Make Volunteers Feel Welcome

• Part of feeling comfortable in a new place means knowing a few names. Casually introduce volunteers to support group members before engaging them in their volunteer opportunity. When you first meet your volunteers, give them an overview of what your support group strives to accomplish in the community. 
  
• Engage the volunteer and expose them to the variety of resources offered by AAKP.

Give Volunteers a Purpose 

• Be clear with your volunteers about what is expected of them. Tell them what you need accomplished and act as a resource if they have questions or concerns. 
  
• Be realistic when assigning tasks to volunteers. Consider the skills support group members have to offer and match their abilities with a task best associated with those skills. Ask a member who enjoys writing to contribute to a write up of you support group to be placed in a local paper or have an avid baker provide light, kidney-friendly refreshments at your next meeting.

Show Appreciation

• Congratulate your volunteers on a job well done. Sometimes a simple gesture of thanks is sufficient. For support group members who contribute their time consistently or have made a strong impact on your organization, consider giving them a thank you card, or taking them out to lunch. 
  
• The holidays are a great time to promote support group unity. Plan fun activities such as a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner where each member brings a different dish, or have a small holiday get-together where members purchase inexpensive gifts to exchange at your monthly meeting.