Ways to Show Appreciation to Volunteers

The National Association of Partners in Education (1989) has developed the following list of ways to show appreciation to school volunteers:

• "Greet the volunteer by name; encourage students to use the volunteer's name.

• Thank the volunteer personally each day, noting special contributions.

• Set a time to talk with the volunteer when children are not present; speak briefly with the volunteer each day before departure.

• Celebrate the volunteer's birthday, and encourage students to write occasional thank-you notes.

• Use the volunteer's special talents, knowledge, and interests in assigning tasks.

• Give the volunteer increasing responsibilities and more challenging tasks.

• Share articles and books of mutual interest--on child development, learning styles, or content areas in which the volunteer works.

• Include the volunteer when planning class activities.

• Include the volunteer in staff meetings in in-service training when appropriate.

• Send a letter of appreciation.

• Take the volunteer to lunch.

• Call or write when the volunteer is absent or ill.

• Invite experienced volunteers to train newer volunteers.

• Seek training opportunities for the volunteer, perhaps by providing a PTA scholarship to a volunteer conference or workshop.

• Write an article on the volunteer's contributions for your volunteer newsletter, school newspaper, or community paper.

• Ask the volunteer coordinator or school-community relations staff person about a feature story on volunteers for the newspaper, radio, or TV station.

• Nominate your volunteer for a volunteer award.

• Celebrate outstanding contributions or achievements.

• Commend the volunteer to supervisory staff.

• Ask volunteers to help evaluate programs and suggest improvements.

• Ask the children to evaluate the performance of volunteers; share their comments with the volunteers.

• Help plan a recognition event--an assembly, reception, or luncheon; invite the superintendent, school board, administrators, parents, and community leaders.

• Accommodate the volunteer's personal needs and problems.

• Encourage the volunteer to grow on the job.

• Write a letter of recommendation when the volunteer requests it.

• Write a letter to the supervisor of a business volunteer commending the volunteer's contribution to education." (p. 60)

Courtesy of the National Association of Partners in Education.