THE West Australian football community is being encouraged to recognise some of the game’s most valuable assets following the start of National Volunteer Week on Monday, May 14.
The week also marks the start of the Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award, with the West Australian Football Commission and local districts and regions conducting a variety of events and functions over the nomination period to acknowledge and thank volunteers.
The first of these events is the East Perth District Quality Club Volunteer Dinner where the district will recognise the district volunteers as well as having a number of guest speakers talking to volunteers about club relevant topic.
The night will take place at the East Perth Football Club on May 16th, 2012. The dinner is being supported by National Volunteer Week and is a great example of volunteer recognition in football.
Guest speakers on the night will include Warren Nel & Glenn Morley from the WAFC as well as Crispin Roberts, Scott Hodson and Ronnie Hobbs.
National Volunteer Week also marks the opening of nominations for this year’s Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award. The program is being advertised at all clubs and at Patersons Stadium during AFL games throughout May and June.
For further details go to the volunteers section of the WAFC website, or visit www.volunteerinfooty.com.au to nominate a volunteer.
Some special ways to thank a volunteer include:
- Nominate them for the Football Volunteer of the Year
- Weekly, Monthly and Annual Awards (At a District, Club or Team Level)
- Articles on individual volunteers in newsletters
- Articles in local newspapers
- ID Badges, cards, hats and shirts for volunteers
- Ask them to train other volunteers
- Award life memberships to exceptional volunteers
- Ask your team to write thank you notes to your volunteers
- Hold special volunteer events
- Name awards after key volunteers in your club
- Ensure volunteers are reimbursed for their out of pocket expenses
- Provide volunteers with recognition certificates for their services
- Acknowledge volunteers at club meetings
- Offer letters of reference for volunteers
- Where possible, reduce membership fees for to the families of volunteers
- Offer and pay for training and accreditation courses for volunteers
- Thank you letters from the club committee to volunteers
