A few weeks ago, I attended my very first Children’s Pastors Conference (CPC) in Orlando, Florida. I was invited to lead a few one-on-one coaching sessions (which I absolutely loved!), participate in a Women in Leadership panel and lead a breakout about free and low-cost volunteer appreciation ideas.
Here are a few highlights from that breakout session:
4 P’s of Volunteer Appreciation
Volunteer appreciation should be:
Purposeful
This is the ‘why’ – we should have a purpose or reason for appreciating our volunteers. Knowing the ‘why’ sets the course for the other 3 P’s, so it’s important to establish this first.
Questions to consider:
- What is your appreciation strategy?
- What is your budget and time allotment?
- What do you want them to feel or know?
- Who can help you brainstorm ideas and implement the plan?
Personal
This is the ‘what’ – what speaks their love language? What do they like?
Questions to consider:
- Do you know your volunteers’ favorite things?
- If not, how can you find out this information?
- Do you know their special days, like birthdays, anniversaries, volunteer anniversaries, etc.?
Plentiful
This is the ‘when’ – show them appreciation regularly!
Question to consider:
- When can your team recognize volunteers?
Practical
This is the ‘how’ – how will show them you appreciate them?
Question to consider:
- What can you do in the next week to appreciate at least one volunteer?
Free Volunteer Appreciation Ideas
My breakout attendees shared their favorite free volunteer appreciation ideas (I threw in a few, too). Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Ask the congregation to share how a volunteer impacted them and share the story on your church’s website
- Thank you cards (written by kids)
- Thank you cards (written by email)
- Thank you notes (written by your or your team)
- Praise them for handling difficult situations
- Hold a brunch where parents sign up to bring food items
- Brag to your senior leadership about them
- Coordinate a group outing for them and their families
- Shout them out on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
- Praise them in front of their peers
- Present them with flowers from someone’s garden
- Acknowledge them during a worship service
- Fill a bulletin board in your volunteer lounge with quotes, notes, pictures, etc.
- Highlight them in your bulletin
- Ask their opinion – this makes them feel ownership and value
- Text them a picture of them in action with a thank you note
Low-Cost Appreciation Ideas
My breakout attendees also shared their favorite low-cost volunteer appreciation ideas (I threw in a few here , too). Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Gloves with lotion
- Free item from church cafe
- CM swag items such as personalized mugs, t-shirt, buttons, lanyards, pens, tote bags, hats and water bottles
- Redbox movie/code with popcorn
- Gift cards to restaurants or coffee shops
- Homemade baked goods
- Bagels or donuts
- Potted plants or bouquets of flowers
- Bags of candy
- Framed picture of class/group
- Candy gifts such as:
- Dove chocolates: “You are the heart of the ministry.”
- Tootsie Rolls: “Thank you for your role at our church.”
- Charm Pops: “I am charmed to have you join us!”
- Life Savers: “Thanks for being a life saver!”
- Gummy Bears: “I appreciate you beary much!”
- Extra Gum: “Thanks for always going the extra mile for our kids!”
- Mason jars filled with cookies, soup mix, or hot chocolate mix
Appreciating those who’ve said YES to serving doesn’t have to break the bank. A little creativity and heartfelt gratitude go a long, long way.
Find even more ideas on my Volunteer Appreciation Pinterest board. If you’re looking for last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas, check out my Valentine’s Day Pinterest board.
What are some of your favorite free or low-cost volunteer appreciation ideas? Share them with me below!
