Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted Through March 27

DOVER (Feb. 25, 2022) – Nominations for the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through March 27. These awards recognize the important contributions made by Delaware’s youth volunteers to their communities. Award recipients will be announced in May.

“The commitment to service demonstrated each year by young volunteers in Delaware, as individuals or as part of a group, is inspiring,” said Governor John Carney. “Our state, our lives and our world are made better thanks to the spirit of unselfish volunteerism shown by these young people.”

To be eligible, the nominated individuals and group members must be 17 or younger during the time of service. Individual nominees must have volunteered a minimum of 100 hours and groups a minimum of 250 hours between January and December of 2021, although additional volunteer activity can also be highlighted to show long-term commitment. Volunteers will be honored in the following categories:

Individual: An exceptional individual 17 or younger who volunteers.
Team/Group: Two or more individuals who worked on the same project.
Emerging Volunteer Leader: An individual 17 or younger who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities.

“Even in the face of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our young people found innovative and thoughtful ways to volunteer and help others throughout 2021,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “Please join us in recognizing those rising to the occasion and nominate young volunteers in Delaware who are making a difference though their service.”

The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

“This is an opportunity to nominate young Delawareans who have found their superpower through service in their own communities and helped to inspire volunteerism across all age groups,” said Renée Beaman, Director of the Division of State Service Centers.

The nomination form is available at https://volunteer.delaware.gov/youth-awards. Nominators may also request a form by emailing dhss_VolunteerDelaware@delaware.gov or calling 302-857-5014. Nominations that are not submitted online must be delivered by Friday, March 25, to the State Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Volunteer Delaware, Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to volunteer.delaware.gov or contact Suzanne Farris, Volunteer Services Administrator, at 302-857-5006 or Suzanne.Farris@delaware.gov.

Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted Through March 14

DOVER (Feb. 10, 2021) – Nominations for the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through March 14. These awards recognize the important contributions made by Delaware’s youth volunteers to their communities. Award recipients will be announced in late April.

To be eligible, the nominated individuals and group members must be 17 or younger during the time of service. Individual nominees must have volunteered a minimum of 100 hours and groups a minimum of 250 hours between January and December of 2020, although additional volunteer activity can also be highlighted to show long-term commitment. Volunteers will be honored in the following categories:

Individual: An exceptional individual 17 or younger who volunteers.
Team/Group: Two or more individuals who worked on the same project.
Emerging Volunteer Leader: An individual 17 or younger who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities.

“Every day, I see the passion and determination that young people throughout the state bring to the volunteer projects and the nonprofit organizations they embrace,” Governor John Carney said. “I’m especially grateful this year for these energetic young volunteers who have risen to the challenge of volunteering as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. In meeting the needs of their communities, they bring a fresh viewpoint and a willingness to serve. I encourage Delawareans to take the time to nominate a young volunteer who is making a difference in the lives of others.”

“I am inspired by and grateful for the innovation and commitment I see in Delaware’s young volunteers, especially as our residents struggle to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in their communities,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “The spirit of volunteerism has never been more needed and alive. Please join us in nominating young volunteers who are making a difference by giving back.”

“Now more than ever is the time to engage our younger generation of volunteers, especially as we look for innovative ways to address the additional needs of our citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Renee Beaman, Director of DHSS’ Division of State Service Centers. “This is an opportunity to nominate youths who have developed initiatives in their own communities and helped to ignite volunteerism across all age groups.”

The nomination form is available at Volunteer.Delaware.gov. Nominators may also request a form by emailing Tina Gary at Tina.Gary@delaware.gov or calling 302-857-5014. Nominations that are not submitted online must be delivered by Friday, March 12, to the State Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Tina Gary, Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901 or emailed to: DHSS_VolunteerDelaware@delaware.gov

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to Volunteer.Delaware.gov or contact Suzanne Farris, Volunteer Services Administrator, at 302-857-5006 or Suzanne.Farris@delaware.gov.

