The Aging in America Conference energized and inspired colleague Carmen Mendieta, who prepared the following list of resources and ideas in honor of National Volunteer Week -April 15 through 21. We continue to learn through our work how important it is to give people the chance to give back to their communities.
Theme: Inspire by Example
Purpose: To recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers at the local, state and national levels.
Website: http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/signatureevents/nvw
National Volunteer Week- 2012 Resource Guide
“Points of Light Institute is excited to offer this adaptable online toolkit, full of helpful ideas and marketing strategies to actively support your involvement in National Volunteer Week. Within the toolkit, you’ll find project ideas, volunteer leader resources, ideas and solutions for recognizing your volunteers throughout the week.
In this resource guide you’ll find all the essential messages and resources needed to effectively encourage and acknowledge volunteer participation, inspiration and recognition during National Volunteer Week 2012. This guide will help you make it a week filled with stories of inspiration and hope that encourages all of us to discover vital and imaginative ways to increase volunteer participation and intensify community impact.”
To download this guide, click here: http://www.handsonnetwork.org/files/nvw_resourceguide_2012_040412.pdf
Ideas for Making Your Own Beautiful Volunteer Recognition Awards
As you well know, recognizing volunteers with heartfelt gratitude does not have to be expensive. A bit of time and a little creativity can go a long way when it comes to thanking volunteers for their generosity of skills, time, patience and love. You know best what talents and gifts reside within your team.
Creativity in your Midst: Do you have a tech-savvy intern, a volunteer who has beautiful handwriting or a community member who enjoys calligraphy? One ream of lovely cardstock can deliver a meaningful message to a corps of committed volunteers. Here are a few examples to get you thinking about a written message that would best honor the good work of your program volunteers.
“In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.”
~ Mother Teresa
This award is presented in gratitude to Fran Miles for your loving kindness,given all-year-round at the Forget Me Not Club.
“Love thy neighbor is a precept which could transform the world if it were universally practiced.”
~ Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) American educator
In recognition of being a loving, good neighbor, this award gives thanks to Jim Elder for his part in transforming our community.
“When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.”
~ Helen Keller
This award recognizes Luz Perez for always bringing your best to the members of the Mind Benders Program.
Websites to Find Quotes About Service and Volunteering
http://www.quotegarden.com/volunteer-apprec.html
http://www.energizeinc.com/reflect/quote1y.html
http://bloomington.in.gov/documents/viewDocument.php?document_id=2681
Free Printable Certificates and Postcards
http://www.freeprintablecertificates.net/category/volunteer
http://bloomington.in.gov/media/media/application/pdf/9751.pdf
*****************************************************
Thanks to Carmen Mendieta of the Brookdale National Group Respite Program for offering to share. Visit them at www.brookdalefoundation.org