Celebrating the Impacts of Volunteerism During National Volunteer Month
Volunteers are the backbone of communities nationwide, providing essential support that individuals and organizations rely on every day. Their dedication ensures that vital services continue to reach those who need them most and that is especially true in the supports they provide to those in their community who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Every April, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers during National Volunteer Month. In addition to honoring the achievements of volunteers, this observance provides an opportunity to encourage others to volunteer and to highlight the benefits that volunteers as well as those they serve realize.
Activities to Celebrate National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Month is a chance for your organization to celebrate the contributions of those who donate their time and talent to the community by bringing volunteers together to recognize their important service both individually and publicly and create opportunities to create stronger connections between volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. Here are a few ideas to inspire your organization’s work in commemorating National Volunteer Month:
Host volunteer appreciation or recognition events such as breakfasts, luncheons, dinners or awards ceremonies.
Plan events for volunteers to socialize and connect through games, trivia, movies and other activities.
Coordinate a volunteer meet and greet where current and potential volunteers can meet and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Encourage program participants and staff to write thank you notes to volunteers they have connected with. Along with the thank you notes, consider developing and including a summary of impact for the volunteers, detailing outcomes from volunteer efforts.
Spotlight volunteers, their accomplishments and the benefits that volunteering provides through your newsletter, website and social media.
Submit a letter to the editor or op-ed in your local newspaper showcasing the impact of your organization’s volunteers and encouraging others in the community to volunteer.
Conduct outreach events to reach more people in your community with information about volunteer opportunities at your organization. Share this customizable fact sheet from engAGED focused on staying active through volunteering with potential volunteers as well.
Toolkits to Support Volunteer Efforts Year Round
USAging developed several volunteer toolkits to provide organizations with resources to support volunteer recruitment and retention as well as replication of volunteer programs. Consider using these resources throughout National Volunteer Month and beyond.
The Health Benefits of Volunteering Toolkit contains materials to help educate the public and key stakeholders about the important health benefits that volunteerism affords older adults and to support volunteer recruitment efforts.
The National Volunteer Week Toolkit offers resources to help you tell the story of the positive impact volunteers make in your community.
Volunteer Engagement Case Studies and Replication Guides spotlight how six organizations expanded their reach to engage older adult volunteers.
Volunteers help to run social engagement programs and foster connections that strengthen every aspect of society. National Volunteer Month recognizes their dedication—take time to celebrate and thank the volunteers who make a difference!
For volunteer program ideas to inspire your volunteer opportunities, visit the Social Engagement Innovations Hub.