At Girl Scouts, we know our volunteers are the reason we’re able to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. And Girl Scouts of Northern California is fortunate to have thousands of men and women who share their time, talents, and skills to positively influence the lives of others! Each and every day, our dedicated volunteers breathe new life into the experiences that make up Girl Scouting, which is why we want to make sure our volunteers get the recognition they deserve. So to all the Girl Scout troop leaders, service unit organizers, cookie parents, camp helpers, and all the other volunteers, we know your job is not an easy one—that’s why we want to take the time to say thank you!
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April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month and we want to show our immense gratitude for all that you do! Let’s face it: our incredible organization wouldn’t exist without awesome volunteers like you. In addition to celebrating you, we hope you take the time to share some love and join us in celebrating your fellow volunteers by making sure they know how appreciated they are!
Courtesy of GSNorCal’s very own Volunteer Recognition Manager, here are five meaningful ways to show your favorite Girl Scout volunteers how much you appreciate them:
Send a Personalized Card
Who doesn’t love a heartfelt thank you card? This simple yet sincere gesture can go a long way in letting your volunteers know how much you value their time and admire their leadership. Don’t forget to send your fearless troop leader a little extra love and invite girls to make thank-you cards with you. For a digital twist on the classic card, check out our GSNorCal eCard generator to send your favorite volunteers a fist bump, high five, or hug!
Put Them in the Spotlight
We know you love the volunteers in your life, so why not let everyone else at GSNorCal know how awesome they are too! For a chance to get your favorite volunteer featured in our council-wide communications, tell us why they make your Girl Scout world go ‘round and nominate them using the Share Your Story form. Don’t forget to upload a headshot to cement their Girl Scout celebrity status!
Give Them Something Special
Get crafty this month and give that special volunteer something handmade with love! Our GSNorCal Volunteer Appreciation Pinterest board is full of creative gift ideas, such as candy grams, goody bags, and award certificates. This is the perfect time to create some punny gift tags—add a “Thanks a Latte” tag to a cute coffee mug or “Thanks a ‘Bundt’ch” note to a mini bundt cake.
Personally, I love the idea of wrapping up their favorite candy and adding a gift tag, like, “It’s so sweet to have a volunteer like you!” But if you’re not feeling crafty, you can always check out our retail shops for some Girl Scout gifts and patches made just for leaders and volunteers.
Nominate Them for a Girl Scout Award
Looking for a more formal way to recognize an outstanding volunteer for that all they do? With Girl Scout’s national and council awards, you can nominate your fellow volunteers for everything from their unparalleled commitment to their exceptional service. Simply browse our award criteria, fill out a nomination form, and recruit another person to fill out an endorsement by June 30. Then, in the fall, the council will host local recognition events to present the volunteers with their awards, so you can be there to cheer them on!
Share a Shout Out on Social Media
Want to share your love beyond the council? Let the whole world know how much you appreciate your Girl Scout volunteers by giving them a shout-out on your social media pages! During National Volunteer Appreciation Month, head over to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and share a photo or post showcasing why your volunteers are the best. When posting, make sure to tag @GSNorCal, so we can follow the fun.
Some of these gestures may seem simple, but your thoughtfulness can go a long way in making your fellow volunteers feel appreciated! Whether you decide to recognize someone during National Volunteer Appreciation Month or right after they did something great, you’re showing them some well-deserved love, putting a smile on their face, and getting them excited for future Girl Scout experiences. So get crafty, start nominating, tweet away, and share your thanks during this special month!
And again, THANK YOU for your service, your attitude of gratitude, and your continued support in changing the world, one girl at a time.
Amy Burke—Amy Burke is the Volunteer Recognition Manager at Girl Scouts of Northern California and loves everything recognition-related. She is a former Gold Award Girl Scout and recently celebrated 21 years as a Girl Scout. Most importantly, she loves crafting (and any excuse to use Pinterest) and attributes her joy in glitter, scrapbook paper, and glue guns to her younger Girl Scout days.
