Coming Home Magazine

COMING HOME MAGAZINE 33 SIGNS OF GRATITUDE How to thank community volunteers. Volunteers are the backbone of managed communities. Thanks to them, operations are effortless, tasks get done, and residents stay happy. Whether they're serving on the board, heading a committee, or simply lending a hand around the neighborhood, volunteers contribute talents and time that keep the community in tip-top shape. Showing them some appreciation is easy, and can encourage a warm and welcoming environment. Consider these ideas for thanking the selfless and hard-working members of your association. 1. Host a volunteer appreciation event. Volunteers deserve to be celebrated—so why not throw a party? From a catered luncheon or happy hour to a block party or potluck, these events allow volunteers to enjoy the fruits of their labor and acknowledge how much they've made the community feel like home. 2. Give them an annual meeting moment. Picture this: at your next annual meeting, you put volunteers center stage, highlighting all the great stuff they've done in front of the whole neighborhood. Volunteers are often unsung heroes, and by giving them time to shine at such a notable event, their importance gets the emphasis it merits. Plus, unknowing homeowners will learn the 411 on who's been behind initiatives and improvements. 3. Call out achievements in community media. The community newsletter should act like a wall of fame for volunteers. Don't have a newsletter? Try your community website. On your website or in your newsletter, list volunteer names, committees, and accomplishments, and publish pictures, videos, and interviews. If you have a dedicated app or social media page, use those platforms to feature your helpers, too. Just get permission to post names and photos and follow your community's social media policy when doing so. 4. Make them feel noticed with thank-you notes. Kind words could be exactly what a volunteer needs to find the motivation to keep going. Jot down a thoughtful handwritten note about how they've knocked it out of the park with a recent project or how you value their commitment to the neighborhood. And don't hold back on the details—noticing the little things goes a long way. 5. Provide positive feedback. If you're getting rave reviews about volunteers, pass on the compliments. Love the new landscaping vendor they picked out? Tell them. Did people have a blast at the recent cookout? Relay some of the nice comments from neighbors. Nobody wants to feel like their efforts are being overlooked. Providing positive feedback takes minimal time, and a quick email or message can make a volunteer's day. 6. Award those who are most active. The champions of your community should have their own trophies. Hand out special awards at an event or annual meeting, or start a Volunteer of the Month award. Reward the winner with a custom-made plaque, yard sign, or certificate, and savor the smile on their face. The relationships board members build with community members are what make associations successful. Consistently thank your MVPs for their contributions so they feel valued. Nourish positivity now, and make an impact that'll be felt for years to come. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 33

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