8 Ways To Show You're NOT Appreciating Volunteers

If volunteers feel appreciated and feel like they are making a real difference, they'll continue volunteering for your charitable organization and will give their very best each day.  If you fail to show your volunteers that they are valued, you will lose them.

My little Angel Paws

Volunteers want to feel valued.  They want to feel like they've made a difference to those the charitable organization is there to help. I've compiled a list of things charitable organizations do that make volunteers feel very UN-appreciated.

FUN At The Holiday Pet Festival!

Do you love pet themed events?  We do!  The annual Holiday Pet Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona is something we look forward to every year.  It's totally pet friendly and everyone there is a pet lover!  We load our dogs and their gear into the car and head for a fun outing at the Holiday Pet Festival!   

The beautifully decorated Animal Angel Trees

They always have a cute doggie fashion show featuring adoptable dogs wearing the latest in doggie couture.  Your dog could have his picture taken with Santa or get his nails trimmed.  There was a Best Dog Trick contest, a Best Holiday Pet Attire Contest,  and a Lure Course demonstration.  Lots of interesting things going on and tons of dogs, including many breed specific rescue groups with adorable dogs available for adoption.  It took everything I had not to go home with another dog!

Of course, there was also lots of SHOPPING!  I couldn't help myself, I had to visit every merchant's booth and shop 'til my poor husband dropped!   I picked up a few Christmas gifts, which was great.  Less time spent at the mall!

One of the most interesting things I purchased was a necklace for my niece from a jewelry designer called Origami Owl custom jewelry. 

Help Homeless Animals & Get Noticed At Work

During the holiday season people are in the spirit of giving!  Companies, especially large corporations, are also in the spirit of giving back to their communities   It boosts their public image as well as morale for employees.  Most people want to do business with, and work for, a company that cares!

Getting some puppy kisses at a shelter volunteer event I led for a company I worked at

You can leverage your employer's desire to boost their image and employee morale to help both your favorite animal shelter or rescue and your career!   Giving back to the community is part of most companies' goals.  If you have a way to help the company achieve that goal, it has value to them.  Given that so many companies downsize at the drop of a hat, any added value you can create for your employer can be beneficial for your career. 

3 little shelter pups hoping to be adopted!

Organizing colleagues to participate in a charity event that benefits an organization you are passionate about can get you noticed at work.  It gives you an opportunity to showcase your Leadership, Communications, and Organizational skills.  Companies need good leaders who know how to communicate and can get things done!