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Retention: Recognition and Appreciation

Volunteer efforts need to be recognized and celebrated, but how you conduct these vary based on the personalities of the individuals in your MRC unit. Some will need more frequent acknowledgement that their contributions make a difference. Others will need explicit recognition even when they find the work satisfying. Some volunteers will not respond well to public recognition, yet they may appreciate recognition of the group to which they belong.

Regardless, every effort to achieve public recognition for the work your MRC volunteers have done always is a way to give them additional thanks. Volunteer recognition can range from purely informal contact with volunteers, one-on-one or in groups, where genuine appreciation and interest are expressed. Conversely, more formal recognition ceremonies can feature awards and public statements. You will need to choose the combination of volunteer recognition activities that responds best to the needs of your MRC team members.

Examples of recognition activities used by MRC units include:

• Daily Points of Light Awards
• President's Volunteer Service Award 
• Resolutions made by elected officials
• Press briefings
• Newspaper articles or advertisements
• Recognition through community awards programs (e.g., those sponsored by local media outlets)

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Last Updated on 9/5/2006