23 Responses to “Volunteer of the Month Awards – What Do You Actually Think?”

1. Dr Judy says:

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   Hi Everyone,

   We’d really like to read your thoughts on this publicity idea.

   And your thoughts on Volunteer Awards.

   What do you think?

   Dr Judy Esmond
2. Jacky says:

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   I understand Deb’s point of view, but I recently became a volunteer Co-ordinator and where I work now, has a “Volunteer of the Year” award. The Volunteers LOVE it. I think if it is done as part of a recognition program and not on it’s own, it works really well. Our volunteers also have monthly events, 10/15/20/25 year certificates for service, discounts at local stores and a number of other ‘benefits’ for being a volunteer. If it is presented in a postive light and as part of a bigger picture, there is no reason why any of your volunteer’s should feel less worthy.
3. Sioux says:

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   I wonder about only choosing one also – as the above comment said it implies others are not ‘doing their best’ this month.

   How do you choose from someone who has been doing a weekly shift forever, compared to a newcomer that has done something amazing.

   I think volunteer awards are essentail – but they should be personal, spontatneous as well as planned and certainly not given in a manner that makes any other volunteers feel less.

   I feel that if one award winning volunteer a month ‘had’ to be found, smaller orgs would then be in a position that all volunteers would need to be awarded at some time or another – and how meaningful is that???
4. Carrollyn Hennessy says:

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   I have to say that recognition whilst not sought is readily accepted by volunteers as a job well done.

   By having it advertised in the local paper you are not only recognising the volunteer in his/her local area, but you are showcasing the Group that the volunteer supports.

   It is my experience that volunteers support and acknowlege colleagues who bring favourable attention to a Group.

   Any coverage is good coverage usually.
5. Rachel says:

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   My preferred award system is that of years served. All volunteers receive yearly recognition, with special certificates & awards being given for 5/10/15yrs of service.

   This is inclusive of all our volunteers, no matter what their role or frequency of volunteering. People who have volunteered monthly for 5yrs have their contribution honored in the same way as somebody who may volunteer weekly. This kind of award honors each volunteer’s contribution as equally important.

   Within this framework, there is room for much personal, informal and spontaneous expressions of thanks and valuing of volunteers who may serve a lot or do extraordinary things. There is also the opportunity for publicity when we give formal awards to those who have volunteered for a number of years.

   Granting many people are time-poor, I don’t believe it’s fair to base too much emphasis on what one volunteer achieves over another: not in my Program anyway, as we have a wide variety of tasks and frequency of people voluntering.

   I think it ultimately varies from Program to Program.
6. Mark Remnant says:

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   Yes, we’ve been having this conversation here as well. The importance of recognising the efforts of volunteers is coming through the volunteer management and community development literature loud and clear.

   I would argue that what is often lacking is the more informal “well done, good job” approach, particularly in small, all volunteer, groups. While individuals often see themselves in a supervisory role, they are often ‘Task oriented’ in their approach. While this is great from an outcomes view, the “Warm and Fuzzies” are every bit important. Some long term committee members tend to become the “Grim and Determined” when it comes to getting projects accomplished and combine complaints about the lack of support with a “Drill Sergeant” demeanour, effectively alienating current and potential volunteers.

   It has been noted that Australian corporations also suffer from a ‘Commendation drought’. It was interesting that the Volunteering Australia survey reflected the desire of volunteers for some informal commendation and recognition as some of the strongest feedback they received. I would suggest that rather than monthly awards, an ongoing culture of appreciation and commendation will present as much more genuine and result in real inclusion within groups.

   Then there’s just world peace and oil prices and we’ve got it…………

   Regards,
   mr

   Mark Remnant
   Community Development Officer
   Buloke Shire Council
7. Sally says:

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   I think that it sounds like a long term committment that would be difficult to stop once commenced. You will train the volunteers to expect it so you will be wedded to doing it.

   Would you do it with a (?small) ceremony? Involve the Snr managers?

   You also have to give a reason/ justification and I find it hard enough to find appropriate wording for the yearly Appeciation Ceremony, let alone doing it monthly.

   I also think that there is potential for it to get political, some volunteers may not understand or appreciate your choices. You don’t want to start unpleasant undercurrents.

   It would also depend on the organisation – it wouldn’t ‘fly’ in our large hospital

   I have a small book of quotes “Gratitude” compliled by Dan Zadra. I take one quote and write a few words around the quote theme. Volunteers appreciate this very much. I do it as circumstances arise.
8. Erica says:

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   Hi Judy,

   I find this to be a very interesting topic. I had a work colleague at a previous job who begrudgingly went along to be part of an awards selection panel for volunteers. Her view was that all volunteers should be acknowledged equally. It also leads onto another issue of why people volunteer – for that warm and fuzzy feeling and to make a difference is usually enough, right? Should we really be throwing in other incentives if monetary gifts or titles were involved?

