INSTRUCTIONS: IWD Gratitude Cards

In your IWD Event Pack are a set of 50 IWD Gratitude Cards and envelopes.  

Purpose of the IWD Gratitude Cards

The IWD Gratitude Cards are designed to turn reflection into action by encouraging visible, meaningful appreciation during IWD activities.

Their purpose is to:

• recognize and value the contributions of women and their allies in the workplace, community, or organization
   
• Prompt intentional gratitude, encouraging participants to actively acknowledge support, leadership, allyship, or advocacy
   
• Spark conversations about equality, inclusion, and impact in a personal, human way
   
• Reinforce the IWD campaign theme by linking appreciation to broader goals such as equity, respect, and collective progress
   
• Create a tangible takeaway that extends the impact of the IWD event beyond the day itself

In practice, the cards support peer-to-peer recognition, leadership acknowledgment, or reflective exercises to help IWD activities feel practical, inclusive, and values-led, not just symbolic.

Aspects to consider in writing and giving the IWD Gratitude Cards
 

Step 1: Pause and choose the person

Think about a woman whose actions have made a real difference at work, in the community, at home, or through allyship. Or, think about a specific male ally who is particularly supportive in helping forge gender equality. Perhaps choose someone whose contribution might not always be formally recognized.
 

Step 2: Be clear on why you’re thanking them

Identify one specific action, behavior, or impact. This matters because specific recognition is more meaningful and reinforces the behaviors and values that IWD stands for, such as equity, respect, and inclusion.
 

Step 3: Write the message in the card simply and genuinely

Keep the message short and clear. Use plain language. Focus on what they do and why it matters, rather than general praise. Make it clear why you chose to recognize them for IWD. One or two sentences may be sufficient.
 

Step 4: Decide how and when to give the card

Whenever possible, give the card directly, and in person. If that’s not practical, take a photo of your message to send it via email or messaging. The key is that the acknowledgment of gratitude is delivered as part of IWD activity.
 

Step 5: Pay it forward

Continue your focus on gratitude. Choosing moments of appreciation to genuinely and authentically express gratitude can make a tremendous difference on so many levels.

 

Looking for the IWD Activity Cards instructions? Click here.

Looking for the IWD Pledge Cards instructions? Click here.

Looking for the IWD Conversation Cards instructions? Click here.