I’ve served as a volunteer for ASAE for many, many years. (My first volunteer effort was writing an article for their print(!) membership section newsletter back in 1994.) Over the years I’ve written many articles, spoken dozens if not hundreds of times, and served on three separate committees, once as chair.
And over those years of service, I can probably count on two hands how many thank you cards (not generic broadcast thank you emails) that I’ve received. There was a time long ago when I received NO thank yous for my volunteer service.
Yesterday in the mail I received a colorful thank you card from ASAE (here’s a link to a reproduction of part of the card) for my service on the consultant section council. What I think is very cool about the card is that it highlights, in a very creative way, the accomplishments of each of the ASAE councils. So not only are they saying thanks, they’re pointing out WHY they are thanking us. I think that’s pretty slick.
The one thing that distinguishes you from all of your for-profit competitors is volunteers. Are you thanking them?