Who are your colleagues? Why honor colleagues? Who should honor colleagues? When should you honor colleagues? How do you honor colleagues? At the annual meeting of a coalition of adult educators, a high point is always the announcement of the Teacher and Administrator of the Year awards. In a recent year, the administrator chosen was the long-time director of a program in a correctional institution. Both the director and the program had reputations for being caring, effective, and consistently supportive of staff members in a challenging setting. Those staff members had nominated him, and their tribute to him was read as part of the presentation. When the award was announced, the administrator was stunned and deeply moved. He thanked his staff and the coalition for the honor and made a brief acceptance speech. "You have no idea how much this means to me," he said, "because it comes from people who really know what I do, who know me for what I am. To know that I'm appreciated is wonderful, but to know that I'm appreciated by colleagues I respect is gratifying beyond words." Whether you're recognizing a colleague with a major award or simply sending a sincere note of thanks, appreciation can be an important part of sustaining community and organizational work. This chapter is about celebrating and rewarding accomplishments in health and community work. In this section, we'll discuss why and how you might recognize the contributions of colleagues. Who are your colleagues? You may think of colleagues primarily as coworkers, but the term can be broader. Colleagues may include people who work alongside you within an organization, across organizations, in a coalition, in a professional field, or on a shared community effort. Others in your organization. This includes people across roles and levels of responsibility. Program staff, administrators, administrative and support staff, outreach workers, specialists, and others who contribute to the organization's mission can all be colleagues. Leaders and staff of other organizations in your field or community. People may consider one another colleagues because they work on similar issues, serve the same community, or contribute to related goals even though they work for different organizations. Co-members of a coalition or community group. This may include people with whom you serve on committees, organize events, advocate for change, or carry out other shared work. Fellow volunteers or members of a community board or advisory group. Collaborators on a project. The Community Tool Box team, for instance, has included academics and community practitioners, teachers, students, administrators, writers, and human service professionals working across locations and projects. People with whom you work on an initiative or campaign at the local, state, national, or international level. People working together to preserve a neighborhood park, improve community health, advocate for legislation, or pursue another shared goal may consider one another colleagues. Colleagues may be paid staff members or volunteers, professionals or community members, people in leadership or support roles, or people working across different organizations and locations. What connects them is their contribution to shared work, goals, or values. Why honor colleagues? The most basic reason is to let people know that their contributions are seen and appreciated. There are several other reasons recognition can be valuable: Their contributions deserve recognition. Colleagues may merit appreciation because: They have made an especially meaningful contribution. They may have developed an effective prevention strategy, created a useful curriculum, strengthened a community partnership, protected an important community resource, or contributed in another significant way. They have been long-standing contributors to the community or field. Some people consistently show up, take responsibility, support others, follow through on commitments, and contribute year after year without seeking attention. Their sustained work deserves recognition. They have helped initiate something successful. They may have helped launch an effective program, intervention, coalition, or community initiative. They have helped strengthen or improve something. They may have helped an organization address significant challenges or brought together organizations with a history of conflict or strained relationships so they could collaborate effectively. They have contributed substantially to achieving an important goal. A colleague may have coordinated a successful fundraising effort, helped secure an important policy change, or supported another major accomplishment. They have demonstrated persistence. Someone may deserve recognition for sustaining high-quality work over a long period, particularly under challenging circumstances. They have demonstrated effective leadership. Leadership that supports others, builds trust, shares responsibility, strengthens collaboration, and helps people accomplish shared goals is worth acknowledging. Honoring colleagues can support morale, connection, and motivation. Community and human service work can be demanding, and frustration, exhaustion, and burnout can affect people over time. Recognition cannot substitute for reasonable workloads, supportive working conditions, fair compensation, or adequate resources, but it can remind people that their contributions matter and are appreciated. Honoring colleagues can highlight examples of effective practice, leadership, and contribution. Recognition can help people learn about approaches, values, and practices that have strengthened the work. The goal should not be to suggest that everyone must imitate one individual, but to make visible the qualities and contributions the organization or field values. Recognition is only as meaningful as the choices behind it. Organizations should avoid honoring only people who fit one preferred style, hold highly visible positions, or follow established ways of working. Consider contributions from people in different roles, including those whose work happens behind the scenes, and make sure recognition criteria leave room for innovation, collaboration, community knowledge, and different approaches to effective work. Recognition can also increase awareness of the work of the organization, initiative, or field. Celebrating accomplishments can provide an opportunity to explain why the work matters, recognize the people involved, and strengthen community understanding and support. An occasion honoring colleagues can also be an opportunity for community communication and advocacy. It can highlight an issue, demonstrate what effective work looks like, recognize community contributions, and invite others to participate or support future efforts. Who should honor colleagues? Recognition can be meaningful when it comes from people who understand the honoree's work and contributions. Close colleagues may have particular insight because they have worked alongside the person and seen both the visible and less visible aspects of their