A few years ago we started incorporating training into the evening of our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. We do this by featuring a speaker that the volunteers are excited about hearing. The first year it was our founder's curator who was here from the west coast to set up a retrospective of his work. Most volunteers had never had the pleasure of hearing her speak. Last year, it was our new Horticulturist and this year it was a fascinating artist who's exhibition is just opening. The volunteers love it and I love having the opportunity to have so many volunteers hear the very special speaker. As you know, more attend a dinner than attend a "training only". The speaker's topic also becomes the decorating theme for the event.
Our director and I open the evening, noting the impact of the volunteers' contribution to the museum over the past year. I steer clear of singling out individual volunteers as one person's contribution can't really be compared with another. One person may have more hours, but another attends trainings and does a better job of staying current. Another's value may be their flexibility and willingness to respond to a last minute appeal.
This year, I collected guests' comments about volunteers from visitor surveys and asked our Volunteer Advisory Group to read them aloud at the dinner. I removed any reference to names or physical traits hoping each volunteer would think it is about them. There was a lot of positive feedback about that addition. Throughout the year, I forward the comments that mention an individual by name, to the appropriate volunteer, so they also get to hear the kind words said about them specifically.
There are so many ways to make the event special without a long speech. You can make it a unique experience by paying attention to décor, and adding music. Best of all, it doesn't have to be expensive. The volunteers feel appreciated because they can see that you took the time to make it a very special event.
Good luck, it will be a special event simply because you care.
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Nancy Schomburg
Manager, Volunteer Services
Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton NJ
Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2016 08:08 AM
From: Lisa Ostrego
Subject: Docent Appreciation Speeches
How wonderful that honor your volunteers in such a way! Depending on the set up of your evening there might be a few things you can try. During Shedd's volunteer recognition events we've shared the role of speaker, having different staff recognize different individual volunteers or volunteer areas of impact. This takes some of the pressure off of you and adds some variety to the presentation. You can also invite volunteers themselves to play a role in sharing on a certain initiative. For some being able to speak at a larger event is recognition in itself. Another tactic that seems popular is putting together a video (clips of volunteers in action, of staff or guests speaking about volunteers, or a montage of pictures) to compliment your speech. Best of luck recognizing these important members of your team!
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Lisa Ostrego
Director Guest Engagement
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Chicago IL