Parents volunteer for a variety of reasons: learning new job skills, contributing to the success of students, wanting to feel useful, looking for a social outlet, enjoyment working with children, and more.
Many volunteers gain a sense of satisfaction knowing they are helping a teacher with his or her many tasks or helping child through a difficult problem.
Even with the intrinsic rewards gained from knowing they are helping others, it is important to be mindful of ways to show parent volunteers that you appreciate them. Instead of leaving volunteer recognition to chance, develop a reward system in advance of how you will show your gratitude for parents who give up time from their daily schedules to be a part of your classroom.
To make that job easier, below are 12 ways to tell volunteers they are special and encourage them in their efforts.
1. Have your volunteers complete a personal interest form that list their birthdays, favorite hobbies, occupations, a short write-up about why they want to volunteer, a short write-up about themselves, etc.
2. Select a Parent Volunteer of the Month. Have them complete the form. Post to your Volunteer Bulletin Board.
3. Purchase a disposable camera to have on hand to take pictures of volunteers in action.
4. Create a Parent Volunteers-In-Action Bulletin Board in your classroom. Use the bulletin board to leave messages for volunteers such as "Need a volunteer to help on Friday!" Decorate it with cute scrapbook items. Section off a part of the bulletin board to post pictures of volunteers. Spotlight one of your volunteers each month. Type of the write-ups from the Volunteer Personal Interest Form and post with photos.
5. Buy enough birthday, Valentine's Day, and Christmas cards for each volunteer. Write a brief note of appreciation in each card. Label a sticky note with the birthday listed on each birthday card. Put them in a safe place and mail them out accordingly.
6. Start a Parent Volunteer Scrapbook. At the end of each year, place photos and other information for new volunteers to browse through.
7. Have students make decorate name tags parent volunteers can wear when coming to the school.
8. Create a parent volunteer snack box near the area where volunteers will be working. Fill the box with small treats, snacks, tea bags, cups, etc. Hungry volunteers will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
9. Make copies of a "We Missed You" letter or card to send to volunteers missing in action. Receiving this form lets volunteers know the importance of their contribution.
10. Encourage suggestions and comments by posting suggestion stationery on your class bulletin board. Volunteers who may not feel comfortable to express themselves verbally can communicate their ideas on paper.
11. Do not forget to keep track of parent volunteer hours by placing your Volunteer Binder in the area volunteers' work. At the end of the school year, tally up hours and provide a special gift to your volunteer who helped out the most.
12. Have students color cute name tags for volunteers to wear while at the school.
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