by A.J. Steinberg, CFRE of Queen Bee Fundraising
Every April, we recognize National Volunteer Month a time to reflect on and honor the incredible individuals who give their time, talents, and hearts to strengthen our communities.
Volunteers are often the quiet force behind the scenes. They don’t look for recognition, applause, or
fanfare. They show up because they care about people, about causes, about making the world just a
little bit better than it was yesterday. Whether it’s packing food for families, mentoring youth, serving
at events, supporting nonprofit operations, or helping a neighbor in need, volunteers make our
communities more compassionate, connected, and resilient.
The Power of Volunteers
Nonprofits, schools, community events, hospitals, and countless other organizations rely on volunteers
to fulfill their missions. Volunteers don’t just fill roles they fill gaps. They bring energy, dedication,
and a deep sense of purpose to every task, no matter how big or small.
What makes volunteers so powerful is not just the work they do it’s the spirit with which they do
it. That spirit transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary impact. It creates spaces where people
feel seen, valued, and supported. It strengthens the social fabric that binds us all together.
More Than a “Thank You”
National Volunteer Month is about more than just saying thank you (although gratitude is essential!).
It’s about telling the stories of the people who give so freely of themselves. It’s about celebrating their
contributions publicly and recognizing how vital they are to our collective success.
It’s also a time to reflect on how we support and engage our volunteers:
Are we giving them meaningful roles?
Are we showing them the impact of their work?
Are we offering them a sense of belonging within our organizations?
Volunteers deserve more than a pat on the back. They deserve to feel like an integral part of the team
they truly are.
How You Can Celebrate This Month
If you’re an organization that benefits from volunteer support, here are a few ways to celebrate your
volunteers this April:
Share their stories on social media or in your newsletter
Host a volunteer appreciation event (virtual or in-person)
Send personalized thank-you notes
Offer development opportunities like a free training, workshop, or leadership role
Create space for feedback, so volunteers feel heard and empowered
If you’re an individual looking to get involved, National Volunteer Month is the perfect time to start.
Look for causes that align with your passions, even if you can only offer a few hours. Every act of
service matters.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To every volunteer reading this, thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for caring. Thank
you for making your corner of the world a better place.
To every organization that nurtures a culture of volunteerism keep going. The impact may not
always be visible, but it is always profound.
Let’s carry the spirit of National Volunteer Month all year long because when people give of
themselves, our communities don’t just survive they thrive.
Interested in volunteering? Looking for ideas to better support your volunteer team?
Reach out—we’d love to connect!