Deadline Extended until October 25 for Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards

WILMINGTON, Del. – The State Office of Volunteerism has extended the deadline for nominations for the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards through Sunday, October 25. These awards recognize the important contributions made by Delaware’s volunteers to their communities. Award recipients will be announced December 5 to coincide with International Volunteer Day. No ceremony will be held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thousands of Delawareans give their time and effort each year, volunteering in their communities and working to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Governor Carney. “I’m especially grateful this year for those who have taken on the critical work of volunteering as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. These annual awards are a chance for us to highlight the contributions of our volunteers and to say thank you. Their selfless work builds a better Delaware for all of us.”

Nominated volunteers must have been active during the past year leading up to September 15, 2020, although prior volunteer activity can also be highlighted to show long-term commitment. To be eligible, the nominated individuals and group members must be 18 or older.

Volunteers will be honored in the categories of:

Individual: An exceptional individual over 18 who volunteers.
Emerging Volunteer Leader: An individual over 18 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities.
AmeriCorps Alum: A Delaware Alum whose commitment to embody service beyond their term of AmeriCorps service continues to bring about positive community change. Alums must have served in the 2019 service year or before.
Business: A corporation or business that has made a substantial impact in the community by promoting service to their employees through engaging in volunteer activities and/or by providing time for employees to volunteer for local organizations and/or agencies.
First Responder: Any individual employed in an emergency service occupation whose service has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a capacity outside of paid employment.
Group/Team: A group or team of two or more people who volunteer together on the same project(s).
Active Military Veteran: An individual who has served or is serving in the armed forces and volunteers in a Delaware community in a capacity outside of their military role.
Nonprofit Volunteer Program: A nonprofit whose volunteers have shown exemplary service in carrying out the mission of the organization through direct service.
In addition, the Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to a nominee who has had a longtime commitment to volunteerism. Wilkinson was a member of the Delaware Governor’s Council on Volunteerism from 2000 until 2004, when legislation transformed the Council into a Commission, and he continued serving until 2008. He passed away on Jan. 17, 2009; his legacy and dedication to serving others continues through the award named in his honor.

The Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor, the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of State Service Centers, the State Office of Volunteerism, and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

“Volunteers are an invaluable part of our efforts to improve the health and well-being of all Delawareans and to protect our vulnerable populations,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “I’m thankful for the hard work and generous support of all our volunteers, especially as our residents struggle to cope with the impact of the pandemic.”

“The 2020 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards provide an excellent opportunity for Delawareans to nominate those extraordinary groups and individuals who lighten the burdens of others through their dedicated and ongoing service,” said Kanani Hines Munford, Senior Administrator for the State Office of Volunteerism and Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “Now is the time to highlight their exemplary service.”

The nomination form is available online at volunteer.delaware.gov. Nominators may also request a form by emailing Suzanne.Farris@delaware.gov or calling 302-857-5006.

Nominations that are not submitted online must be delivered by Friday, Oct. 23, to the State Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Suzanne Farris, Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901 or emailed to dhss_VolunteerDelaware@delaware.gov.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to volunteer.delaware.gov or contact Suzanne Farris, Volunteer Service Administrator, at 302-857-5006 or Suzanne.Farris@delaware.gov.

###

Nominations Open for Governor’s Volunteer Awards; Deadline is Oct. 18

DOVER (Oct. 9, 2020) – Nominations for the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through Sunday, Oct. 18. These awards recognize the important contributions made by Delaware’s volunteers to their communities. Award recipients will be announced Dec. 5 to coincide with International Volunteer Day. No ceremony will be held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Thousands of Delawareans give their time and effort each year, volunteering in their communities and working to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Gov. John Carney. “I’m especially grateful this year for those who have taken on the critical work of volunteering as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. These annual awards are a chance for us to highlight the contributions of our volunteers and to say thank you. Their selfless work builds a better Delaware for all of us.”

Nominated volunteers must have been active during the past year leading up to Sept. 15, 2020, although prior volunteer activity can also be highlighted to show long-term commitment. To be eligible, the nominated individuals and group members must be 18 or older.

