The following is a news release from the Governor’s Office.
AUGUSTA – Citizens who serve in their communities as volunteers contribute to the strength and vitality of every Maine town and city. They respond to fires and emergencies, mentor our children, provide food to neighbors in need, comfort the elderly, transport the sick to medical appointments, and a thousand other things. Through their donated time and talent, volunteers help communities stretch finite cash resources to deliver the most service possible.
These awards celebrate and honor the exemplary work of Maine’s very dedicated citizens. At the same time, the awards seek to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of those recognized.
Founded during Governor McKernon’s administration, the program has continued uninterrupted. It is managed on behalf of the Office of the Governor by the Maine Commission for Community Service. The awards are presented at the Capitol each year in April around National Volunteer Week.
Individual categories include:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Youth Volunteer of the Year
- Outstanding Service-learning Practitioner
- Outstanding National Service Volunteer Award
- Outstanding Service-learning Practitioner
- Outstanding Public Sector Volunteer
- Excellence in Volunteer Administration
Organization categories include:
- School District Excellence in Service-learning
- Corporate Volunteerism Award
- Small Business Volunteerism Award
- Outstanding Non-Profit Volunteer Program Award
All Nominations for the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism are due Feb. 1, 2013.
Selection process
- February: Panels of community members, volunteer program managers, and Commission members review nominations. Each submission is rated against the criteria and purpose of the award. One award recipient and one “exemplary” person is selected.
- March: Nominators and award recipients notified of selections so they can plan to attend the presentation ceremony. Final decisions are not announced to the public or press until the award ceremony.
- April: Award recipients, their families, nominators, and program sponsors attend the very festive presentation ceremony.
For more information on all of the award categories and how to nominate an individual or organization, visit http://volunteermaine.org/governors-service-awards/.
The Maine Commission for Community Service builds capacity and sustainability in Maine’s volunteer and service communities by funding programs, developing managers of volunteers and service learning practitioners, raising awareness of sector issues, and promoting service as a strategy to resolve local problems. Learn more at www.maineservicecommission.gov.