Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Informal Recognition

Since informal recognition is so meaningful to volunteers, here are some ideas you may want to try:

• Send thank-you notes to volunteers
• Send a copy to their family
• For young people, send a note to their parents
• Give tokens of appreciation (pins, mugs, etc.)
• Have a display board in the office highlighting volunteer accomplishments
• Have photos of volunteers displayed
• Send birthday cards
• Offer social opportunities (pot luck dinners, etc.)
• Hold a fun workshop for volunteers (True Colours, crafts, etc.)
• Donate a book to the public library with the volunteer's name inscribed in it
• Send a tea bag and permission to NOT attend a formal event but to instead put their feet up and relax at home!

If you are looking for a cheap and fun way to informally recognize your volunteers, Literacy Plus (Renfrew County Community Upgrading Program) may provide some inspiration! Literacy Plus developed a "Literacy Volunteer Thank You Kit". The kit contains a thank-you card with a verse about the various items contained in the kit:

• An agency pen: "Our volunteers have made their mark"
• Chocolate eggs: "Your support is eggzactly what our learners need to reach their goals"
• Note cards: "Your contribution is noteworthy"
• Ruler: "Your value is beyond measure"
• Elastic: "We appreciate your flexibility"
• Lifesavers: "You are truly a lifesaver!"

Or, you may have seen similar 'kits' that other organizations have developed. Let them inspire you as well!

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Formal Recognition

Formal recognition is important to some volunteers and can include such activities as:

• Holding a recognition banquet
• Holding a tea or other special event for volunteers
• Holding a summer picnic for volunteers
• Honouring volunteers at the Annual General Meeting
• Giving recognition in the annual report
• Giving certificates of accomplishment
• Formally recognizing length of service
• Holding a special event or activity during National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week provides a wonderful occasion for volunteer recognition. This week (held in April of each year) has been especially set aside to honour Canada's volunteers. Volunteer Canada has extensive resources and information relating to National Volunteer Week on its website: http://volunteer.ca/about-volunteerism/national-campaigns.

Another opportunity for volunteer recognition is through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. These awards are a way for the government to recognize volunteers for their contributions. Youth volunteers are recognized for two or more years of service, while adults are recognized for five or more years of service. It is completely free and the only selection criterion is that the board chair signs off on the years of service contributed by each volunteer. Please visit the website of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration for more information: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honoursandawards.shtml.

Check local retailers such as trophy and awards shops as many of them carry volunteer appreciation items. If you prefer to order online, you can also find some great volunteer recognition gifts at Cabam: www.cabam.ca.

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Questions for Reflection

1. How could you best meet the formal and informal recognition needs of your volunteers?
2. Have you ever asked your volunteers how they would like to be recognized?
3. Are there any barriers to effective recognition of volunteers? If so, what are they?

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