30 Ways to Show Appreciation
for SHIP Volunteers

 

1. Write a thank you note.

2. Mention them in a publication.

3. Seek their opinions.

4. Cite their work as an example for others to follow.

5. Offer them extra responsibility, like mentoring a new volunteer.

6. Serve refreshments when they gather for a meeting or come in to visit.

7. Call to ask, "How's it going?"

8. Invite them to work with you on a complicated case or project.

9. Take them to lunch.

10. Ask them to represent your SHIP at a meeting or on an advisory board.

11. Ask your organization's director to write a thank you.

12. Find training, leadership development, and skills-building opportunities for them.

13. Give them free tickets to sporting and cultural events.

14. Nominate them for community service awards.

15. Ask a volunteer to participate with you in press interviews and photo opportunities.

16. Celebrate birthdays (with cake) at regular meetings of the volunteers and/or staff.

17. Give certificates of appreciation.

18. Honor them publicly for completion of specialized training.

19. Share information about how their work helps beneficiaries and caregivers.

20. Copy and distribute the thank you notes that your organization receives for SHIP services.

21. Celebrate their anniversary date or years of service with the SHIP.

22. Give them SHIP promotional materials, like mugs, tee shirts, and brief cases.

23. Hold a volunteer appreciation day or appreciation picnic.

24. Send a get well or sympathy card as appropriate.

25. Implement their ideas.

26. Nominate them for CMS's National Beneficiary Services Award.

27. Write up their counseling experiences as case studies.

28. Ask a reporter to write a feature article about your volunteer program.

29. Nominate them for your state SHIP program's exemplary service award.

30. Celebrate victories and learn from failures together.