Christmas is a glorious time of celebration and gift-giving. I want to suggest a type of gift-giving that won't send you scurrying back to the mall, fighting crowds and racking your brain for the perfect idea. It's the gift of appreciation. And it's for your workers who've been carrying out their assigned ministries faithfully, but unfortunately are too often unnoticed and unappreciated.
Christmas is a perfect time to pause and recognize each wonderful steward of time and talents. One thing volunteers say they appreciate is personal time with their leaders. They love talking about what's gone well and what hasn't. This also is a great time to evaluate the past few months and dream together about ministry in the new year. Just knowing that you've noticed and care is a powerful motivator for volunteers.
Another affirming thing is asking for your volunteers' ideas and suggestions. They can offer you great insights, and frequently their suggestions create opportunities for improvement as you continue to work together. Obviously, this also demonstrates that you respect their opinions and experiences.
Volunteer recognition doesn't have to be big, costly, or public. It's more effective when it's personal—and plentiful! I love recognition that has a sense of celebration and fun, and is spontaneous and timely. For example:
- Throw a party or picnic after your team has achieved a goal you set together.
- Give a package of Life Savers candies to the volunteer who really "saved your life" in a youth program.
- Present a light bulb to the church council member who came up with a bright idea to enliven your worship service.
- Give a scented candle to a faithful office volunteer with a note that says, "No one holds a candle to you!"
- Hand out a fortune cookie with the message "It's our good fortune to have found you."
- Give a small hourglass with a note saying, "Your time is precious—thanks for sharing it with us."
- Put a planter with a bag of seeds on someone's desk with a note saying, "You helped plant the seeds of caring."
Use your own creativity and have fun. Remember, everyone loves to hear those two magic words: thank you.
Marlene Wilson has written and trained on volunteer issues for 35 years. More than a quarter of a million people have attended her workshops.
Copyright © 2005 Group's Church Volunteer Central.
