, rather than the positive, so they are most often used to speaking with subordinates when they have acomplaint or concern. During COVID-19, volunteers are taking different steps to reach out to residents, facilities, and families. Each year our the New York City Ombudsman Programacknowledges the important contributions New Yorkers make to the city through their service. Is there a minor league baseball team near you? This award is being presented this April 2017. They have great communication skills with the residents as well as the administrators. In federal fiscal year 2020, staff and volunteers: Thank your volunteers and recognize their work publicly by sending NORC brief messages of appreciation for their dedicated advocacy (e.g., examples of their advocacy, years of service, photos). If you have tens or hundreds of volunteers, even a handwritten signature with their name has a greater effect on volunteers. This was a business leader who had donated above and beyond on all levels: time, talent and treasure for several years. And, most importantly: dont forget the cake. Results from our 2022 Volunteer Management Progress report reveal that volunteer opportunities are down as well as the total number of volunteers and the average hours they contribute each month. What you truly mean to the residents you visit on a regular basis is more than you may know. Thats why its important to treat them as multi-faceted humans. In addition, researchers have found that giving thanks lowers daily aggression, hurt feelings, and overall sensitivity. Long-term care settings are striving to continually improve quality. From all of us - including . 2nd Row: Ombudsman Jeanne Urban, PEERs Joanna Frederick, Mary Ann Kunselman, Patty Walker, Ted Davis, Benny Knepp, Carolyn Lettie & Karen Ford. Armed with knowledge and compassion you create awareness of what is expected and what is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are so very grateful to have your help, and for so many in whose lives you make a tangible difference. There are plenty of opportunities to raise awareness around volunteerism, celebrate and recognize volunteers for their contributions, and get folks (re)mobilized for service (see below for details). In 1991, President George H. W. Bush, declared the theme as Points of Light, when he dedicated April as Volunteer Month and designated it as a national holiday. While all the volunteers are recognized, there are two that deserve special recognition. The following research studies offer more evidence for expressing gratitude: In closing, to genuinely appreciate volunteers, we must go beyond plaques, pins, certificates, and giveaways. 2021 National Volunteer Appreciation Week, The Office of the Alaska State Long-Term Care Ombudsman handed out swag bags and cookies tovolunteers. NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK (April 17-23, 2022) National Volunteer Week is a fantastic opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time and talent to causes they care about. This prestigious award is presented by the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, Municipality of Anchorage. - Sincerely, Dianne Croom", Arthur Lappen, Volunteer Ombudsman, Montgomery County. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone but perhaps none more than people who live and work in long-term care and their families and friends. From The American Presidency Project, Proclamation 10370National Volunteer Week, 2022: "People who volunteer develop new skills, build their personal and professional networks, forge a deeper connection with their communities and service organizations, and experience the joy of serving a larger cause. This is one of the best ways to recognize volunteers for their hard work. NVW 2022 - National Volunteer Week (NVW) - Campaigns - Volunteer Canada I call upon all Americans to observe this week by volunteering in service projects across the country and pledging to make service a part of their daily lives. On 9/12/2022, the Montgomery County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program hosted an intense day of learning with Dr. Susan Wehry, a nationally recognized geriatric psychiatrist and speaker. We have not thanked you enough, and want to let you know that your dedication is essential to the work that we do. Each volunteer is assigned to a facility and each is doing an outstanding job of advocating for the residents! The Appalachian Region of South Carolina sent personalized thank you cards with $15.00 Publix gift cards to their volunteers. Heres a guide on how you can host a virtual game night. A classic recognition theme, this theme's sentiment, "can't imagine us without you," will help you to convey the value of each volunteer. Below is a thank you message to volunteers from Delawares Volunteer Services Administrator,William K. Gadola. With the number of active volunteer roles and hours down across the board, it will be critical to raise the profile of volunteerism once again. For many nonprofits, volunteers are the lifeblood of their organization. They continue to press forward amidst all the changes during the COVID crisis. "Thank you to Ohios 200 valued Long-Term Care Ombudsman Associates who help residents expect excellence. By encouraging volunteers and recognizing their impact, volunteer managers will keep their supporters engaged and motivated. 