WAYS TO SHOW APPRECIATION
Often association volunteers are professionals and business owners who are used to managing people in the
workplace. There are many similarities in what motivates employees and member volunteers, but unlike
workplace leaders, association leaders do not have at their disposal the ability to reward performance with
paychecks, bonuses, and continued employment. Associations are competing with multiple demands on
members’ time, making recognition for volunteer efforts even more important.
An important aspect of showing appreciation for a job well done is to match the gift with the individual’s needs or
interests. While a bottle of red wine might be a great gift for the member who enjoys it, it won’t really be
appreciated by the member who drinks only white wine or who doesn’t drink at all. The following is a list of ideas
about how to express appreciation.
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Hug; smile; bow in appreciation (as culturally appropriate)
Write a thank you note on the back of a picture from an event
Present a certificate of appreciation
Say thank you for work on a project (personally, publicly or in writing)
Bottle of wine
Invitation to lunch
Celebration in the person’s name
Donate to a charity or cause in the member’s name
Mention the member in the local newspaper; association newsletter or email
Name the member, “Volunteer of the Month” (or quarter or year or whatever)
Give them a “pat on the back” (pin a hand made out of construction paper on her back at a club
meeting)
Give her a gift certificate or gift card to a store or restaurant she likes
Lead a standing ovation at a meeting
Give a “free pass” card (allows the member to say “no” once in the year, without offering excuses, for a
request to serve on a committee, undertake an assignment…)
Make a personal phone call
Give a gift with the association logo on it
Pickup/chauffer the member to the next event
Write a letter to a family member or employer about the job well done
DVD, CD or video that the member would like
Give the member something handmade or homemade
Movie tickets
Massage, pedicure, manicure or other personal care services
Offer babysitting services, pet sitting, help with an aging parent
Deliver dinner
Latest book
Introduction to someone the member would like to meet
Recommendation for another board, commission
Gas card or car wash certificate
Pen or pencil set
Note cards
Organizer
Housekeeping services
Carpet cleaning services
Starbucks card
Picnic in the park
Earrings/jewelry
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Send flowers