Recognition to Retain
Remember to “pay” Members for their time through recognition – The key to an effective recognition program is to remember that recognition can’t be reserved for only those in the organization who do the big jobs. Regardless of the level of a Member’s involvement, he/she deserves some form of recognition.
After all, the recognition volunteers receive for their efforts is their “paycheck.” The recognition needs to be meaningful and sincere, but should also be reasonable and reflective of the service given.
Best practices of member recognition include creating special awards for various categories of service. Mentor awards, letters and certificates for outgoing committee members and are excellent suggestions for recognizing participation.
Best practices
• Recognize your members through awards, letters to management and magazine features.
• Make a big deal when a member achieves an educational award.
• Recognize members who achieve something outside of the club like a promotion, Civic award or starting a new business.
• Provide a member a Toastmaster name tag after they have attended 4 straight weeks of meetings.
• Provide an opportunity for members to be published. Offer to let them contribute articles in your magazine or newsletter.
• Let members know their opinions are important. Publish informal surveys in your magazine or newsletter. Print the results in the next issue.
• Give gift certificates to members on their first anniversary to use toward educational offerings, publications, or other products. Consider sending a second gift certificate for second or subsequent anniversaries.
• Develop an awards program with annual awards of cash, plaques, certificates, etc., for various categories of service. Areas could include best student or ethnic minority librarian.
• Offer other awards such as Member of the Year and Distinguished Service.
• Create a Mentor Recognition program.
• Reinforce the opportunity members have to serve on committees and as elected officers.
• Honor outgoing committee members with letters to their employers and certificates.
• Remember your club officers with a certificate, plaque and letter to their employer.