Revitalize volunteers and paid staff by thanking them in new and creative ways. This update of the classic Beyond Banquets, Plaques & Pins is written with today’s fast-paced world in mind. Recognizing that each person is an individual, Vineyard describes how to tailor your recognition ideals to fit the "Acheivers," "Affiliatiors," and "Empowers" in your organization. Outlines 10 keys to recognizing volunteers, including being timely, creating an appreciative organziational climate, and embracing diversity. Ends with a list of lots and lots and lots (!) of actions you can take to say thank you.

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Excerpted from "Recognition is USER-oriented."
I have sat through too many volunteer recognition banquets where a Board member or too-detached CEO basically thanked everyone before him with vague phrases that added up to 'whoever you are, whatever you did, thanksalot.

In understanding effective recognition, realize that vague turns people off, specific turns people on!

There is an enormous difference between 'Thanks for all you do, Paul' and 'Paul, we want to publicly thank you for driving over 78 cancer victims to and from their therapy appointments this year. You have helped each of them in their fight for life. Thank you on their behalf and ours.'

Be specific in thanking folks. Document what they do throughout the year. Stop them in the hall and mention a recent effort. Put a note about a specific effort in your newsletters. Ask the CEO or a Board member to drop the person a note...give them the facts so THEY can be specific in their communiqué.

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