It’s International Volunteer Day!

Today is the day of the year where we stop and thank the many people who make our lives easier by volunteering their time, skills and expertise in to help others.  International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated worldwide each year on 5 December.

Have you thanked your volunteers yet?

If not, don’t worry. Volunteering Australia has created a Certificate of Appreciation template for you to download and fill in before giving it to each of your hard working volunteers.

The UN says “On IVD 2013, we not only celebrate and recognize volunteerism in all its facets, but also pay special tribute to the contribution of youth volunteers in global peace and sustainable human development. For IVD 2013 we celebrate globally that young people act as agents of change in their communities.”

There are increasing numbers of young people in volunteer roles across all sorts of organisations.  It’s great to know that the community is going to be in such caring hands in the future.

If you missed the date you can still show your appreciation for your volunteers.  It is not so much the date that is important as the recognition of the work they do.  Volunteers are not out there looking for thanks and that’s all the more reason you should give it to them.  It would be impossible for many charities and NFPs to achieve their targets and make change in the world without the support of their unpaid workers.

Here are the reports of IVD celebrations coming in from across the world.  You might pick up some ideas on how to recognise your volunteers.  Today might be an official day of recognition but of course you can say thank you to your volunteers whenever you choose to.

You have to be a special sort of person to give up your time and energy for a cause without any payment in return.  Recognise that passion and commitment.