While many groups thrive at organized volunteer appreciation and teacher appreciation, they often fall short on the more basic and more important everyday thank-yous that can make a huge difference in long-term engagement.
I'm not talking about big gifts or parties. I'm talking quick emails, one-line mentions in the newsletter, or a simple shout-out at a meeting or event. It's amazing how powerful those little steps can be. For sure, the recipient of your thanks feels good. But thanking frequently and publicly and broadly also affects the impression of your group with the entire wider audience at your school. Your group isn't one that takes help for granted; instead, you're one that knows how busy everyone is and appreciates every little bit of assistance you receive. That's a powerful message.
If it's not your strength (it doesn't come naturally to me, for example), make "thank-you chairperson" a new job within your group. Seriously -- find someone with the gene and let her go nuts. Your whole group and school will be better for it.
We have a great piece online about appreciation and thanking volunteers and helpers. And -- from me -- thanks for all you do for your school. You're making a big difference.