contribution. Different groups may recognize colleagues in different ways. Some may be close colleagues themselves; others may coordinate or present recognition based on nominations or recommendations from people who know the honoree's work. Groups that may honor colleagues include: An organization Staff members, volunteers, or participants within an organization A coalition or initiative Co-members of a board, advisory group, or committee A professional association Practitioners or organizations in a particular field Community groups, institutions, or partner organizations When should you honor colleagues? Appreciation can be expressed at any time, but there are occasions when formal recognition may be particularly appropriate. Special occasions These may have to do with the life of the organization, the professional life of the person being honored, or personal milestones they choose to share. Examples include: Retirement or another transition. Recognition can acknowledge a colleague's contributions before or during a significant professional transition. If someone's contributions are worth recognizing, don't assume appreciation should wait until they leave. Ongoing recognition while people are still doing the work can be especially meaningful. A significant anniversary. This might include years of service, years in a particular role, or an anniversary of the organization or initiative. The staff members of an organization decided to honor their director, who had served in the position for ten years. To thank him for his leadership, support, mentoring, and contributions to the field, they held a reception and invited staff, colleagues from similar organizations, funders, and state officials and agency representatives. People shared reflections on his contributions and presented forms of recognition that had been chosen with him in mind. A personal milestone the colleague wishes to share, such as a birthday, marriage, new family member, graduation, or another meaningful event. Support from colleagues may also matter during times of loss, transition, illness, caregiving, or personal difficulty. This is less about public recognition and more about demonstrating care and respect. Follow the colleague's lead regarding what they want shared and what type of support is welcome. The attainment of a personal or professional goal, such as completing a degree, earning a certification, receiving a promotion, or reaching another milestone the colleague wants recognized. The conclusion of something successful, or the achievement of a goal The opening of a new facility, completion of a fundraising campaign, passage of an ordinance that advances community goals, completion of a major project, or another significant accomplishment may be appropriate times to recognize the colleagues who contributed. Regularly scheduled occasions Annual meetings of coalitions, organizations, community groups, and professional associations often provide opportunities to recognize contributions from the past year. When reviewing accomplishments, consider not only highly visible achievements but also teamwork, mentorship, collaboration, innovation, sustained service, and contributions that may otherwise receive little attention. To say thank-you for a job well done or for support and mentoring Sometimes the right time to honor a colleague is simply when you realize that their work, mentorship, or support has gone unacknowledged. A sincere thank-you, thoughtful note, or other recognition can be meaningful precisely because it is not tied to a formal award or scheduled event. Honoring colleagues does not have to be formal. It can happen in small, everyday ways: a thank-you note, a message after a difficult project, acknowledgment at a meeting, or a private conversation expressing appreciation. People benefit from knowing that their contributions are noticed and valued. How do you honor colleagues? There are many ways to honor colleagues, but some general guidelines apply to most forms of recognition. General guidelines Make it personal and respectful Recognition is most meaningful when it reflects the actual person and their contribution rather than using a generic approach. Consider what the honoree values, how they prefer to be recognized, and whether they are comfortable with public attention. A ceremony, gift, or other acknowledgment can refer to the person's accomplishments, values, relationships, or contributions, but personal details and stories should be included only when the honoree is comfortable having them shared. Family members, mentors, or close colleagues may be involved when the honoree wants them included. Consider a meaningful form of recognition Recognition might include a meaningful gift, plaque, certificate, photograph, book, artwork, professional-development opportunity, contribution to a cause, additional time off where appropriate, or another form that fits both the person and the occasion. A tangible gift can be meaningful, but it is not required for recognition to matter. The most meaningful recognition is often something thoughtfully connected to the person. A scrapbook, collection of messages from colleagues, item related to the person's interests, or another carefully chosen gesture may mean more than an expensive but impersonal gift. If staff members contribute money toward a gift, make participation voluntary and avoid creating pressure on people who may not be able or willing to contribute financially. Document the occasion with the honoree's permission Photographs, video, audio, written reflections, or a guest book may become meaningful records for both the honoree and the organization. Before recording or sharing images, stories, or personal information, make sure the honoree and other identifiable participants understand how the material will be used and are comfortable participating. Think about the guest list Who would the honoree value having present? Consider close colleagues, family members, friends, mentors, community partners, public officials, or leaders in the field, depending on the occasion. Ask rather than assume which people the honoree would want included. Consider whether media involvement is appropriate Media coverage may be appropriate when the recognition is connected to a significant community accomplishment or when the honoree wants broader public recognition. If the occasion is personal or private, media attention may be inappropriate. Discuss publicity with the honoree before issuing a press release, inviting reporters, sharing photographs, or otherwise publicizing the recognition. Specific ideas There are as many ways to recognize colleagues as there are people and contributions worth recognizing. The most appropriate choice depends on the honoree, the accomplishment, available resources, and organizational culture. Make a personal gesture to show your colleague you appreciate them Recognition at a staff meeting, a note or card, a thoughtful message, or a small gift can all communicate appreciation. Small gestures can be especially meaningful when they are sincere, specific, and