We hope you take time to celebrate direct support professionals during DSP week, which begins September 11, 2011. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate -- in a variety of ways -- how much you appreciate these invaluable employees:
Host a party or community enrichment event
Throw a party, host a reception or have a BBQ to show your DSPs how much you appreciate their work and commitment to providing quality supports. Consider having a potluck with company leaders serving the hard-working DSPs! Or gear up for ARRM’s Community Enrichment Week October 23-29 by inviting family, friends, clients, colleagues and journalists to participate in a combined DSP celebration and community event, such as a food bank drive.
Raise money for your agency or favorite charity
Schedule a fundraising event, such as a run, walk and roll. Ask participants to solicit pledges to support your agency or a local cause.
Offer tangible, daily reminders of your gratitude
Each day, give your employees something to remind them how much you appreciate their contributions. For instance, one day could be “Lifesaver Day,” in which you give your staff lifesaver candies to remind them that they're lifesavers to others. Another day might be “Refill the Caregiver Day,” where employees receive a bottle of water, reminding them to “refill their cups” and take care of themselves.
Give your DSP a token of your appreciation
If your agency has discretionary funds in its budget, present your DSPs with a small, meaningful token of appreciation from senior leaders. If funds are limited, help the people you serve create meaningful homemade totems of thanks.
Have an employee “fun day” or retreat
Bring employees together for a day of fun, thoughtful team-building activities. Ask them what activities would inspire and motivate them, and deliver a day of relaxation or casual collaboration.
Create a scavenger hunt
Plan events for the entire week in which staff search for unique objects around the program site or office. Include a photo hunt for the best picture of the staff engaged in a fun activity, and offer the winning team a pizza party and one-hour grassroots advocacy training (training courtesy of ARRM).
Leverage owned and earned media
Post pictures of DSPs with the people they serve (with the consumers' consent, of course) on your company’s website and Facebook page. Include information about the important work they do and the impact that they have on others. Or post notices in community papers to recognize exemplary DSPs, such as past winners or nominees of ARRM Cares Awards.
Gather and promote testimonials from the people you serve
Ask self-advocates to tell stories about your DSPs. Help them put their thoughts into words and share why they enjoy working with your staff, then post these testimonials in public places for all to read.
Simply say “thanks”
Make it a point to visit each program site throughout the week and personally thank your staff for their dedication and commitment. If you can’t visit everyone, send a personal letter of gratitude to each employee.
--ARRM Workforce Development Committee
