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For Leaders

Volunteer Acknowledgement and Recognition Policy

 

1. Purpose

The Leanne Caron Mayoral Campaign recognizes that volunteers are essential to the success of the campaign. This policy establishes a consistent and respectful approach to acknowledging, supporting, and celebrating the contributions of campaign volunteers.

The campaign is committed to creating a positive volunteer experience built on appreciation, inclusion, teamwork, and civic engagement.


2. Guiding Principles

Volunteer recognition within the campaign will be guided by the following principles:

  • Respect and appreciation for all contributions
  • Inclusivity and fairness
  • Timely and meaningful acknowledgement
  • Recognition of both visible and behind the scenes work
  • Encouragement of positive campaign culture Support for volunteer wellbeing and morale 
  • All volunteers, regardless of role or time commitment, contribute meaningfully to the campaign.


3. Forms of Volunteer Recognition

The campaign may acknowledge volunteers through a variety of formal and informal methods, including:

Informal Recognition

  • Verbal thanks during campaign activities
  • Personal thank you messages
  • Recognition in meetings or volunteer briefings
  • Positive feedback and encouragement
  • Social media appreciation posts, where appropriate
  • Formal Recognition

Volunteer appreciation events 

  • Certificates or letters of appreciation
  • Recognition at campaign gatherings
  • Election night acknowledgements
  • Post campaign thank you communications
  • Recognition of exceptional contributions
  • Recognition efforts should be genuine, respectful, and proportionate to volunteer contributions.


4. Inclusive Recognition Practices

The campaign recognizes that volunteers contribute in different ways and with varying levels of visibility.

Recognition efforts should aim to include:

  • Canvassers
  • Sign teams
  • Administrative volunteers
  • Data entry volunteers
  • Event volunteers
  • Drivers
  • Social media volunteers
  • Fundraising volunteers
  • Accessibility and logistics support
  • Occasional and behind the scenes volunteers
  • Recognition should not focus solely on highly visible roles.


5. Accessibility and Respect

Volunteer appreciation activities should be planned with consideration for:

  • Accessibility needs
  • Transportation barriers
  • Dietary needs where food is provided
  • Inclusive and welcoming environments
  • Scheduling considerations
  • Recognition should always be respectful and voluntary.

Volunteers may choose not to be publicly acknowledged.


6. Social Media and Public Recognition

Before publicly identifying or featuring volunteers in:

  • Social media posts
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Campaign materials
  • Public acknowledgements the campaign should obtain consent where appropriate.

The campaign will respect volunteer privacy preferences.


7. Milestones and Exceptional Contributions

The campaign may choose to provide additional acknowledgement for:

  • Significant volunteer hour commitments
  • Leadership roles
  • Long term involvement
  • Outstanding teamwork
  • Crisis support
  • Exceptional dedication or initiative
  • Recognition should remain equitable and aligned with campaign values.


8. Volunteer Support and Retention

Volunteer appreciation includes more than formal recognition.

Campaign leadership should also:

  • Provide clear communication
  • Offer appropriate training and support
  • Respect volunteer time
  • Create safe and welcoming environments
  • Respond to concerns respectfully
  • Encourage teamwork and collaboration
  • Positive volunteer experiences are an important form of acknowledgement.


9. Responsibility

Campaign leadership and volunteer coordinators share responsibility for fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition throughout the campaign.

All team leaders are encouraged to:

  • Thank volunteers regularly
  • Recognize contributions promptly
  • Promote respectful and supportive team culture 

10. Commitment

The Leanne Caron Mayoral Campaign values the time, energy, skills, and commitment contributed by volunteers throughout the 2026 municipal election campaign in Guelph.

The campaign is committed to ensuring volunteers feel welcomed, respected, appreciated, and recognized for their important role in supporting positive civic engagement and community leadership.