connected to what the person actually contributed. Present an award. There are two common approaches: An award presented regularly for a particular type of contribution, such as Teacher of the Year, Innovation in Youth Work, Community Partnership, or another category. A special award created to recognize a person's distinctive contributions to an organization, community, or field. Regular awards may provide consistency and visibility, but they can also become overly competitive if only one type of contribution is recognized. Consider multiple forms or categories of recognition so that collaboration, mentoring, community knowledge, behind-the-scenes work, innovation, and sustained service can also be acknowledged. Some groups combine regular awards with special recognition for people whose contributions do not fit established categories. This can help acknowledge colleagues whose work has made an important difference but might otherwise be overlooked. Give a gift or another meaningful form of recognition Gifts are one possibility, but recognition can also involve time, opportunities, experiences, learning, or other forms of appreciation. Possibilities include: Name something in their honor. A room, program, scholarship, grant, award, or other appropriate resource may be named for a colleague whose contributions have had lasting significance. Seek an official proclamation or community recognition. A city council, county government, legislature, board, or other public body may sometimes formally recognize someone's contribution. Give them time. Additional paid time off, schedule flexibility, compensatory time, or relief from evening or weekend responsibilities may be particularly meaningful when organizational policy and resources allow. Help make a meaningful experience possible. If you know the person has a particular professional, recreational, artistic, or community interest, consider whether there is an appropriate way to support that interest. Recognition that reflects genuine respect is often more meaningful than something expensive. The best choice is one that has been made thoughtfully with the person, their preferences, and the nature of their contribution in mind. Throw them a party or gathering Depending on resources and preferences, recognition might take the form of refreshments during work hours, a staff meal, a picnic, a reception, or a larger gathering. Make participation voluntary, and consider accessibility, transportation, caregiving responsibilities, scheduling, dietary needs, religious and cultural considerations, and sensory preferences. A gathering may be especially appropriate when recognizing a group rather than one individual. Teams, volunteers, staff members, participants, or partners who contributed collectively may appreciate having their shared work recognized. Elements to consider: Food. Ask what kinds of food participants and the honoree would enjoy. Consider favorite or culturally meaningful foods without reducing cultures to stereotypes, and provide options for allergies, dietary restrictions, religious practices, vegetarian or vegan diets, and other needs. If alcohol is being considered, think about whether it fits the organization's purpose and whether it could make some participants feel excluded or unsafe. Organizations that provide substance use treatment or work with people in recovery from alcohol use disorder may decide that alcohol-free events are more appropriate. Minors, transportation and safety, organizational policies, religious or cultural practices, and personal preferences are also relevant considerations. An alcohol-free event can often provide the most inclusive environment. Music. Choose music based on the honoree's and participants' preferences. Consider volume, sensory needs, accessibility, and whether people want opportunities to dance, talk, or simply listen. The interests of the honoree. A gathering might involve a sporting event, film, outdoor activity, arts experience, restaurant, community event, or another activity the person genuinely enjoys. Make sure the activity is feasible and accessible to the people you hope to include. Hold a formal ceremony A formal ceremony may include remarks from organizational leaders, colleagues, community partners, public officials, or the honoree. It may accompany an award or simply serve as formal recognition of the person's contribution. Media involvement may be appropriate when the honoree wants public recognition and the event has broader community significance. Formal ceremonies can communicate significance and allow a broader range of people to participate, but they may provide less time for personal interaction. Consider the honoree's preferences when deciding whether a formal, informal, or combined approach is best. One option is to combine formal recognition with an informal reception or gathering so that people have both a structured opportunity to acknowledge the contribution and time to connect personally. Honor colleagues every day You don't need a special event or award to let colleagues know that you value their contributions. Regular, specific, and sincere appreciation can help strengthen relationships and make difficult community work more sustainable. Recognition is most effective when it exists alongside supportive working conditions, respect, inclusion, appropriate resources, and meaningful opportunities to contribute. In Summary Honoring colleagues - people who work with you toward shared goals in an organization, community, coalition, initiative, or field - can express appreciation, strengthen relationships, acknowledge meaningful contributions, and increase awareness of important community work. Recognition may come from an organization, team, coalition, professional association, board, community group, or colleagues working closely with the person. It might mark a professional milestone, major accomplishment, sustained contribution, transition, or simply the realization that someone's work or support deserves acknowledgment. Regardless of the form of recognition - a personal gesture, award, gift, gathering, formal ceremony, or another approach - several principles are useful: Personalize the recognition in ways that reflect the person's contributions and preferences Choose a meaningful form of appreciation, whether tangible or not Document the occasion only with appropriate permission Consider the guest list carefully, with the honoree's relationships, comfort, accessibility needs, and preferences in mind Discuss public or media recognition with the honoree before making the occasion public Finally, honor colleagues in everyday ways as well as through formal recognition. Community and health work can be demanding, and people benefit from knowing that their knowledge, time, care, and contributions are genuinely appreciated. Resources Online Resources Recognition of colleagues' accomplishments and honors by the California Emergency Nurses Association. Recognition provides tips on recognizing colleagues in small ways from the Human Resources Department at the University of Arizona.
