Page 34 - 2018 June Voices

FIELD NOTES

Appreciating

Volunteers

James Wantz, DTM
Public Relations Manager

A strange thing happened at a recent appreciation I almost threw mine away.
banquet. I did not feel appreciated. Very few Conversely, a day ago I was given a very nice
of those recognized for their contributions felt Toastmasters mug for being a presenter at TLI.

appreciated. Instead of appreciated, many felt It is a very nice mug. I value it more highly than
insulted by the appreciation “gift”. the rope. I can display the mug with pride (it’s
The appreciation gift was a length of rope. Yes, not in my car’s trunk) and use it on a regular
rope. Granted, it was very good rope. Rope that basis for coffee.

could pull a car. Rope that had a test strength of To me, an appreciation gift is the icing on the
15,000 pounds. Rope that was very utilitarian. cake of volunteering. You can have the tastiest
But it was rope nonetheless. Conversation at the cake in the world but if you put a plunger on top
tables after the appreciation gift was handed out of it—no one will eat it. That’s my feeling about

was less than appreciative. appreciation gifts; it is a tangible reminder of the
“What am I going to do with this? Am I time I volunteered, the project that was finished,
supposed to hang myself?” and the person that asked for my help. I want
“Well…we could tie him to his car or tie his that reminder to be a good one.

doors shut.” I don’t volunteer my time because I anticipate
“Here,” one person said to me. “You can have really cool swag at an appreciation banquet.
my rope if you want.” No, I volunteer because I like helping others.
“You don’t want it?” After helping many people with projects in

“Are you kidding? Why would I want that?” Toastmasters over the years, there are some I
Ouch! That is not the response anyone would won’t help again: those that never said “thank
want to an appreciation gift. you” for my time, my contribution, or my
That rope is in the trunk of my car. Some work. They expected I do the work, didn’t do

of the rope was thrown away the night of the any work of their own, and took all the credit
banquet. The rope may turn out to be the most for themselves. They are what I call Volunteer
useful appreciation gift I’ve ever received, but at Vampires. They suck their volunteers dry.
the time it was given—that was not my thought. It was a month later that I finally had a

34 ONE COMMUNITY VOICES! | JUNE, 2018 34