An important part of being a Manager is to recognise your team. This may include:

• giving praise
• writing or telephoning to say ‘thank you’
• celebrating special times e.g. new jobs, weddings, babies, completion of study
• sending birthday cards
• giving small gifts at Christmas or the end of the Guiding year.

Whilst you can recognise volunteers through these methods, or through formal awards, see below, it is often the girls themselves who provide the greatest reward to volunteers, who feel fulfilled by seeing the Guides happy and growing in confidence.

 Awards

Awards are a public recognition of the dedication and commitment members and supporters give to Guiding.  Guide Lines has a section on Adult Good Service Awards and Membership Recognition.  In addition some States have other informal awards to recognise those members who are doing great things – ask your State Office for details.  Don’t forget the significant contribution Guiding makes to your community.  Keep an eye out for community awards including Local Council Australia Day Awards.

If you keep an ongoing record of outstanding contributions in your team – perhaps on a spreadsheet or using card files, you will find it much easier to put together applications for Awards.  Award applications should be completed clearly, with relevant supporting information and submitted at least two months before the anticipated date of presentation.

The presentation of awards to adults is just as important as for the girls and the Annual General Meeting provides a perfect occasion to do this.  Most Leaders and Managers would probably like a local celebration too!