   However, when she came back from the panel meeting, she said how inspiring the stories were from the nominees and how some people really do go above and beyond the call of duty, and her opinion was changed of the whole idea of rewarding volunteers. So… I am torn.

   At my current organization, our volunteer of the month would be the same every month, however this could be different for larger organizations. I’d be inclined to either do it once a year or keep the idea to being simply the volunteer’s story about how good helping out makes them feel to encourage others, rather than giving them a title. I think volunteers would feel chuffed to be asked to contribute their personal story and opinions.

   I am inclined (in my organization at least) that every volunteer be made to feel valued equally with a small thank you gift of chocolates or a certificate if it is for particular event.

   Thanks and I look forward to seeing other people’s opinions,

   Erica (name changed as requested)
9. Dr Judy Esmond says:

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   Hi All,

   Some people have asked if they can make comments but not use their real name or organization.

   Of course you can. You can choose any name you would like and no need to include your organization if you do not want to be identified.

   However, if being identified is not an issue, then leaving your name, job title and organization at the end of your comment does allow others to understand more about the context of your comments.

   Either way, we’d be delighted to read what you think and have you join in the conversation.

   Cheers

   Judy

   Dr Judy Esmond
10. Mark says:

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    Its a fantastic idea…! Drw backs is consistency in implementation! Therefore if it’s going to happen then the management in charge MUST make sure they consistently commend their volunteers. The issue you face is at times there is truly only 1 or 2 who are truly pulling their wieght, but remember the award can be changed to fit all volunteers and not just the hardest working. This is not to commend all the volunteers but to highlight different qualities needed to the group!
11. Brenda Twitty says:

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    I prefer “volunteer spotlight” for the monthly newspaper article. I do present a Volunteer of the Year award at our Volunteer Awards Banquet each year and our organization participates in the President’s Volunteer Service Award program in the U.S., which is based on number of hours/years served.
12. Rhonda Vang says:

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    Everyone is making the assumption that the Volunteer Coordinator is the one who chooses the Volunteer of the Week or Month. Why not involve your volunteers in this decision? You can, either ask them to vote for the person that they think should be featured in the newspaper article, or set up a small committee to help you make the decision. That way, the volunteers themselves have ownership of the decision. It also doesn’t stop you making suggestions to a group of volunteers about recognising the ones who stay quietly in the background, and don’t get noticed much by the others, but are making a huge contribution.
13. Tricia Blanks says:

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    I Think I would rather send a quiet Thank You! To my volunteers they are all very precious.

    Volunteers often resent the public awards. Recently a national sporting club sent certificates of appreciation to court officials. This went down very well.

    Tricia Blanks
    Coordinator.
    Chaplaincy /Pastoral Care
    La Trobe University
14. Robin Austin says:

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    I’m not surprised at the varied responses.

    Several years ago I suggested that we have (volunteer) Leader (and also youth member) of the Year awards for each Scout Group in South Australia. It was accepted by those in the hierarchy at the time (not always enthusiastically), but met considerable resistance in the field and few nominations were made. People did not want to select one person for special recognition above the others – it’s a team effort and a volunteer of the year award was thought could damage that team feeling.

    We do also have a national program of awards for volunteers, for both length and quality of service. This is not selecting the best from a group of people, however.

    Perhaps the lesson (as always!) is to ask your own volunteers what they think of the idea you have – whether an award or something else.

    The best award I ever came across was one for a ‘most improved’ student at a school. It was initiated by the other students for a Year 12 student who had turned his life around. The school adopted the idea and created this new award – EVERYONE LOVED IT!

    Robin Austin
    Scouts Australia, SA Branch
15. Jo-Anne says:

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    I think it is a valid point about recognising only one volunteer and sustaining a monthly award program. However it is a wonderful way to promote volunteering in the organisation, having a volunteer interviewed about their role in the local newspaper. We recently held a recognition morning where certificates were awarded to all volunteers to show our appreciation of their time and effort. The morning though was about giving back to them by providing a pampering for them ie hand massage, head and neck massage, foot massage and relaxation techniques. While not all of the volunteers attended the morning, of those who did most participated in the activities and we have had very positive feedback from those who attended. It would be difficult to choose one volunteer a month and even to ask other volunteers to choose someone could be difficult in our organisation due to the number of volunteers and the diversity of their roles.
16. Marlene Fitzgibbons says:

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    Hi Judy,

    I think such an idea is good for a recruitment tool, as most of my volunteers have come from word of mouth, or gave up their permanent work to stay on as a volunteer. The fact is there are volunteers who are absolute magic and give their all, so why not give recognition.

    Marlene
17. Ginne Hendrickson says:

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    Judy,

    We did the volunteer of the month article for a year and now we are doing a volunteer service of the month with a picture of the people in action or involved in the program. Our paper is wonderful about running these each month.

