Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, conducted by Oregon Volunteers Commission for Voluntary Action and Service. These awards distinguish individuals, programs and organizations for creating positive change through volunteerism across the state. Thanks to the generous support of Wells Fargo, our event presenting sponsor, a cash award of up to $500 will be given to a non-profit chosen by each state and regional volunteer award recipient. “I am inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call to action,” said Governor Kate Brown. Dr. King said “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” “I believe Oregon is great,” continued Governor Brown, “because so many Oregonians serve their communities by volunteering their time and expertise. I want to call on all Oregonians to nominate outstanding volunteers throughout Oregon for this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards.” Governor’s Volunteer Awards information and the nomination form are online at www.oregonvolunteers.org/events/gva. There is no cost to enter a nomination. The nomination deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2015. The awards are given at both the regional and statewide levels in the following categories: Adult Volunteer or Duo (age 19-64); – Elder Volunteer or Duo (age 65 or better); – Youth Volunteer or Duo (age 18 and younger); – Lifetime Achievement (individual or duo – at least 10 years of service in Oregon); – Youth Volunteer Program; – Small Business Volunteer Program (15 or fewer employees); – Large Business Volunteer Program (16+ employees); – Community Based Volunteer Program; – Statewide Business Volunteer Program (any size – active in 3 or more regions); – Statewide Community Based Volunteer Program (active in 3 or more regions); – AmeriCorps Alumni (recognizes the volunteer efforts of members AFTER they have completed a year of AmeriCorps service). Through an intense review process, award recipients will be chosen and then honored at a luncheon October 12, 2015, at the Salem Conference Center.
