Today we’re excited to be connecting with Laurel Barrett again. We’re excited to feature one of their services in our gift guide – learn more below and we encourage you to use your gift budget to support small businesses & creatives whenever possible.

Laurel, thanks for joining us again. We’re so excited to have a services focused conversation today. Can you bring our readers up to speed on the service-offering side?
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program is a dynamic initiative dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and supporting volunteerism across the globe. Our primary service is the recognition and certification of volunteer efforts, with a highlight on the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). To date, our members have certified over 15,000 volunteer hours, and 22 of our members have been honored with this prestigious award. Beyond recognition, we aim to create a community that fosters collaboration, inspires action, and celebrates the impact of giving back.

What Inspired Us?
The program was born from a realization that many volunteers feel their efforts go unnoticed and undervalued. Our founder, Laurel Barrett, a lifelong volunteer herself, recognized this gap and was inspired to create a platform where individuals could not only receive acknowledgment but also feel a sense of belonging to a global network of changemakers. She wanted to ensure that no act of service, no matter how small, would go unnoticed.

Key Components of Our Service:
1. Volunteer Recognition:
– Certifying volunteer hours to help individuals qualify for awards like the PVSA.
– Highlighting and celebrating outstanding efforts through awards and events.

2. Monthly Volunteer Projects:
– We host inclusive, remote projects such as decorating lunch bags for Kids Food Basket or identifying animals for ZSL Instant Wild, ensuring everyone can participate regardless of location.

3. Event Sponsorship:
– Supporting and sponsoring volunteer awards to inspire more community engagement.

4. Community Building:
– Creating a supportive network for volunteers from all walks of life, currently spanning two countries and nearly 75 members.

The Problem We Solve:
Before our program, there were limited platforms that truly celebrated and certified volunteer contributions, leaving many individuals and small organizations feeling disconnected or unappreciated. We address this by creating a structured and supportive framework that makes recognition accessible to everyone while inspiring continued service.

What Makes Us Unique?
Our uniqueness lies in our inclusivity and global reach. We welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities, and locations, offering both in-person and remote opportunities. Our innovative approach to remote projects ensures that anyone, anywhere, can contribute meaningfully to global causes.

Additionally, our Watercolor Whimsy Gala, scheduled for March 2025, is a shining example of how we celebrate volunteers. It’s not only a celebration but also a recruitment platform for the next generation of changemakers.

Who Benefits?
– Volunteers: Gain recognition, motivation, and a sense of community.
– Organizations: Access a pool of inspired and certified volunteers.
– Communities: Benefit from increased civic engagement and targeted solutions to local issues.

The Global Volunteer Recognition Program exists to empower those who give their time, effort, and hearts to make the world a better place. Through recognition and community, we aim to inspire even more people to step up and make a difference.

Do you remember the moment you realized the world needed this product?
The moment I realized the world needed the Global Volunteer Recognition Program came during a volunteer event where I was surrounded by individuals who had given countless hours of their time, yet their contributions were going largely unrecognized. I vividly remember speaking with a fellow volunteer who had dedicated years to serving her community, but she admitted she often felt invisible—like her efforts were just a drop in the ocean. That conversation stayed with me. I thought, *How many others feel this way? How many volunteers are out there making a difference but lack the recognition they deserve?*

That moment made me realize a significant gap existed: a platform that not only celebrates volunteers but also connects them, inspires them, and validates their work in a way that motivates them to keep going. I knew something had to be done to bridge that gap.

Since founding the program, I’ve learned that recognition is more than just a certificate or award—it’s about creating a culture where volunteers feel seen, valued, and empowered to continue their work. The service we provide helps fill this gap by offering a structure for acknowledging contributions, like certifying hours for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. We’ve also created a vibrant community where volunteers can connect and share their stories, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

I’ve discovered that people thrive when their efforts are appreciated. By shining a spotlight on volunteers, we not only uplift individuals but also inspire others to step into service roles. This ripple effect is what makes the program so impactful. It’s not just about recognition—it’s about building a movement where every act of service is celebrated, and no volunteer is left feeling invisible.

If you had to boil your services or brand down to one core message – what would that message be?
The core message of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program aligns with our motto:

“Celebrating the contributions of all volunteers to create a better world.”

We are dedicated to honoring every volunteer’s efforts, inspiring a culture of recognition and service that drives positive change in communities worldwide.

What’s next on the service or brand roadmap?
The next steps for the Global Volunteer Recognition Program focus on expanding our reach, enhancing volunteer recognition, and fostering global community engagement. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

1. Hosting the Watercolor Whimsy Gala (March 2025):
This event will celebrate volunteers, raise awareness for our program, and serve as a platform to recruit new members. With attendees from across the country and potentially abroad, the Gala will highlight the impact of volunteerism and strengthen our network.

2. Expanding Our Global Reach:
We aim to grow our community of volunteers and certify even more hours for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, reaching individuals in additional countries and creating a truly global network of changemakers.

3. Innovating Volunteer Projects:
Building on our monthly projects, we’re planning new initiatives that align with global needs, such as environmental conservation efforts, digital volunteerism, and collaborations with international organizations.

4. Strengthening Recognition Opportunities:
We’ll continue to sponsor awards and events that shine a spotlight on extraordinary volunteers while exploring new ways to make recognition accessible and meaningful for everyone.

5. Community Education and Resources:
We plan to offer workshops, webinars, and resources for organizations and individuals to inspire, support, and maximize their impact through volunteering.

The Global Volunteer Recognition Program is committed to evolving and growing to ensure volunteers worldwide feel valued and empowered to keep making a difference.

Image Credits
Eva Flis