In my mind it is always a good time to share any spare life energy to volunteering support of any worth cause, whether that be for wildlife, environment or you fellow man. The article below from Lisa Beranek brings to light that April 15-21 is National Volunteer week and April is a great time to get engaged.
Find Ways to Thank Your Chapter and Council Volunteers April 15-21
Each year we are in awe of the 730,000+ hours of volunteer time donated by dedicated TU members like yourself. We can never say “thank you” enough as 
we work together to conserve, restore and protect our coldwater fisheries.
As chapter and council leaders, National Volunteer Week (April 15-21st) gives you a great opportunity to pause and celebrate the impact of your local volunteers as well.
Established in 1974 by presidential proclamation, National Volunteer Week, is a good reminder to all of us to pay back those who do so much for our mission in the only way we can, by recognizing their efforts and thanking them for all they do for TU!
There are many ways your chapter or council can show meaningful appreciation. A handwritten note with a personal message is an impactful act. Some chapters highlight volunteers in their newsletter, on social media or on their webpage. Verbal recognition at a chapter or board meeting is another effective option. Sharing event success and highlighting volunteer support in a local newspaper through a Letter to the Editor is a great way to publicly recognize volunteers while inspiring others to find ways to act and create change in their community.
More formally, you can consider nominating truly outstanding volunteers for an award, whether a TU national award (www.tu.org/awards) a Presidential Service Award (www.
Your chapter or council may even decide to create your own award to honor especially active individuals during Make a Difference Day (www.makeadifferenceday.com), at your chapter banquet, or an upcoming National Volunteer Week event.
As we approach National Volunteer Week take some time to review your current appreciation plan. Does it build leaders and bolster your efforts? Is it celebrating your volunteers appropriately? Is there room to grow?
If you are interested in learning more about how to show appreciation to your volunteers, please contact Lisa Beranek, TU Leadership Development Manager at [email protected].
