Today, April 12, marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week in Canada and the United States. Australia will hold National Volunteer Week, from May 11 to 17, with the theme Give Happy Live Happy, and across the United Kingdom, people will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week June 1 to 7.
This week reminds us of the importance of giving back to the community by volunteering and to show appreciation for the volunteers who help us and who make it possible for non-profits to operate.
Volunteer Canada’s theme this year is Volunteers are part of the ripple effect. “A volunteer action is like a stone thrown in a lake: its effect has a direct impact. At the same time, like ripples, volunteer efforts reach out far and wide to improve communities. Undeniably, volunteers rock.”
We are reminded to recognize, celebrate and thank the volunteers who manage our organizations and help others.”
Resources
Volunteer Canada’s website has an Engaging Vounteers section that provides suggestions for older adults, board members, groups, and volunteer recognition.
Points of Light in the United States, “the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service,” provides a calculator that measure the economic impact of volunteers. This tool could also be used to show volunteers the value of their service.
Sue McMaster Holst’s Pinterest board, Volunteer Appreciation, provides more than 400 ideas for recognizing and thanking volunteers. To find even more ideas, enter volunteer appreciation in the search bar. There is no need to be registered to look at Pinterest.
Volunteer recognition for genealogy societies
Last year the four-part series I wrote about volunteer recognition for genealogy societies generated a fair amount of discussion in social media among society members. I hope we will continue to brainstorm better ways to attract, recognize, and retain our volunteers.
Should genealogy societies do more to recognize volunteers?
- Volunteers are part of every genealogist’s research.
- Without volunteers, most genealogy societies would cease to exist.
How do volunteers want to be recognized?
- A study shows vounteers appreciate a personalized thank you.
- 80 percent of the volunteers surveyed said they would like to be recognized by “hearing the impact of their contributions.”
- Recognize and thank volunteers throughout the year on a frequent and informal basis.
- Let volunteers earn an annual membership by donating a specified number of hours on board-approved projects. If this is too costly for your society, draw two or three names out of a hat.
Recruiting and retaining volunteers
- When recruiting in your newsletter and website, promote the impact volunteers make on your genealogy society.
- Volunteers need to know they are making a difference and that their contribution is important to many.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