3. Through my own experience leading volunteers and from many volunteer leaders I have met over the years, showing gratitude to your volunteers comes very naturally. Everyone needs a break, so once shelter in place requirements are removed, consider hosting happy hours at local restaurants. National Volunteer Week - There is a Day for That! January 06, 2023. 20 Volunteer Appreciation Themes. Bonus: carpooling to these gatherings can help to foster connections between friends and familiar faces, while also encouraging volunteers to get to know others they may not have crossed paths with. And while it may be easier to copy and paste into an email, handwritten notes are a simple way to go the extra mile. To Lappen, volunteer advocacy is vital to ensuring that the rights of long-term care residents in Montgomery County are protected. The Ombudsman Program of the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., recognized the PEERs (Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents) at the DuBois Nursing Home. This practice. Ask your volunteers to send their favorite picture of themselves, along with a little blurb about why they love volunteering for your nonprofit organization. What is your program doing to recognize the volunteers who give their time to visit and advocate with and for individuals that live in long-term care facilities? Water bottles keep workers hydrated during their shifts. I once had a volunteer who had DONE SO MUCH that I was determined to thank him somehow that would let him know how grateful we were for his deep commitment to our organization. The theme for the April 19-25,2020 National Volunteer Week isCelebrate Service. Volunteering also benefits the volunteers. "As State Ombudsman for Minnesota , myself and all staff officially thank MN Certified Ombudsman Volunteers and honor you. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this. The more notes with names on them, the better the chances. This sense of insight is invaluable, as it can lead to transferable skillsextremely important to those looking to find a job that pays (without ending their volunteer work, of course). Photos from the Volunteer Appreciation eventSunday, April 23, 2017where Cabot Cheese Gratitude Grille prepared and provided the lunch forprograms and it was announced that through competitive nomination the ombudsman volunteer, Arthur Lappen, was selected to be the DC Metro area representative on a cruise to Alaska along with other regional volunteers across the country. National Volunteer Week 2022: How to Recognize Your Volunteers There is scientific evidence that grateful people are more resilient to stress, whether minor everyday hassles or major personal upheavals, he notes. This is good news for nonprofits who must address complex challenges every day. These yard signs from theSouth Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)are sparking conversations with neighbors as well as bringing smiles to the LTCOP volunteer representatives. Its a chance to celebrate, recognize the vital contributions of volunteers, and to say thank you. Vice President Harris and I salute all of our fellow Americans who take time to help others in need and the faith-based, nonprofit, national service, military service, and community organizations that make their service possible. We had a keynote speaker and at the end of the event we handed out gifts of a new briefcase for their use with their volunteer position. Perhaps you can collaborate on a community-wide event or theme and create somethingthat inspires far beyond your agencys doors. One of the most popular themes for volunteer appreciation, the inspirational story that accompanies this theme is perfect for recognizing the impact of volunteers. He has a big heart and an energetic personality. U.S. National Volunteer Month in April celebrates the impact volunteers have on our lives and encourages active volunteerism in generations to come. Students gain real world experience, workers apply their skills to organizations that benefit from their experience and often develop new skills in the process, and older Americans improve their health and longevity. I encourage all Americans to learnhow get involved by visiting AmeriCorps.gov and peacecorps.gov/volunteer. This sense of care and interest will stand out from other companies that stick to a solely professional level. Do this until youve featured every volunteer, then randomize again. National Volunteer Week is a fantasticopportunity to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time and talent to causes they care about. Make sure to bring the microwave popcorn, and always let volunteers know in advance: scary movie junkies may like The Purge, but that doesnt mean certain people wont want to hide under the blankets the entire time. Recognize Volunteers At An Existing Event. National Volunteer Week is an annual event celebrated in countries around the world, typically during the month of April. Heres the best part about an awards ceremony it doesnt have to be a competition. Minnesota State Long-Term Care Ombudsman". This national volunteer week engage in some deep listening and honoring the true needs, and value, of volunteers. Gratitude also helps employees (and volunteers) see