the volunteer to lunch.
12. Call or write when the volunteer is absent or ill.
13. Invite experienced volunteers to train newer volunteers.
14. Seek training opportunities for the volunteer, perhaps by providing a PTA scholarship to a volunteer conference or workshop.
15. Write an article on the volunteer’s contributions for your volunteer newsletter, school newspaper, or community paper.
16. Ask the volunteer coordinator or school community relations staff person about a feature story on volunteers for the newspaper, radio or TV station.
17. Nominate your volunteer for a volunteer award.
18. Celebrate outstanding contributions or achievements.
19. Commend the volunteer to supervisory staff.
20. Ask volunteers to help evaluate the program and suggest improvements.
21. Ask the children to evaluate the performance of the volunteer; share their comments with the volunteer.
22. Help plan a recognition event—an assembly, reception, or luncheon; invite the superintendent, school board, administrators, parents, community leaders.
23. Accommodate the volunteer’s personal needs and problems.
24. Encourage the volunteer to grow on the job.
25. Write a letter of recommendation if the volunteer requests it.