National Volunteer Week: Honoring Employee Volunteers

Every year, during the third week of April, the United States observes National Volunteer Week. This special week is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the incredible contributions of volunteers across the nation. Whether you’re part of a nonprofit organization, a corporation, or any group working with volunteers, National Volunteer Week provides a fantastic opportunity to express gratitude and inspire further acts of service.

The History of National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week has a rich history that dates back to 1974 when President Richard Nixon officially designated the third week in April for this purpose. Since then, every U.S. president has continued this tradition by reaffirming the importance of volunteerism through executive orders. But the roots of volunteerism go even deeper:

1688: In Canada, after a devastating fire in Quebec, volunteers organized the Bureau des pauvres to assist victims.

1736: Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer firefighter house in Philadelphia.

1887: The United Way, YMCA, Salvation Army, and International Red Cross were established, emphasizing volunteer efforts.

1961: President John F. Kennedy created the United States Peace Corps, integrating volunteerism into international policy and diplomacy.

Why Celebrate Employee Volunteers?
As organizations, we owe a debt of gratitude to our employee volunteers. They selflessly give their time, skills, and energy to make a positive impact in their communities. Here’s why celebrating employee volunteers during National

Volunteer Week matters:
Community Impact: Employee volunteers contribute to local causes, whether it’s mentoring students, cleaning up parks, or serving meals at shelters. Their efforts directly benefit the neighborhoods where they live and work.

Team Building: Volunteering fosters teamwork and camaraderie among colleagues. When employees collaborate outside the office, they build stronger relationships and enhance workplace morale.

Skill Development: Volunteering allows employees to develop new skills, from leadership to project management. These skills often translate back to their professional roles.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies that support employee volunteering demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility. It’s a win-win situation: employees feel proud to work for a socially conscious organization, and the company strengthens its community ties.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Employee Volunteers
Let’s make this National Volunteer Week memorable for your organization! Here are some ideas:

Volunteer Recognition Events:
Host an award ceremony to honor outstanding volunteers.
Organize an appreciation dinner where employees can relax, share stories, and connect.
Create a volunteer spotlight on your website or social media, featuring individual volunteers and their impactful work.

Personalized Thank-You Notes and Gifts:
Send heartfelt thank-you notes to each volunteer, acknowledging their specific contributions.
Consider small tokens of appreciation, such as gift cards, company-branded merchandise, or personalized mementos.

Share Success Stories:
Use your organization’s blog or newsletter to highlight volunteer success stories. Show how their efforts have transformed lives or improved the community.
Interview volunteers and capture their experiences. People love reading about real impact!

Collaborate with Other Organizations:
Partner with local businesses or nonprofits for joint volunteer projects. Strengthen community bonds by working together.

Remember, National Volunteer Week isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about inspiring future acts of kindness. Let’s recognize our employee volunteers, express our gratitude, and continue making a positive difference in the world!