Partner Recognition Strategies

Partner Recognition: Key Ideas

. Partner Luncheon or event: Many campuses hold a special luncheon, picnic, or dinner for partners themselves. Not only is the event substantively a thank-you, but the programming intentionally recognizes partners for their work.

. Invite partners to the Senior Presentations of Learning or Capstone presentations: Several campuses employ this strategy. At times, the Bonner student invites the partner representatives directly, especially if presentations occur at different times (e.g., at Bonner Meetings) throughout the year. Other campuses invite partners to a special event, like a Senior Recognition Dinner, a convocation, or an end-of-the-year picnic.

. Special awards: Some campuses engage students in creating an award or certificate for community partners. A template for such an award is available in these resource. Through this certificate, the student can personalize his or her thank you and appreciation. Some campuses also have a special award that goes to only one or a few partners at a public event, like a Community Service Awards Celebration.

. Special invitations to present and speak: Some campuses are consistent in inviting partners to speak at forums and in classrooms.

. Special resources or publications: Some campuses develop a resource booklet for partners or a written publication in which they are highlighted.

. Participate in partners’ work: Some campuses work to find ways to participate in partners' special events, sit on community boards, and otherwise integrate with their efforts. Some even engage in collaborative grant-writing and fundraising.

. Special trainings and retreats: a few campuses have begun exploring special trainings and events that appreciate partners also by investing in them and their success. Programming may include workshops on service-learning, community service programs, campus/community partnerships, and other topics.

. Integrating with site visits and regular communication: saying “thank you” and sharing appreciation in an ongoing way is also incredibly important. Whether through cards or small tokens of appreciation or simple, direct words, these efforts can go a long way to make partners feel appreciated.