Trips and Outings for Volunteer Recognition
Recognition
Movies
During National Volunteer Week we recognized
our volunteers by taking them to the movies. We rented out the
local movie theatre for an afternoon. We had our recognition awards
program before the movie started down front of the theatre. After
all the awards were given out we had a 15 minute intermission break.
The volunteers were instructed to go to the refreshment counter
and they had a bag of popcorn and a drink waiting for them. I also
had small bags of chocolate treats for them. The cost for each
volunteer was $9.00; much less than providing a banquet for them.
They also had their choice of 2 movies. I chose ahead of time a
PG and a PG-13.
It was very well received and we will do it again next year.
Submitted on 26 Sept 2004 by Linda Bacon, CAVS, Volunteer Coordinator,
Major Hospital IN
Bus Trips
A large component of our volunteer program is the social
aspect; many of our volunteers, young and old, love to get together
in a social setting, ideally when there's an opportunity for more
learning.
Twice a year, we offer recognition in the form of bus trips
to other museums, art galleries and cultural and science-based
organizations throughout Alberta. When space permits, we
invite our volunteers to bring along a guest.
It's always a special time when volunteers can introduce
family and friends to staff and other volunteers. They share
stories of their volunteer roles, the tasks they complete,
and the good times they have.
As a bonus, we often arrange a "behind the scenes" tour
with our peers in volunteer management, so family and friends
get to see and learn about cultural and collection management
that very few experience.
After a full day of laughing and learning, our volunteer
family is usually expanded, as we often have family and friends
clamoring to sign up and volunteer with us!
Submitted on 10Jan2004 by
Lynn McShane, Manager, Volunteer Programs, Glenbow Museum,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Seeds of Success
Last June, we had a wonderfully successful volunteer appreciation
night. A local theater group donated a free performance
for our organization to share with volunteers. The night
at the Center, with food (all donated) and drinks to start.
Next, there were two buses (donated) that transported all
of the volunteers over to the show. During intermission,
we had two of our participants who use our services talk
about their experience with the Center (Cancer Support
Center) and how much they personally appreciate individuals
who so kindly give of their time. Following the show, as
the volunteers were getting off the bus, staff members
handed terra cotta pots with a packet of seeds that read
:"volunteers plant
the seeds of success" to each volunteer. The pots were decorated by
staff in a very simple manner, with ribbon, and dirt was also included
so everything was ready to go! The event received RAVE reviews!
Submitted
by Jeanne Jablonski, Special Events & Volunteer Coordinator, Cancer
Support Center, Volunteer Recognition
Ice Cream Social
A new Gazebo was built right behind our library as part of our Rail-To-Trails
park, so it seemed perfect to hold an ice cream social for our recognition
event in August. We used red, white, and blue colors to make it old
fashioned and all American. It was really fun to get some of the staff
involved doing a skit and singing songs that we adapted for the event.
Serving sundaes and having the program in the middle made it move along
and 2 hours was just about right. For favors, we contacted a few local
merchants for little premiums, like a piece of fudge or a flower, and
listed them on a "Thank You" bookmark. We also honored our "Golden Volunteers"
who've given 50 hours or more this past year with a special bookplate
to put into a book of their choice that will go into the library's permanent
collection.
Submitted by Heidi Walker, Natrona County Library, Wyoming
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