    Ginne Hendrickson
    Patient & Family Services
    Jamestown Hospital, USA
18. Jennifer Thompson, CVA says:

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    I like the idea of recognizing a different volunteer each month in the organizations newsletter (Volunteer spotlight) Thisis a great way for the staff to learn about the volunteers who offer so much to the organization. However, I think we are missing the bigger picture. Getting an artilce in a newspaper, magazine etc is a wonderful way to showcase your organization and your needs for other volunteers. You might feature a volunteer doing a participular task or a volunteer who has developed a program. yes you are recognizing the volunteer but you are just doing another type of recruitment.

    Recognizing volunteers is vital to any program and should be done all the time, but I think any volunteer who really believes in your organization cause will understand why a certain volunteer is highlighted. If you are concerned run it by your volunteers, they should be involved in improving your program and their input is priceless.

    Here in Tulsa, OK USA I work with a volunteer Center who holds annually a city wide volunteer recognization as part of their annual fundraising event. All organizations can nominate volunteers in different classifications (youth, senior, group etc) and you can nominate as many of your vounteers as you wish. We have a nomination form and guidelines, it is then judged by members of the community, we usually use business people who belive in volunteerism. We then hold a reception and each volunteer who is nominated is recognized and then one is choisen from each catagory. These winner are then judged to see who will be rewarded as Change Agent of the Year (Volunteer of the year). It isn;t an expensive event but works to recognize any volunteer and it is up to the organization to nominate. If anyone is interested in learning more about this please feel free to email me.

    Jennifer Thompson, CVA
    Rivercross Hospice – Tulsa OK
    jthompson@rivercrosshospice.com
19. Judi says:

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    Thanks for all of these wonderful ideas. I am integrating many of them into the recruiting and retention plan that I am putting together for the coming year.

    One of the things that came out of a brain storming session with my supervisor and our director last week was an idea to promote an ongoing culture of appreciation. I will contact each of our 6 volunteer supervisors each month for the name of one of our volunteers and a description of their “going above and beyond”. The executive director will send a hand written note to each of the volunteers, thanking them on behalf of our agency and the children we serve.
20. Dr Judy says:

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    Hi Everynone,

    Thanks for all your great ideas and discussion.

    You have given us all much to think about – thanks for sharing.

    Cheers

    Judy

    Dr Judy Esmond
21. Sandra Lutz says:

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    Good Morning Judy:

    I am the senior center director for the Franklin County Office Area Agency on Aging in Chambersburg Pennsylvania. I oversee (8) senior activity centers in our county. We have approximately (300) active volunteers between the agency and the senior centers. Our volunteers do a variety of things. At the senior centers we serve a meal everyday, and deliver meals to people who are not able to come to the centers, so we have volunteers who prepare food, serve food, and clean up.

    Senior center volunteers also instruct classes and provide presentations at the centers, run errands, serve on center councils and decorate the centers, and we have about 125 volunteers who deliver meals.

    In the AAA office we have office volunteers, volunteers who assist seniors with medicare issues (APPRISE), we have a volunteer agency council, and ombudsman and peer volunteers who assist residents in personal care and nursing facilities with issues they might have. In short, we could not operate without our volunteers.

    This year I was told due to funds being cut we were not going to be able to have our recognition banquet at all, so I had to get very creative and figure out how to do it with little or no money. I refused to consider not having anything at all.

    So, rather than go to a restaurant, we used our own food service for a meal we can afford. I chose a theme of “Volunteers are Our Everyday Angels” Everyone received an angel token (handmade) attached to a card with an inspirational reading on it, a refrigerator magnet (handmade) that looks like a seed pack and says “Volunteers Sew Seeds of Kindness”, and a personalized certificate of appreciation hand written in script, and signed by the appropriate volunteer coordinators.

    Since it was impossible to have speakers at each of the eight centers, I came up with the idea of the DVD. By doing this we were able to get more people on board to express their appreciation, because all they had to do was sit in their office and tape themselves, rather than go out and do an actual speaking engagement.

    Hope this is not too much information. I am guessing that everyone is struggling for ideas in this economy. Have a great day!

    Sandy Lutz
22. Dr Judy says:

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    Thanks Sandra,

    I never fail to be impressed with how creative people can be when it comes to appreciating the work of their volunteers.

    Great stuff and thanks everyone for your thoughts and ideas.
23. Jack Pool says:

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    Hi Judy,

    I find that most of our volunteers appear to become embarrassed with personal awards. However, at Stafford Meals on Wheels we have found that a certificate of appreciation as a group for volunteers who are regular and dedicated which are given and presented by Local, State & Federal Government members and also Local Councillors which is given media coverage in our local newspaper seems to encourage more people to volunteer.

    Also another area is to encourage corporate business to have their management and staff to assist in volunteering.

    We have been successful in training young people with a disability and their carers to also assist.

    Regards,

    Jack Pool
    Stafford Meals On Wheels