Recognizing volunteers is an important role of the chapter leadership board. Recognition provides volunteers with a sense that their efforts are appreciated. Here are a few principles to follow when recognizing the volunteers you work with:

• Deliver recognition in a personal and honest manner. Avoid making it too overproduced.
• Tailor recognition and rewards to the unique needs of the people involved.
• Timing is crucial. Time delays weaken the impact of the recognition program.
• Have a clear message. Be sure volunteers understand why they are being recognized.

Volunteers who are appreciated and feel good about their work are much more likely to volunteer again, and they inspire others to volunteer too.

And remember—volunteer recognition is an excellent use of chapter operating funds!

Recognition ideas

The ideas are endless, but here are some examples of easy ways to recognize volunteers:

1. Add a "Hats Off to Volunteers" section on your chapter's Web site. Click here to see an example.
2. Send E-cards to thank volunteers or community service team members when an activity is completed. You can find free E-cards on Lutherans Online under Greeting Cards.
3. Purchase thank-you cards with operating funds to thank volunteers or community service team members when an activity is completed, or order Thrivent Financial cards at no cost from the Order Chapter Supplies page in Chapter Leadership Administration.
4. Include a recognition component to your chapter leader election event. You could present volunteers with a special pin, a bouquet of flowers or a framed photograph of an activity they worked.
5. Give out personalizable Volunteer Certificates of Appreciation, available to chapter leaders in PDF format via the Order Chapter Supplies page in Chapter Leadership Administration. Two certificates are available where you can fill in the volunteer's name.

Visit www.energizeinc.com/ideas.html or www.baudville.com for all sorts of great recognition ideas.

Additional Topics
Web sites for chapters
Greeting cards
Operating funds overview
Materials with Thrivent Financial logo

This is proprietary information that is solely for use by employees, volunteers, and agents of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in connection with fraternal activities of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.