Implementing Say It Now: 5 Steps for NGOs to Build a Culture of Gratitude

For NGOs, the Say It Now movement presents an incredible opportunity to foster deeper relationships within their teams, with their volunteers, and within the communities they serve.

Walter Green’s initiative has transformed the way people express gratitude, and nonprofits are uniquely positioned to integrate this powerful movement into their daily operations. Here are five practical ways NGOs can implement Say It Now to build a more connected, grateful, and compassionate environment.

1. Create a “Gratitude Wall” for Team Members Encourage staff members to write public notes of appreciation for one another. A “Gratitude Wall” or digital bulletin board can become a space where employees, volunteers, and even board members can express their appreciation for the support and collaboration they experience every day. This fosters an open environment where everyone feels valued for their contributions.
2. Incorporate Gratitude Into Staff Meetings Make expressing gratitude a regular part of your internal meetings. Start or end meetings by inviting team members to share a brief story about someone within the organization who has helped them or made an impact. This habit ensures that moments of appreciation are consistent and become woven into the fabric of your organizational culture.
3. Recognize Volunteers and Donors in a Personal Way Volunteer and donor recognition events are common in the nonprofit sector, but the Say It Now approach emphasizes personal, heartfelt acknowledgments. Instead of standardized thank-you notes or automated emails, encourage staff to reach out individually to volunteers and donors with a personalized message about the specific difference they’ve made. You can use Walter Green’s model of writing “living tributes” as inspiration.
4. Involve Beneficiaries in Expressing Gratitude Sometimes, the most powerful words of gratitude come from those directly impacted by an NGO’s work. Consider facilitating opportunities for the people your organization serves to share their stories and express thanks to the staff, volunteers, or donors who have supported them. These stories humanize the work and allow for a deeper emotional connection between all parties involved.
5. Share Gratitude Stories Publicly Take Say It Now beyond internal circles and into the public sphere. Share stories of gratitude on social media or in newsletters, featuring testimonials from staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Use the #JustSayItNow hashtag to inspire a broader audience to join the movement. When gratitude is shared publicly, it creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to reflect on the people they’re grateful for and fostering a global culture of appreciation.

By following these steps, NGOs can integrate the Say It Now philosophy into their everyday operations, helping to strengthen relationships, boost morale, and deepen their impact.