Volunteers will be honored in the categories of:

Individual: An exceptional individual over 18 who volunteers.
Emerging Volunteer Leader: An individual over 18 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities.
AmeriCorps Alum: A Delaware Alum whose commitment to embody service beyond their term of AmeriCorps service continues to bring about positive community change. Alums must have served in the 2019 service year or before.
Business: A corporation or business that has made a substantial impact in the community by promoting service to their employees through engaging in volunteer activities and/or by providing time for employees to volunteer for local organizations and/or agencies.
First Responder: Any individual employed in an emergency service occupation whose service has gone above and beyond the call of duty in a capacity outside of paid employment.
Group/Team: A group or team of two or more people who volunteer together on the same project(s).
Active Military Veteran: An individual who has served or is serving in the armed forces and volunteers in a Delaware community in a capacity outside of their military role.
Nonprofit Volunteer Program: A nonprofit whose volunteers have shown exemplary service in carrying out the mission of the organization through direct service.

In addition, the Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to a nominee who has had a longtime commitment to volunteerism. Wilkinson was a member of the Delaware Governor’s Council on Volunteerism from 2000 until 2004, when legislation transformed the Council into a Commission, and he continued serving until 2008. He passed away on Jan. 17, 2009; his legacy and dedication to serving others continues through the award named in his honor.

“Volunteers are an invaluable part of our efforts to improve the health and well-being of all Delawareans and to protect our vulnerable populations,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Molly Magarik. “I’m thankful for the hard work and generous support of all our volunteers, especially as our residents struggle to cope with the impact of the pandemic.”

“The 2020 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards provide an excellent opportunity for Delawareans to nominate those extraordinary groups and individuals who lighten the burdens of others through their dedicated and ongoing service,” said Kanani Hines Munford, Senior Administrator for the State Office of Volunteerism and Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. “Now is the time to highlight their exemplary service.”

The nomination form is available online at Volunteer.Delaware.gov. Nominators may also request a form by emailing Suzanne.Farris@delaware.gov or calling 302-857-5006.
Nominations that are not submitted online must be delivered by Friday, Oct. 16, to the State Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Suzanne Farris, Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901 or emailed to dhss_VolunteerDelaware@delaware.gov.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to volunteer.delaware.gov or contact Suzanne Farris, Volunteer Service Administrator, at 302-857-5006 or Suzanne.Farris@delaware.gov.

-30-

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Nominations Sought for Delaware’s Top Youth Volunteers

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 6, 2020) – Nominations for the Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards, which recognize the contributions of Delaware’s volunteers age 17 and younger in their communities, are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism now through Sunday, March 1, 2020. Award recipients will be honored at a special ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at Polytech Adult Education Conference Center in Woodside.

“Every day, I see the passion and determination that young people across the state bring to the volunteer projects and the nonprofit organizations they embrace,” Governor John Carney said. “In meeting the needs of their communities, they bring a fresh viewpoint and a willingness to serve. I encourage Delawareans to take the time to nominate a young volunteer who is making a difference in the lives of others.”

The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards, presented by the State Office of Volunteerism, recognize youth volunteers for their significant contributions to the state and its citizens. Volunteer efforts must have been performed during 2019, although prior volunteer activity can also be highlighted to show long-term commitment. To be eligible the nominated individuals and group members must be age 17 or younger.

“I am inspired by and grateful for the innovation and commitment that I see in Delaware’s young volunteers,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician and a regular volunteer. “Through volunteerism and service, Delawareans of all ages are strengthening the fabric of our communities, our quality of life and our connections to each other. Please join us in nominating young volunteers who are making a difference by giving back.”

The nomination form is available on Volunteer.Delaware.gov. Nominators may also request a nomination form by emailing dhss_VolunteerDelaware@delaware.gov or calling 302-857-5014. Prior to submission, you may email the nomination form for review and feedback.

Nominations must be delivered or postmarked by Sunday, March 1, 2020, to the State Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, c/o Tina Gary, Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901 or emailed to dhss_VolunteerDelaware@delaware.gov.

The Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. The State Office of Volunteerism is part of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of State Service Centers.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to Volunteer.Delaware.gov, or contact April Willey, Volunteer Service Administrator, at 302-857-5006 or via email at april.willey@delaware.gov or Tina Gary, Volunteer Coordinator at 302-857-5014 or via email at tina.gary@delaware.gov.

-30-