Hawai’i Commission for National

and Community Service

University of Hawai’i

1960 East-West Road, Biomed B-101

Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

For Immediate Release

STATE COMMISSION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR INAUGURAL GOVERNOR’S VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARDS PROGRAM & BANQUET

Individuals and Organizations Have Until August 8 to Nominate Deserving People or Groups

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle and the Hawai‘i Commission for National and Community Service (Commission) will honor the 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 August 8 and the winners will be announced during a dinner banquet on October 17, 2008 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,” Said Commission Chair and Hilo resident Stacy Higa. “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.

“We are pleased that the Governor is partnering with the Commission as we recognize our State’s top volunteers,” said Chita Stewart, Commissioner and Awards Committee chair.

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 pillars of volunteerism that combine to create a solid foundation for achievement. These include identifying a NEED and showing how it was addressed in the areas of human needs, education, environmentalism, or public safety. How INOVATION or a unique approach was used to meet those needs. How MOBILIZATION was used to rally other volunteers to action and by showing how a project has exhibited ENDURANCE or ongoing involvement that extends beyond a one-time activity, except in the case of short-term crisis situations (i.e. natural disasters). 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.

“Volunteers create a positive impact in the lives of many of our residents and visitors, and it is important to acknowledge the substantial commitment of time, talents and resources these caring individuals, nonprofit groups and corporations invest in giving back and improving the quality of life in Hawaii,” said Governor Lingle. “The assistance provided by extraordinary volunteers allows for greater opportunities to resolve challenges and provides our residents with hope for the future.”

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. Hundreds of Hawai‘i residents participate in programs that produce thousands of hours of community service as a direct result of the Commission’s efforts each year.

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