Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism
Presented since 1986
Citizens who serve in their communities as volunteers contribute to the strength and vitality of every Maine town and city. They keep 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.
Submission deadline
All Nominations for the Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism are due February 1, 2012.
Selection
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.
