Saying thank you (and really meaning it)
As Trustees’ Week gets underway, and we head towards the end of year, now’s a great moment to thank our volunteers. Let’s thank them for their astonishing contribution.
Thank you. Two words that say so much. And if there’s ever a time to say them, then 2021 is it. Our volunteers have really gone through the mill this year, they started the year delivering Zoom sessions and have ended it navigating the safe return to face to face meetings, contributing to a resurgence for Scouts.
We never take our volunteers for granted. They’re the heavy-duty batteries that power our movement and help our young people shine bright. They inspire our members, and, let’s not forget, they’re ambassadors for Scouts in local communities too. But just like batteries, volunteers need topping up - with motivation, support and also periods where they can rest and recharge,
If you’re reading this, then the chances are that you are one of the very hard working volunteers we’re talking about (in which case thank you). However, you may also be a volunteer manager wondering about the best way to recognise someone locally who’s really gone above and beyond. In which case, you’ve come to the right place. We hope to give you some great ideas to say thank you in way that’s meaningful, sincere and timely.
As we come towards the end of the year, this is a moment for us to recognise the incredible efforts and positive impact of every one of our volunteers.
- Commissioners’ Commendation Award
If you’re a District Commissioner or County Commissioner, then you can make one of these special awards. There’s no need to wait for any special time of the year and there’s no limit on the number you can give out. Log in to the brand centre, search for ‘commendation’, then follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll be able to personalise the certificate and create a PDF to send on or arrange for one to be printed.
- Certificates for all
We have two other special certificates that can be personalised by any volunteer: the ‘General Certificate’ and the ‘Bear Grylls Certificate.’ Both of these are available on the brand centre for you to adapt and send to a fellow volunteer. Don’t forget to tell them why they deserve it!
- A public thank you
Think carefully about the person you have in mind. Not everyone is happy in the limelight, while others love a bit of public recognition. If you’re a volunteer manager, why not arrange to visit a group and thank the volunteer in front of the young people and fellow volunteers? This will need careful planning, and of course you’ll need to follow the safety guidance for meeting face to face.
Thinking more widely, local media is always on the lookout for good news stories. Why not contact a journalist (or ask your local communications volunteer to do this, if you have one) and explain why a volunteer has made such a positive difference.
- A private thank you
Just as special can be a personal note to a volunteer, not just saying a general thank you, but being specific about their special contribution. This will really show that you have taken the time to notice their unique talents, which makes the thank you so much more meaningful.
- Some time out
If you know a volunteer who’s been going flat-out to keep Scouts running, is there a way to give them a well-deserved break? Do you know someone who could step in and run a meeting one week? We all love Scouts, but we like our free time too.
- Nominate someone for a special thank you from their Country Commissioners
Our Nation teams have been busy hatching a plan to help you thank volunteers. If you would like to nominate a volunteer to receive a special, written thank you from their Country Commissioner, then please fill in this form. We’ll do the rest.
Time to start planning
I’m sure you’ll have more great ideas, but the important thing is that we all do something. Let’s respect the rules around social distancing and keep each safe while still doing something meaningful.
Let’s also remember that everyone’s life circumstances are different, and volunteers are able to give differently at different times and in different ways. That’s OK and we should accept that.
No matter what you do in Scouts (and of course many of you have more than role) we never take it for granted. The difference you make, keeping groups going, supporting families and helping young people gain skills is incredible. Sometimes words aren’t enough (which is why actions speak louder). But that shouldn’t stop us saying these two again:
Thank you.