Hawaii commission seeks nominees for volunteer awards
Advertiser Staff
Gov. Linda Lingle and the Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service will this fall honor outstanding achievements of volunteers across the state through the Governor's Volunteer Recognition Awards.
The commission is asking individuals and groups to nominate deserving people or organizations for their significant service contributions made during the 2007 calendar year. Nominations are due by Aug. 8 and the winners will be announced during a dinner banquet set for Oct. 17 at the Ala Moana Hotel.
"This is the first time that the commission will recognize the achievements and contributions of volunteers in communities throughout Hawai'i," commission chairwoman and Hilo resident Stacy Higa said in a news release.
"The Governor's Volunteer Recognition Award acknowledges individuals and organizations for their dedication, commitment, and determination in promoting and supporting volunteerism in Hawai'i."
Higa also noted that the award is the highest honor that the commission can bestow and its purpose is to inspire people to make a positive impact upon the lives of others and in places where such efforts can make a difference.
An application form and other information is available on the Commission's website at www.hawaii.edu/americorpshawaii.
Judging criteria for nominations is based on four elements:
Nominations will also be judged on how these four key areas have created the foundation for ACHIEVMENT by illustrating the accomplishments attained through the services rendered by an individual, business, or agency.
Nomination categories include: Children (Grades K through 12), Young Adults (19-25), Adults (25-59), Seniors (Age 60+), Organizations and Business. The Organizations category will recognize a group of volunteers of any size who have provided volunteer services. This includes but is not limited to: nonprofits, civic and faith based organizations, labor unions, clubs, and schools. The Business category recognizes for-profit entities that provided voluntary or pro bono services through its policies and practices.
The Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service serves as the Governor's advisory board on matters relating to community service and volunteerism. Established in 1994, the commission administers the National AmeriCorps Program in Hawai'i and is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the State. The commission acts as a liaison for the National Corporation to the State by encouraging community service and volunteerism, providing grants-in-aid to local groups and organizations with funds provided by the corporation, and by providing training to these and other groups to help them meet their service goals.
