December 7: VOLUNTEER DAY
December 7 is 'National Volunteer Day'. In other words, the day to put all volunteers, help heroes, good doers and watchers in the spotlight!
Social organizations, municipalities, but also national organizations such as NLvoorelkaar will pay special attention to the impact of volunteers on December 7. Volunteers receive extra attention, a nice gift, or are even honored or distinguished by the municipality or national government.
Value of volunteer work
The value of volunteer work is enormous. Volunteers keep society running and ensure that everyone can exercise, relax, learn, eat, learn our language and participate. The value is estimated between €15.5 billion to €24.35 billion (Meijs, 2022). That is about 2% of GDP, larger than the manufacturing industry. This does not yet take into account what it means for the recipient and giver: positivity, opportunities, self-esteem, network, attention, growth and compassion.
Will you also participate?
December 7 is the day to thank volunteers for all those thousands of smiles, cups of coffee drunk, words spoken, hugs given, wise advice and hours of effort. Below you will find tips to thank your volunteers on National Volunteer Day (or any other day of the year!).
"Half of all Dutch people are volunteers"
"This is a party for everyone"
"Did you know that about half of all residents over the age of 18 volunteer at least once a year? And I bet almost everyone likes to do something good for someone else. National Volunteer Day is therefore a huge celebration for everyone!"
TIPS FOR THE VOLUNTEER DAY
How do you thank volunteers? On National Volunteer Day, or on one of the other days of the year? Of course you can make it as crazy and big as you want, but small is also very nice.
Below you will find some simple and creative tips and ideas to put your volunteers in the spotlight.
small with big effect
- A personal card is easy to make but has a great effect! A handwritten thank you is the best, but digital is also possible.
- A small gift such as something tasty, a beautiful flower, candle or sparkler ('If every good deed was a star, it would never get dark again').
- Social media spotlight or 'wall of fame' : highlight someone or the entire team with a beautiful photo, share the experiences and impact that is made.
- Nominate someone (or the entire team!) for a volunteer award, newspaper interview or ribbon.
- Make a nice thank you video : for example, have colleagues, those who have been helped or a (local) VIP such as the councilor record a thank you.
Tip: join nlvoorelkaar for free
NLvoorelkaar makes a December gift available every year for all volunteer (organizations) in the Netherlands. Completely free, sponsored by the business community and NLvoorelkaar.
In 2023 the attention is a December calendar:
If it could be a little more
6. Arrange a nice brunch, lunch, high tea or drinks. Add games (see for example below) and then the party is complete! It's great to get to know each other better this way.
7. Organize a special quiz for and about volunteers (work). Include facts about your volunteer work, funny facts or anecdotes, the impact it makes and perhaps a question about each volunteer to put them in the spotlight? A free tool like Kahoot makes putting together and participating interactively super easy and accessible!
or go for the wow factor
Or go for the wow factor and make it big - because the impact they make is also big! A few ideas:
8. A surprise gala for family and friends of volunteers.
9. A photo shoot where the volunteers are in action - the prints will of course be on the wall of your office and in the living rooms of volunteers!
10. Hire a team of cheerleaders, drum band or marching band for a serenade on December 7 to surprise the volunteers.
11. Have a well-known (local) person record a personal message, perform or present a prize.
Have fun & good luck!
For press
Want to make an item about National Volunteer Day on December 7? Please contact us for more information, great stories worth telling or the latest volunteer figures.