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| Program Management: Volunteer Management | |||||
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Volunteer Recognition |
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| Author: National CASA Association Date Posted: 4/00 |
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| Never assume that volunteers know they are appreciated.
Recognition of their contributions should be part of the formal and informal
operations of the program. Volunteers who do not receive frequent feedback
and recognition begin to wonder if they are doing a good job and if anyone
cares about the work they do. This often creates an unmotivating climate,
and can result in high volunteer attrition.
The CASA staff should always be aware of these factors, and mention when a volunteer has done a good job. Pass on praise from other parties -- the judge, caseworker, child, parent, relatives, attorney, or others involved in the case. Mention accomplishments in the CASA newsletter or at staff meetings. Submit photographs or news items to the National CASA Association to be included in the national newsletter, The Connection. A sincere and spontaneous thank you note to a volunteer for a job well done is also a welcome bit of positive feedback. Many CASA programs hold special recognition events to formally thank volunteers for their work. Each year during National Volunteer Week (in April), many human service agencies hold dinners or parties for their supporters. April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month, which offers the CASA program an opportunity to recognize volunteers and highlight the program's commitment to children, as well as possibly get some media attention. These events are also good opportunities to give volunteers some memento of service, such as a certificate, flower, or pin. Some items bearing the CASA logo are available from the National CASA Association. The Delaware Family Court Report found that volunteers felt the best methods to recognize their contributions were, in order of preference:
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