National Volunteer Week, held annually each April, is a nationwide celebration of the impact volunteers make in communities across the country. But it’s more than just a time for gratitude—it’s also a strategic opportunity for nonprofits to engage, recruit, and plan. Whether you’re a grassroots organization or a large nonprofit, making the most of this week can energize your mission and expand your reach.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your organization celebrate volunteers and grow your volunteer program—with practical ideas and resources along the way.
Step 1: Celebrate Your Volunteers
Start by recognizing the people who give their time and heart to your cause. Volunteer appreciation fosters loyalty, boosts morale, and shows the human side of your organization.
Here are some ways to express gratitude during National Volunteer Week:
- Host a Volunteer Appreciation Event: This could be a casual coffee meetup, a potluck, or a virtual celebration with awards and shoutouts.
- Personalized Thank-Yous: Write handwritten notes, share personalized video messages, or present certificates highlighting their unique contributions.
- Feature Them Publicly: Share their stories in your newsletter, on your website, or in social media posts.
- Give Small Gifts or Perks: Customized t-shirts, reusable mugs, or even social media badges can help volunteers feel part of your mission.
These simple gestures show that your volunteers are more than just helping hands—they’re key members of your team.
Step 2: Recruit New Volunteers
While you’re celebrating existing volunteers, use the buzz of the week to attract new ones. National Volunteer Week puts volunteering in the spotlight, which makes it the perfect time to invite others to join.
Here’s how:
- Create an Easy On-Ramp: Offer one-time or trial opportunities to reduce barriers for new volunteers.
- Share Real Stories and Impact: Highlight how volunteers have changed lives or made a difference in your programs.
- Make It Easy to Sign Up: Simplify the volunteer sign-up process on your website. Use clear calls to action and brief forms.
- Tap Into Your Network: Encourage current volunteers, staff, and board members to refer friends or family who might be interested.
If you’re looking for tools to streamline volunteer recruitment, Rekonect’s Resource Directory includes trusted platforms like VolunteerMatch, Better Impact, and SignUpGenius—all designed to help you attract and manage volunteers with ease.
Step 3: Host a Volunteer Event
Events give volunteers a chance to connect with your cause on a deeper level and offer a compelling way for new people to get involved.
Some impactful event ideas:
- Community Clean-Ups: Rally volunteers to beautify a park, shelter, or public space.
- Donation Drives: Organize drives for essential goods with volunteers managing logistics and outreach.
- Educational Workshops: Invite volunteers to lead or participate in training sessions or community education programs.
- Open House or Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Let the public explore your workspaces, meet your staff, and learn how to contribute.
These events can be publicized in your local paper, on community boards, or through volunteer platforms listed in Rekonect’s Resource Directory, helping you reach wider audiences.
Step 4: Share Volunteer Stories
Humanize your mission by spotlighting the individuals behind the scenes. Storytelling connects people to purpose and makes volunteering feel personal.
Here are a few ways to do it:
- Create a Volunteer Spotlight Series: Use short bios, quotes, or video interviews shared on your website and social platforms.
- Post Real-Time Event Snaps: If you’re hosting events, post live updates, behind-the-scenes shots, and candid volunteer moments.
- Tag Volunteers in Posts: With their permission, tag them so their networks also see and engage with your work.
- Write a Volunteer Blog Post: Have a volunteer write a reflection or share their journey with your organization.
Tools like Canva, Animoto, and Hootsuite—all listed in Rekonect’s Resource Directory—can help you create and schedule compelling, story-driven content that builds momentum beyond the week.
Step 5: Set Future Volunteer Goals
National Volunteer Week is an ideal time to evaluate your volunteer program and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Ask these key questions:
- Where do we need more help?
- Are we offering meaningful roles?
- How are we tracking impact and feedback?
- Are we staying connected to volunteers year-round?
Then, set SMART goals:
- Grow your volunteer base by 25% this year
- Launch a quarterly volunteer training program
- Start a monthly volunteer newsletter
If you’re not already using tools to manage and track volunteer activity, check out options like Better Impact or Golden in the Resource Directory to build more structure into your program.
Conclusion: Make the Week Count
National Volunteer Week is your chance to celebrate, engage, and grow your volunteer community. With a few intentional steps—gratitude, recruitment, storytelling, and planning—you can build stronger connections and a more resilient mission.
And you’re not in this alone.
Rekonect’s Resource Directory is packed with carefully vetted tools to help nonprofits manage their volunteers, tell better stories, organize events, and streamline processes.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale up, use this week to reignite your volunteer program—and make this year the most impactful yet.
Looking for help with all things nonprofit? Get in touch with Rekonect right now!