W.A.C.E Webinar SeriesW.A.C.E Webinar Series“Recruitment & Nurturing of Volunteers”

Today’s Presenters:

Steve Leahy – Greater Seattle (WA) Chamber

Renee Lopata – Tempe (AZ) Chamber

Wayne Griffin – Catalina Island (CA) Chamber

Moderator:

Steve Snyder, Vice President, W.A.C.E.

Recognizing Volunteers

Renee Lopata, CAE

Senior Vice President

Tempe Chamber of Commerce

Individual Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to the success of most chambers.

It is important to understand how the individual volunteer is motivated, and reward him/her accordingly.

Extrinsic Recognition

Tangible forms of recognition, include: Certificates Plaques Trophies Pins Free admission to Chamber events Chamber mugs, t-shirts, pens

Outstanding Achievement Recognition

Membership drives Most new members Top dollar Most new leads for staff Most calls made Hardest worker

Bringing in new sponsorship dollars Bringing in new volunteers to committees Outstanding service and representation of your

Chamber at event/committee

Outstanding Achievement Recognition

Solicit your members for higher end prizes Hotel stays Airlines tickets Restaurant gift certificates Art Gift items

Honoring Volunteers

Find the right venue to recognize and award their achievements If it is for committee work, present at the

committee meeting in front of their peers Wrap up party for membership drive

Make sure the appropriate person presents the award: Pres/CEO, Board Chairman, Committee Chairman or Chamber staff.

Volunteer of the Month/Year

A recent WACE survey found that the most popular recognition was the Volunteer of the Month/Year Award Awarded at the annual lunch/dinner Given a significant trophy/plaque Press release announcing winner Article in the newsletter

Volunteer Luncheon

Invite all members who have volunteered in some capacity to your organization:

Board members Committee members Special event volunteers Any member who has contributed through

their knowledge, expertise and/or time to the betterment of your Chamber

Volunteer Luncheon

Make sure the Pres/CEO and Board Chairman are there to personally thank the volunteers

Ask Chairman or Pres/CEO to speak on how the contributions of your volunteers have impacted the mission of your organization through their efforts

Give certificates for each contribution Provide plaques for board members and committee

chairs Provide an incentive to attend the event

A large drawing/prize for those in attendance, one drawing per volunteer effort. This gives more active members a better chance of winning big!

Volunteer Luncheon

Provide a networking opportunity so volunteers can meet each other:

A networking game or question Have the event at an interactive venue in

your community such as an arcade or as simple as picnic in the park with a fun game all can play

Intrinsic Recognition

Intrinsic recognition involves personal motivation such as:

Pride in a job well done Self Satisfaction Personal belief in the project or committee

work Volunteer for professional development

Informal Recognition

It is important to thank and recognize volunteer efforts often and quickly

Try to recognize volunteers publicly, i.e. at committee meetings, board meetings, mixers and special events when appropriate

A sincere and heartfelt thank you given in a handwritten note often means more to an Intrinsically motivated volunteer.

Informal Recognition

Provide gift certificate or small gift when volunteer efforts were exceptional. Be specific on their accomplishment when thanking them.

Professional development opportunities – send the volunteer to represent the Chamber at a local seminar or meeting or

Offer them free attendance to a Chamber seminar

Informal Recognition

Send a press release about your member for exceptional volunteer efforts

Provide food and beverages for on-site volunteers

If a committee or group needs to be recognized together, provide bagels or cookies at your next meeting

Recognizing Business Volunteers

Usually there is at least one member business each year that provides exceptional volunteer efforts in a combination of time, money and support that should be acknowledged.

Outstanding Business Volunteer Award

Business Volunteer Award

This award can be given to a member business based on a variety of criteria, including:

Financial Support Dues Sponsorship In-kind donations

Business Volunteer Award

In-kind donations Newspaper ads for Chamber events Restaurant & catering donations Printers supplying invitations, newsletters and

announcements Special event locations or facilities

Or a combination of all the above

Business Volunteer Award

Board/Committee Involvement How many employees are involved What committees are they involved with Leadership – event/committee chairs Time commitment of total volunteers Recognizing the number of

volunteers/time/participation/sponsorship the company provides the chamber

Business Volunteer Award

Like the individual volunteer award, they should be recognized publicly at your annual dinner with:

A trophy or award to display in their business lobby

A press release should be written and sent acknowledging the companies volunteer efforts

A story in the Chamber newsletter

Volunteer Recognition

Bottom line – we cannot be successful without the support, hard work and dedication of our volunteer members.

We must thank them often and as staff, treat them with respect and appreciation for their efforts.

Questions?

Thank you!

Renee Lopata, CAE

Senior Vice President

Tempe Chamber of Commerce

480/736-4284

renee@tempechamber.org