For non-profit organizations, volunteers are an integral part of the operation. Paid staff are relatively few and often underpaid, so having volunteers to share the workload makes a non-profit organization successful. However, volunteers need attention and support in order to feel engaged and motivated. Volunteer Appreciation Week is the perfect time to celebrate all that volunteers are and do for an organization.  

Staff Council’s Community Outreach Committee promotes volunteerism among Staff Council members by identifying opportunities to serve the UI and surrounding communities. Staff Council members have volunteered at several events over the years, with the UI Dance Marathon being one of the most enduring. Councilors find the experience gratifying as they interact with UI undergraduates and others, as well as bond with their Staff Council colleagues. Volunteers for this event feel appreciated by the DM organizers’ personal gratitude and the free t-shirt. The experience keeps us coming back.  

If you’re responsible for a volunteer event, remember to acknowledge your volunteers personally during Volunteer Appreciation Week! 

Check out these resources for appreciating your volunteers: 
NeonOne: 3 Ways to Celebrate: https://neonone.com/resources/blog/volunteer-appreciation/ 
Volunteer Pro: https://volpro.net/volunteer-appreciation-week-2023/