Volunteer Termination Letter

A volunteer termination letter differs somewhat from a termination letter written to an employee. Volunteers usually give freely of their time and energyand they are not compensated for their efforts. A volunteer termination letter that expresses appreciation helps preserve the organization’s reputation and acknowledges the unselfish gift of the volunteer.

Format and Content

Except in the case of a moral, ethical or legal violation of policy, this type of termination letter should focus on the positive and minimize the negative. It should explain why an organization is no longer interested in the services provided by the volunteer. Whenever possible, include examples of the good the volunteer did for the organization in the volunteer termination letter format. The tone of the letter is dependent upon the circumstances of the specific situation.

Sample

This volunteer termination letter sample is written by the director of an organization who is obligated to terminate a volunteer based on the organization’s minimum hours of service policy. She thanks the volunteer for years of dedicated service and shows her appreciation by mentioning the help the volunteer provided to clients.

Dear Marty,

Thank you for demonstrating your willingness to help abused children by becoming a volunteer at Safe Haven Outreach. We truly appreciate the hours you have dedicated to the organization. However, as you know, we require each volunteer to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week mentoring our clients. Our records indicate that over the last 2 months you have not met your volunteer obligation on a consistent basis. Because we are limited to the supervision of a specific number of volunteers, we feel we have no option but to dismiss you from our volunteer program.

Please be assured this letter is not a negative reflection on you or your dedication to helping those in need. I am fully aware that you have been unable to meet your volunteer obligation due to a family emergency. From my own personal experience, I know how hard it is to take care of a parent who has suffered a sudden and unexpected illness. And, I sincerely appreciate every hour you have set aside to help us achieve our mission.

You have been a true blessing to our staff, the other volunteers, and the clients you have mentored over the last 2 years. We will miss your smile and your positive attitude. It is my sincere hope that you will reapply as a volunteer as soon as your mother returns to full health. You possess a genuine love of others that makes our clients feel valued and gives them the strength to work toward the goals they need to reach in the recovery process.

I hope you understand that as a director for this organization, I must put the needs of the clients before personal sentiment. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at the organization or on my personal cell phone at (555)-555-5555. I hope that your absence from Safe Haven Outreach is a short one. I wish you and your family the best. Again, thank you for helping us to make a difference in the lives of children and adults impacted by abuse.

Sincerely,

Alice Perkins

Director of Volunteers

Safe Haven Outreach