Celebrations
Ensuring the project is rewarding and appreciated

Broadening Participation in Biological Monitoring:
Guidelines for Scientists and Managers
David Pilz, Heidi L. Ballard, Eric T. Jones
©2005 Institute for Culture and Ecology

Project Homepage - Printer Version

Rewarding participants—Individuals, groups, or organizations that contribute their time, energy and resources to collaboratively meeting common goals deserve to be rewarded for their contributions. Ensuring that their expectations are adequately meet goes a long ways to accomplishing this goal, regardless of whether they are financially compensated (see the Participants and Incentives modules). In many cases the greatest reward for participants is to see that the results of their efforts are being used to improve forest management practices, even if the management changes are minor. In some cases, extra effort is needed to inform participants that their participation actually made a difference. Stakeholders who traditionally have little influence, or are seldom acknowledged, can be particularly appreciative of this courtesy. A variety of other rewards exist. Public recognition and acknowledgement is usually highly appreciated, even by shy individuals. Celebrations are both fun and rewarding. There are many ways to thank participants for their hard work and dedication. Examples include:

· Special reports about individuals in newsletters.

· Field tours.

· News reports about accomplishments.

· Educational events.

· Dedications.

· Award ceremonies.

· Potlucks.

· Guest speakers.

· Gifts.

· Parties.

Official acknowledgement might be provided in the form of

· Plaques.

· Certificates.

· Official letters of appreciation.

· Signed photographs.

· Monetary awards.

· Employment referrals.

· Letters of reference.

· Jobs.

Gifts could include items with a logo of the project on them, such as:

· Hats.

· T-shirts.

· Bandannas.

· Posters.

· Pins.

· Labels.

· Stickers.

Another approach is letting participants keep items acquired by the project such as:

· Field equipment.

· Maps.

· Safety equipment or clothing.

· Books.

· Furniture.

· Computers or software.

Ensuring community appreciation and continued support—Expressing acknowledgement and appreciation for participants in public events is an excellent way to build visibility for the project and garner public involvement and support. There is no need to wait until a project is well advanced or completed to celebrate accomplishments. Periodic public events, presentations, and gifts lend momentum and continuity to participatory projects. They are also an excellent means of educating the public about the importance of conserving biodiversity and the efforts being made to do so in their own communities.

Learning to stretch our limits, trying new approaches to old problems, and making a difference in the world are powerful rewards in their own right. Best wishes! (And let others know how it works out…)

Checklist—

¨ How will participants be acknowledged, thanked, and rewarded for their contributions?

¨ What ceremonies or gatherings can be arranged to publicly celebrate accomplishments?

¨ How can promotion and advertisement of such events be used to enhance visibility and community support for the project?

¨ What gifts are appropriate for participants?

¨ Would a project logo printed on clothing or other gifts be useful for promoting pride in the project?

¨ How can potlucks, barbeques, dances, parties, or other group celebrations be organized and sponsored?

¨ What will make the celebrations memorable and fun?

References—Behar 1996; Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network Coordinating Office and the Canadian Nature Federation 2003; Everett 2001; NRCS n.d.; Sithole 2002; University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant Program, Maine Coastal Program of the Maine State Planning Office n.d.; United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 2004; The Volunteer Monitor. n.d.; Wondolleck and Yaffee 2000