Taking the time to recognize volunteers is important if you want to retain volunteers and recruit new ones. 

WHILE THEY'RE VOLUNTEERING

Show Them the Bigger Picture

Hands down, the best way to thank volunteers to include them. Help them understand the bigger picture of the task, especially the more mundane ones, for the PTA mission and greater school community.  Sharing the why of what they're doing shows your respect for the volunteers, and their time! 

Feed Them! 

Keeping a few snacks around, especially during long tasks, helps energize your volunteers. Breaking bread together, even if it's of the Cheez-it variety, helps forms bonds. Bonus: Help show you really care by providing vegetarian and/or allergy friendly options!

AFTER THEY VOLUNTEER

Thank Them

Sure, a coffee gift card would be a well-appreciated gift for volunteers but don't underestimate the power of a simple handwritten thank you.  Bonus: personalize the message with a nice comment on the volunteer's specific task!

Do a Feature on Volunteers

Featuring volunteers on your website, newsletter or social media is not only a wonderful way to personallly interact with your member volunteers, it's a great recruitment tool!  Take a few minutes to talk with your volunteer and learn more about them.  Share their story and get some helpful feedback along the way.  

Throw Them a Parade! 

Not literally.  But a great addition to a PTA meeting is a few minutes to hand out awards.  If you have volunteers that are longtime helpers or just did an outstanding job, give out an award.  You can give simple awards like "Volunteer of the Year" or get fun like "Most Inspirational" or "Most Enthusiastic".  In addtion, Texas PTA has several options to help recognize outstanding volunteers (confetti and ticker tape optional):

Extended Service Award

  • In 1987, the Texas PTA Board of Directors developed criteria for the awarding of an Extended Service Award to those people who have continued to give outstanding service to the Texas PTA.
  • Cost: $125 + Shipping

Extended Service Award Order Form

Honorary Life Membership Award

  • Receiving an Honorary Life Membership Award is one of the highest forms of recognition to let a volunteer know how much you truly appreciate their dedication to our children and the community. 
  • Cost: $75 + Shipping

Honorary Life Membership Award Order Form

National PTA Life Achievement Award

  • This highest honor, from the nation’s largest child advocacy association, is given to a person who daily lives out his or her commitment to children.

Apply for the National PTA Life Achievement Award