They’re not soaring through the skies or wearing capes, but volunteers are often the unsung heroes of any thriving organization. With several volunteer holidays approaching, we curated a list of creative ways to celebrate the invaluable volunteers in your organization.

Before we dive into the celebration ideas, here’s a list of dates to keep in mind as you plan for your festivities:

·     April 20: Volunteer Recognition Day, USA and Canada

·     April 20 – 26: National Volunteer Week, USA

·     April 27-May 3: National Volunteer Week, Canada

Different organizations have different types of volunteers. Non-profits often depend on local community volunteers for a variety of essential tasks, such as grant writing, organizing events, and administrative support. These volunteers are crucial for the smooth operation of many non-profits.

However, volunteering extends beyond the non-profit sector.Many organizations rely on employee volunteers to lead employee resource groups(ERGs), organize social events, clubs, or birthday celebrations. Senior employees frequently mentor junior colleagues, either within the company or through external networking groups. These volunteers play a vital role in promoting the culture and values of your company.

Here are some ways your organization can appreciate your different types of volunteers during National Volunteer Week and beyond!

5 creative ways to celebrate National Volunteer Week

1. ‍Feature a volunteer spotlight 
   Volunteers are passionate about their work, but their stories often go untold. Consider showcasing their contributions through short, engaging videos on your community newsletter, social media, or website. Highlight the efforts of employee volunteers in your company newsletter or intranet. You could also create a "Volunteer Wall of Fame" on your website with interactive elements like virtual badges and digital thank-you notes. Including both quantitative and qualitative achievements will provide a comprehensive view of their impact. Recognizing volunteers not only shows appreciation but also could help attract potential new volunteers.‍
2. Host a celebratory lunch 
   Who doesn’t love a free lunch? Combine free food with the opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. Invite both former and current volunteers to a luncheon. Former volunteers can share their insights and inspire current volunteers. For added flexibility, make the luncheon hybrid and provide digital food delivery gift cards like Uber Eats or DoorDash for virtual participants. Encourage former volunteers to share their contact information to facilitate networking and connections after the event.‍
3. Plan a special outing
   Do you have a volunteer who always takes the initiative to organize team events? Show your appreciation by planning a special outing for them. Surprise them with a trip to an escape room, museum, concert, food tour, or any other fun activity. The possibilities are endless, and your volunteers will appreciate the chance to relax and enjoy themselves without having to plan.‍
4. Create a cozy volunteer lounge
   Think about the last time you visited a welcoming restaurant or lounge. Now imagine creating a similar space for your volunteers. How appreciated would they feel with a dedicated area where they can meet, relax, or recharge? Decorate the space with art, beanbag chairs, or essential oils to create a cozy atmosphere. If budget is a concern, consider asking the community for donations.‍
5. Offer rewards
   While volunteers don’t contribute their talents for the money, they would appreciate some form of recognition. Gift cards or prepaid cards for gas, supplies, or other essentials are a great way to acknowledge their contributions. Reward cards give volunteers the flexibility to treat themselves to something special. For virtual volunteers, consider sending digital reward cards via email. Reward Link® allows recipients to choose from over 100 popular digital gift cards. They can redeem Reward Link across multiple gift cards or use it on one card, giving your recipients more choice and flexibility.

Bonus Tip: Write a LinkedIn Endorsement
Many volunteers are active on social media, so why not give them a professional boost by highlighting their skills and contributions? Endorsing employee volunteers allows them to showcase their abilities beyond their daily job tasks, making them more marketable for future opportunities. For professional volunteers, a brief recommendation can give them an edge in their career search.

Want to see how rewards can help motivate and retain your volunteers, employees, customers, and more? Book a demo or call 925-738-3100 to speak to a rewards expert.