INSPIRATION FOR YOU
Regular employees are motivated by affirmation-so think how important it is for volunteers! Appreciation does not have to require a great deal of money or a great deal of time, but it does take thought. Here are some ideas to help you let your volunteers know that their ministry to you and to the church is valued.
Organize appreciation events-public events to honor volunteers-Volunteer Appreciation Month, or special public affirmation during the Women's Ministries Emphasis Day.
Birthdays-an opportune time to let the volunteer know that they are special.
Say thanks for things others may take for granted.
The appreciation should reflect Women's Ministries values and strategies..
Personally congratulate employees who do a good job.
Write personal notes about good performance.
Make a thank-you card by hand.
Write five or more Post-it notes thanking the person for a job well done and hide them among the work on her desk or among her ministry materials.
Buy lunch for the person and three other volunteers of her choice.
Find out the person's hobby and give an appropriate private gift.
You have volunteered, and you may be volunteering right now. Thank you so much for what you are doing, for using your gifts, for making a difference. If you treat others the way you would like to be treated, you should be a success!
- Determine what you should and should not delegate.
- Delegate meaningful responsibilities to volunteers.
- Give volunteers the authority to carry out their task.
- Promote volunteers into places where they shine.
- Train potential volunteers as possible successors in your ministry
- Tell why scripturally-help volunteers to understand what the Bible really says about women and how Jesus included them.
- Keep them going-providing regular feedback and encouragement for their good work or improvement can go a long way to keep them going on the job.
- Get them to train others-providing opportunities for the more seasoned and experienced volunteers to train and mentor others helps to produce many more volunteers. Moreover, it gives the experienced volunteer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as she shares her skills and passion with new volunteers.
Source: Leadership Certification Level 3 "Managing Volunteers" by Linda Koh
"The Lord has a work for women as well as for men. They may take their places in His work at this crisis, and He will work through them . . . . They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their labor is needed."
Ellen G. White, Welfare Ministry, page 145.
