Ways to Recognize Volunteers in Your Organization's Newsletter

Recognizing volunteers in your organization’s newsletter is a meaningful way to build community, encourage continued involvement, and even inspire others to try volunteering. Volunteers are often an indispensable part of a community organization so highlighting their contributions in your newsletter ensures their efforts are celebrated.

Recognize Volunteers by Telling Their Stories

One of the most effective ways to recognize volunteers is to share their stories. Instead of simply listing names, take the time to feature individuals and explain what they do and why they serve. A short profile can include how long they’ve been volunteering, what roles they take on, and what motivates them.

Here are a few tips to help make the stories more engaging:

• Add a personal quote: This gives the feature warmth and authenticity. Readers connect more deeply when they can hear from the person behind the service.
• Stay consistent: When it comes to recognition, make sure you stick to a schedule. Consider committing to a newsletter feature such as “Volunteer of the Month” or “Volunteer Spotlight.” This not only ensures ongoing appreciation but also builds anticipation among readers. Over time, it will become a valued section of the newsletter that both volunteers and members look forward to.
• Be inclusive: Don’t forget to think of everyone who contributes as a volunteer. Rotating through different types of volunteers ensures that all contributions are acknowledged. Consider those who help with events, transportation, administrative tasks, etc.
• Include images: Photos significantly enhance volunteer recognition and will make your feature of them more special. Including a picture of the volunteer in action is key. Be sure to obtain permission before publishing photos, though!
  
  

How to Recognize Group Volunteerism

Another impactful approach is to highlight group achievements. If a team of volunteers worked together to host a successful event or complete a major project, recognize the group as a whole. It might be a Cub Scout organization or employees from an area business who’ve given their time.

Include a brief recap of the event, what was accomplished, and how volunteers contributed to its success. Shining a spotlight on collaboration and how the group’s effort positively impacted the organization may encourage other groups to get involved.

Don’t Forget to Incorporate Volunteer Opportunities

Finally, don’t forget to save space in your newsletter to publicize what opportunities are available for those interested in volunteering. It would be smart to include this in the same section where volunteers are recognized in your newsletter to attract more eyes!

With the increased viewership on your volunteer opportunities now that you put them in your newsletter, you might find that there are people who would like to join your volunteer force but haven’t started because they don’t think they have any special skills or talents to share.

By listing even the most basic tasks that you could use support with, you may capture these folks’ attention and show them that they do, indeed, have skills to offer. Be sure to include a brief “volunteer job description” for each listing so readers can better understand how easy it is get involved with your organization.

More Ideas for Your Newsletter

Looking for more suggestions on what to incorporate into your organization’s newsletter? A helpful article to review is What Should You Include in Your Community Newsletter? It offers tips on newsletter elements that can help you build your brand!

LPi has been publishing community newsletters for over 50 years. It’s never too late to take advantage of the opportunity to create your newsletter with a publisher who cares deeply about your mission and has the expertise to make sure your communications shine!