Free Motivational Messages
Here's a free service to send motivational messages/cards via e-mail at http://www.motivationalquotes.com/servicequotes.shtml. Most of the messages relate to serving others.
Submitted by Steve McCurley, consultant/trainer

Great Websites for Volunteer Recognition Ideas
Steve McCurley just shared a wonderful example of volunteer recognition via an agency Web site: http://www.shsw.wisc.edu/press/091599.htm. See how the State Historical Society of Wisconsin celebrates volunteer accomplishments as an integrated part of public information (and recruitment, too). For more ideas on using cyberspace for volunteer recognition, go to the Virtual Volunteer site at: http://www.serviceleader.org/vv/recognize.html
Submitted by Susan Ellis, President, Energize, Inc.

Personal Note from Board
Our Board of Directors has a Volunteer Services Committee. These members write a personal, handwritten note to each volunteer who donates anything over four hours during a year. The committee members are given enough information to let them know what work the volunteer has done. The notes are written around Thanksgiving and around Valentine's Day, for those who started volunteering after Thanksgiving. We have recently added a printed note to all our one-time volunteers with the personal signature of the committee chair. This wonderful tradition, which is above and beyond the annual Volunteer Recognition Party, wasn't started by me, but I am happy to be apart of an agency with such caring board members.
Submitted by Marty Atherton, Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Families First

Thanks Booklet
We asked the patients (& staff) in our mental health facility to write a brief note of thanks to the individual & groups that come in to provide parties/entertainment, etc. for them ; then we typed them all up to be put in a booklet with the center fold pages signatures of many patients expressing in their own handwriting, their own thanks. These were placed at the place settings of each volunteer at our recognition luncheon/reception. They all loved them. Entertainment during this was provided by the patient choir.
Submitted by Judy Gaby, Secretary, Logansport State Hospital

Community Volunteer Recognition Program
When I first arrived at my child advocacy volunteer program, there was nothing in the budget for recognition. I did some research and found a free community volunteer recognition program. Nonprofit agencies nominate volunteers every month. The volunteer's name and story is announced on a local talk radio station, and the volunteer receives a free engraved plaque from a local trophy company. It's great advertising for the radio station and trophy company, and the volunteers love it. This program was organized by the local volunteer center, and was a huge help to non-profits.
Submitted by Lori George, Volunteer Coordinator, CASA