beyond a disaster or failure and recognize their gains. Volunteering is the best way to learn the ins and outs of a nonprofit, but insight from you and your employees can be a diamond in the rough. This year there will be 12 volunteers attending. That way, you will have a better chance of getting press coverage to amplify your messages. If you're celebrating National Volunteer Week, you could spotlight a project or community partner that does especially great work each day. Tobi Johnson & Associates | PO Box 23408, Knoxville, TN 37933-1408 We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Lori Smetanka shared the overview of The Consumer Voice and Stevanne Ellis, the Maryland State Ombudsman did a session about involuntary discharges using theEnhancing Your Advocacy Toolbox. He's good to talk to. In New Zealand and Australia, it is held in May. Volunteers' Week - Volunteers' Week is a chance to say thank you for We've got a lot in common. Below are how different countries and organizations are celebrating around the world. Their photo appeared in the local newspaper. Appreciating your volunteers helps to keep your organization afloat by enticing them to come back. Keep volunteers coming back with real, authentic gratitude with our free [Cheat Sheet] Volunteer Thank You Letter Sample. Plastic water bottles. A Proclamation on National Volunteer Week, 2022 | The White House Missing from the photo is PEER Bill Blair. Ah, that sounds more like music to your EDs ears. Should you need extra volunteers for an event or project, past volunteers will be happy to return and help, as you have shown that you value them and the time they give to your nonprofit. Gratitude also increases the effectiveness of decision making by increasing levels of patience. All residents completed a 10-hour training session to become Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Ombudsman Program. We are proud to share pictures of our own Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer, Ray Tinjum, as he accepts the Ron Hammett Award for Outstanding Service to Seniors! In Louisiana, bookmarks were created and passed out to volunteers during a volunteer appreciation luncheon. However, some managers really struggle with saying these words. During our online celebration Ombudsman and staff members surprised our COVs by popping into the get together. National Volunteer Week 2023: How to Recognize Your Volunteers It is the story of how one resident'sideas sparked action that forever changed the nursing home industry and created a true home for 450 long-term care residents. Your tireless devotion to your military community makes a difference to all of us who live and work here. This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on inspiring figures whose invaluable seeds of kindness through volunteering are bettering the community and our world in general. Volunteers are people too, with their own lives, families, and commitments. Earlier this year, certified long-term care Ombudsman volunteers were sent Ombudsman facemasks and a formal recognition event will be hosted once weare able to meet safely. Volunteer Appreciation Week - National Consumer Voice Mary Bringman, Volunteer Coordinator said, "Both of our volunteers are amazing! International Volunteer Day | United Nations Everyone recognizes that rules, regs and inspection are necessary, but not sufficient to assure best practices are carried out. They are wonderful advocates and pay attention to details that surround their role. Its the time of year when we recognize the invaluable contributions of volunteers. Each volunteer received a certificate for time served, a thank-you card with gift card included, as well as participation in a raffle of many donated prizes. Your advocacy for residents in long-term care facilities is very important and appreciated. It fosters and encourages connection, and they wont see you as an unapproachable or distant volunteer supervisor. "We have some incredible volunteers here in Indiana, including a whole team in Area 3, serving residents in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties. To serve communities abroad in their response and recovery efforts from the pandemic, the Peace Corps has developed criteria and processes to return volunteers around the world. This volunteer recognition idea has an effect where your active volunteers will have the opportunity to voice any questions, concerns, or opinions they have. They are also posting a daily Facebook appreciation message on their page Volunteer Ombudsman Program Appalachian Region. Essential Thank-You Gifts For Volunteers. Their stories also serve to inspire others to take action and be a force that transforms the world. Transportation stipends are perfect for volunteers who travel for your events. Spend this time to relax, laugh, and bond with the force of people who make fulfilling your mission possible! Making a Difference. So, are you showing them your appreciation? If shelter in place orders are still in place, host a movie night via Zoom, where you can all watch together online. Below are photos of some of the ombudsmen doing outreach and one of Ira Walkenfeld receiving his 2016 President's Volunteer Service Award at the 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Event on December 10, 2016. This year, the theme for National Volunteer Week is Empathy in Action. