By Trudy Hamilton
I’ve discovered over the years that many volunteer programs are steeped (sometimes simmered to the point of curdling) in hallowed traditions and graces ranging from souvenir recognition memorabilia to elegant recognition events to awards named after someone from long ago that no one remembers, except once per year when the award in their name is presented. Now, think of the changing economy each agency is facing. Add to this the fact that the holidays are just around the corner. I know, it is still August, yet I received my first Holiday Card catalog of the season this morning!
So, where am I going with these thoughts? In the past, the agency did the annual recognition event, one for each county, the usual Thank You, and holiday cards. In two years, we’ve moved to one event for all volunteers to attend, kept the cards, increased the informal Thank You’s, and tried to provide memorabilia unique to the program the volunteer was associated with. Driven, in part, by strategic planning, in part due to budgetary concerns, and in part to have change for the sake of change, I’ve been asked to put together a strategic, year-long recognition plan for this agency. Something boilerplate, that can be undertaken by all staff equally, and to be equally enjoyed by all volunteers.
At first, this challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to institute positive change! On the surface, it seemed like a matter of putting together a list of terrific recognition ideas, and sharing that calendar with the staff who supervise the volunteers. I was excited to have the opportunity to develop standards and expectations for recognition overall. Consistency and conformity would reign supreme! I was giddy to have the chance to put together lists of different recognition ideas, from the free, frequent and informal to the costly and creative celebration.
After mulling ideas over in my head for quite some time, the rest of the story arrived. Those thoughts that niggle in the back of your mind, until they are keeping you awake at night! Was it a good idea to take the creativity and individuality away from staff? After all, they are the ones carrying out the recognition. Can a “boilerplate” design be crafted for volunteers? For every volunteer who finds events distasteful, there are those who think it is the highlight of their volunteer year. For each volunteer who thinks a holiday greeting card is a waste of agency resources, there are those who enjoy displaying them with the rest of their holiday greetings. Even worse, those who have received greeting cards for years, and may think we’ve simply forgotten about them!
Can a better mousetrap be built? How about a plan that focuses on educating staff about volunteer motivation and helps them determine what the volunteer might appreciate? How about providing choices for recognition, and welcoming staff to avail themselves of those choices, or come up with ideas and suggestions on their own? By providing this information, as well as clearly communicated expectations and accountability, I might be on a path that is more enjoyable and rewarding for both staff and volunteers! We’ll see how it works out.
In the meantime, please share your own thoughts, policies, plans, and traditions about recognition by commenting on this entry.
Trudy Hamilton, CVA is the Manager of Volunteer Resources at SeniorsPlus and a featured blogger.
