Date
Sunday
Apr
20

April 20

Volunteer Recognition Day

On Volunteer Recognition Day, let's honor the selfless individuals who make a difference in our communities - thank you for all that you do!

Yearly Date
April 20
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate and appreciate all the amazing volunteers in your community on Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20! This day was first established by President Richard Nixon in 1974, as a way to recognize and honor the selfless contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to make a positive impact on others. Whether it's helping out at a local charity, mentoring youth, or providing support during times of crisis, volunteers play an invaluable role in society. So let's take this day to thank them for all that they do and inspire others to join in making a difference.

Volunteer Recognition Day Timeline

1974
Establishment of Volunteer Recognition Day
President Richard Nixon officially established Volunteer Recognition Day to honor individuals who selflessly make a positive impact through volunteering.
1990
UN Volunteers Established
The United Nations established the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme to support peace and development worldwide through volunteerism.
1993
Creation of AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps was established in the United States as a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors.
2001
International Year of Volunteers
The United Nations declared 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers (IYV), showcasing the achievements of millions of volunteers worldwide.
2011
10th Anniversary of IYV
The United Nations marked the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, promoting the values of volunteering and recognizing its positive impacts.
Present Times
Continued Celebration of Volunteerism
People continue to annually celebrate Volunteer Recognition Day on April 20, boosting awareness and appreciation for volunteerism globally.

How to Celebrate Volunteer Recognition Day

1

Plan a volunteer appreciation party

Organize a party to thank all of your volunteers for their hard work and dedication. This can be a fun and festive way to show your appreciation and recognize their contributions.

2

Create a volunteer recognition video

Put together a video highlighting the impact that volunteers have made in your organization or community. This can be a powerful way to show your gratitude and recognize their efforts.

3

Send handwritten thank you notes

Take the time to write personalized thank you notes to each of your volunteers. This small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation and recognizing their contributions.

4

Host a volunteer awards ceremony

Create awards for different categories such as "most dedicated volunteer" or "most creative volunteer" and recognize your volunteers at a special ceremony. This is a great way to make them feel appreciated and celebrated.

5

Organize a volunteer day of service

In honor of Volunteer Recognition Day, plan a special day of service where volunteers can come together to make a difference in the community. This is a great way to recognize their efforts and give back to the community at the same time.

Why Volunteer Recognition Day is Important

A

Recognizes the hard work and dedication of volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in many organizations and communities, often giving their time and energy without expecting anything in return. Volunteer Recognition Day is a special day to acknowledge and appreciate their selfless contributions.

B

Encourages others to get involved

By recognizing the efforts of volunteers, Volunteer Recognition Day can inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact in their own communities. It serves as a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

C

Promotes the importance of volunteering

Volunteer Recognition Day brings attention to the valuable role that volunteers play in society, highlighting the importance of giving back and helping those in need. It can also encourage companies and organizations to create volunteer programs or offer incentives for employees to participate in community service.

Volunteer Recognition Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 19
Wednesday
2024
Apr 19
Friday
2025
Apr 19
Saturday
2026
Apr 19
Sunday
2027
Apr 19
Monday