Recognition

One of the most important elements in effective volunteer management is recognition of individuals and of groups. The county has several formal recognition programs. In addition to Pinellas County Volunteer Services' programs, it is suggested that departments create and implement informal volunteer recognition events throughout the year.

Service Pins

• Volunteer service pins are available to show appreciation to volunteers who have volunteered one year or longer.
• Service pins represent one, five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years.
• Departments should keep track of their volunteers’ anniversary dates and send a request for the appropriate pins when they reach a milestone date.
• Some departments may have a special time of year to recognize their volunteers, and it may be more appropriate to present the pin at that time instead of on the volunteer’s anniversary date.
• If a department anticipates needing a large quantity of pins, please notify the Volunteer Service Program three months in advance of when pins would be presented to the volunteers.

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Volunteers who contribute 4,000 or more hours of their time in volunteer service to Pinellas County may be recognized with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. 
• This is truly an honor to receive since it comes from the President of the United States. 
• The hours are cumulative over the lifetime service of a volunteer and may be at one or more County sites. 
• This is a non-competitive award.
• The annual presentation of these awards is generally conducted during a Board of County Commissioners’ meeting.