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. In South Carolina volunteers have played a vital role in achieving the goal to stay connected to facilities to get updates and have been instrumental in the connection of residents and families via phone calls. Campaign Kit. Invite your volunteers for a virtual movie night using Teleparty. During National Volunteer Week, we recognize the contributions that our Nations volunteers make every day and encourage all Americans to discover their path tomaking adifference. He's just about the only person who comes to visit me. Price: $6.25. Joined by other Ombudsman colleagues from across Maryland and DC, the staff and volunteers were engaged in: Reflect, Reclaim, Recharge: From Collective Trauma to Post-Pandemic Growth Take your donor experience to the next level! Invite your volunteers to join you via videoconferencing with their favorite beverage to spend an hour to check-in. Price: $5.49. What about the concert? The local Ombudsman program has risen to a new level of effectiveness. on your proposal to recognize volunteers and board members, share the evidence. There is a business case to made for raising the bar on case for, simple expressions of gratitude. In fact, an activity as basic as writing a letter or mentally counting your blessings once a week has been shown to decrease aggression. Volunteer Appreciation Week is right around the corner! 3 Ways To Celebrate 2023's Volunteer Appreciation Month - Springly During the week, the government celebrates volunteers and encourages people to participate in meaningful service to the society. National Volunteer Week is just around the corner here in the US and Canada, and now is a great time to get your plan in motion. Looking at you, I understand what volunteering is all about. He was really touched, and we finally felt like we had given him some well-deserved recognition and appreciation. You'll keep your volunteers happy by letting them know you appreciate them. As you think about recognizing volunteers this year, in particularly, think about leveraging this event to build back momentum. Everybody wants their work to have a purpose, and these messages will boost volunteer morale. The Buffalo Trace District LTC Ombudsman program shared a tribute to and photo collage of their program volunteers. Highlighting specific accolades does wonder for self-esteem. Some of the volunteers are new this year and some have been with the programas long as 5 years. Honor their commitment. According to Independent Sector's research on volunteerism in the nonprofit sector, as of April 2022, the estimated national value of each volunteer hour is currently $29.95, up $1.41 since 2021. I don't have any family around here. You have JavaScript disabled. Pro Tip: Feature photos of the volunteers in actionposed shots may look pretty, but seeing volunteers out in the field has a greater impact. Get Buy-In for Volunteer Appreciation Activities, Ah, that sounds more like music to your EDs ears. This could take several different forms such as: Providing leadership opportunities. GRAB IT HERE >>. Nominate a Volunteer for Municipal, Regional or National Awards One important way to recognize volunteers is by investing in their development. Times have changed, and it may be your best chance at bringing back, and keeping, a formidable team to support your mission-critical efforts. There are many ways to express gratitude to your volunteers. Email your submissions to [email protected]. To all MN Certified Volunteers , I want to thank you especially for your compassion. Just because they donate time does not mean they dont have other priorities. Tobi Johnson & Associates, LLC | 2019 All Rights Reserved. National Volunteer Appreciation Week is here! Game night is a wonderful way to bring volunteers together. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. Or, invite a well-known, inspirational speaker to boost company morale, encourage volunteers to continue working with the organization, and uplift spirits during the more stressful times. Content Marketing Manager, Neon One. Rose Robison, Volunteer Ombudsman, and top winner of all-time volunteer hours with 3138 hours served. She said "It is just a small way I feel I can contribute to the safety of others." The Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is proud and grateful to have 238 certified Ombudsman volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of care and life for Ohios long-term care consumers. 1st Row: PEERs Bob Roush, Joanna Frederick, A. Jayne Tucker, Alice Marvin, Nora Marie Davis, Joseph Roy &; Doris Broomall. Whether its to point out an obstacle, ask a question, or simply have a chat, open-door policies are positive for the entire team. Volunteers' Week is a key moment in the year to celebrate the contributions made through the amazing voluntary effort that takes place every day, in every part of our nation. This picture collage will be sent to our Volunteer Ombudsman andwill be followed by a collage of individual thank you messages from our staff. Consolidate all of the promotional supplies you have (stickers, shirts, flyers, etc.) Stay-cation in a Bag - Package an aromatherapy candle, slippers or cozy socks with a heartfelt note.