Thank Your Volunteers with Chocolate!
By: Sue Brage of Church Volunteer Daily
In honor of Valentine's Day I want to talk about an underutilized resource you have at your disposal.
It can bring people together, make a team member feel valued, and raise the morale of your team.
Have you guessed what it is? Chocolate!
Yes, I'm serious. Don't believe me? Listen to this...
In a recent study, scientists found that college students who liked sweets or had just eaten chocolate were more agreeable and likely to help others. In one test, students were given a piece of milk chocolate, a cracker, or nothing and then told another professor needed help. When asked how much time they were willing to volunteer. The chocolate eaters were willing to give 24 minutes, compared with 17 minutes for those who ate crackers, and 14 minutes for those who ate nothing.*
Not only were the chocolate eaters more agreeable, they were willing to serve longer! That's what I want from my team; how about you? (*See Check Up: Sweet People Dote on Sweets, philly.com)
Now, lest you think I am being entirely sarcastic, let’s look at some ways chocolate (and sweets in general) can help you have happier volunteers. These ABC's will help you show appreciation, encourage others, build your team and ultimately, have more fun!
Always bring the best.
Yes, it may cost a little more, but nobody wants to eat cheap chocolate. (I don't know about you, but I hate it when people try to pass off their old Halloween candy as some sort of special treat. I was at a meeting just this week where someone brought candy corn! It's February for Pete's sake. You are trying to communicate that you value your team...the right chocolate will help you do that!
Bake Brownies.
It takes just a little effort to make something mundane feel magical. For instance, a simple pan of homemade brownies takes no time at all and can make a meeting more enjoyable. Keep box mixes on hand or better yet, buy enough for the year and bring them to the next meeting. Put the dates of your meetings on the boxes and ask people to take them home and bring them on their date.
Candy Bouquet.
This was a great idea that came into Group last week. One of our friends in ministry sent a thank you she made using mini candy bars, floral foam, and a bright red pot. It was relatively simple but it made a big WOW in our department. It would make a special thank you for your team, too!
Did you bring me anything?
If you travel, either for work or play, pick up locally-made chocolates or candy for your team. I love it when my husband returns from a business trip with a present! (Like the cupcake (from Sprinkles in L.A.) he brought home on the plane for me--yum).
Easy Sweet Treats
One of my favorite meeting or even treats to bring are Lil' Debbie individually-wrapped snacks. There are a fun selection of treats including seasonal flavors. All you have to do is open a box, toss them in a bowl, and everyone gets to choose their favorite. Plus, you can turn this into an icebreaker and have everyone tell what treat they chose and why!
Frappucino Favors.
Next time you are at the store, pick up a couple of bottles of Frappucino (mocha or vanilla are delicious). Tie a simple ribbon around the top and these are the perfect surprise to encourage or thank someone on your team.
Gourmet Cocoa.
You can't go wrong with those fancy hot cocoa packets. They are great for a quick gift or to bring to a morning meeting or training.
Well, as you can see, once you get rolling you can find all kinds of ways to include chocolate in your volunteer appreciation! I wonder if we can finish the alphabet...share your ideas in the comments section!
Sue Brage worked in nonprofit marketing and communications for more than nine years before joining Group Publishing as Online Publisher and Editor for Church Volunteer Daily.com. Her experience as a writer, editor, and volunteer coordinator (not to mention wife and mother) gives her a unique perspective and ability to encourage and help leaders. She has a big heart for people and great passion for helping others serve their churches and communities better. Follow Sue on Twitter at @SueBrage and @CVCDaily
