Undoubtedly you know that April is National Volunteer Month because across the country local communities are shouting the praises of their volunteers and giving thanks. For many, the celebrations will focus on the official week of April 23-29. Maybe you are already celebrating at your workplace. Are you celebrating in your Coordinating Body, Local Networking Group, or Community of Interest? This is a great opportunity to highlight the members who are getting the work done, and to encourage others. So, let's get to celebrating!

Here are a few ideas to celebrate your volunteers:

• Post a blog on your MY AADE NETWORK group page highlighting all your volunteers—include their names and pictures and don't forget to add an invitation to be one of the crew.
• Post an announcement with a special message of thanks to those who give their time and talents.
• Update your MY AADE NETWORK state landing page with a message of thanks and appreciation. Read more on how to update the "About Us" section of your landing page. 
• If you have a Facebook page or group, post a thanks to your volunteers. Use the "@" before a person's name to link them to the post. If you have pictures of volunteers, post them to the page too! You can tag people in posts.
• If you have a Twitter account for your group, give shout outs to your volunteers.
• Give a recommendation to your volunteers on their LinkedIn profile. 
• Send a personal email with a special note to your volunteers. 
• If you are with a CB or LNG, consider sending a letter to the editor or other note to your local state paper acknowledging the work of your volunteer team.
• Have a virtual party! It's tough to get people together for a party especially if you are reaching across a state or across a state or across a whole community of interest. So try a virtual party. Hold a Google Hangout, Tweet Chat or conference call (add video with Skype) where you can gather and chat. Have some fun and bill it as an informal gathering just to touch base and share some ideas. 
• Hold a real-time party! If you are close by, gather for coffee or happy hour. 
• Pick up the phone! Imagine getting a call that's not asking for anything—just sharing heartfelt thanks.