Recognition:
Once a year we celebrate the "birthday" of our monthly series - at our December
dance. We always verbally recognize by name a few key/crucial/regular
volunteers, make a written poster naming all of the volunteer musicians who
played during that year in the All-Comers Band for our community dance portion
(70+), usually give some sort of minor but nice tangible appreciation to
key/crucial/regular volunteers (and some years committee members) - ranging
from chocolate to CDs to gift certificates. To appreciate the 7 years of
service of two extremely crucial volunteers, we gave them each a hefty gift
certificate to a local business they frequent (yarn/hardware). We also ask for
a show of hands of folks who've helped throughout the year with clean-up,
set-up, door, etc. (All those things that help keep the dance running happily.)
(And we also do this each month, but we just give a big shout-out again in Dec)
Admission question:
Every month, certain key/crucial/regular volunteers do not pay admission to the
dance (same goes for committee members) and we don't do anything about any
"lost" income for the band/caller. We also give discounts for bringing a fan,
or for sitting a dance set at the door. The work these folks do ensures the
health of the series, which then benefits the talent via our good guarantee and
usually substantial bonus.
Volunteers are crucial to our monthly series. We appreciate them immensely and
try to show that.
Chrissy Fowler
Belfast, ME
