The Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island is committed to recognizing and celebrating outstanding volunteer service. Our annual Outstanding Volunteer Awards pay tribute to those individuals and groups who go above and beyond and exemplify the true potential of volunteers to make a difference in their communities.

The awards will be presented to the winners during special ceremonies at the 2009 "VolunCheers" event to be held on May 13, 5-7 p.m. at Twin River.

Nominations are currently being accepted. Nominees must exemplify the spirit of community service, demonstrate exceptional commitment, service or leadership, and serve as role models for others in their community, "Inspiring by Example."

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Twelve award recipients will be selected among the nominees received. There are no age restrictions; we encourage you to nominate youth, seniors and everyone in between, as well as families and groups.

NOMINATION PROCESS AND SELECTION

Nominations may be submitted by the following & in the quantity stated:

VCRI Affiliated Agencies – May submit up to two (2) nominations.

Non-VCRI Affiliated Agencies and individuals – May submit one (1) nomination.

To nominate an individual or group, please complete an "Outstanding Volunteer Award Form" (Email us if you have not received a copy of the form) A separate form should be filled out for each volunteer or group that is being nominated. Please be sure to provide all information requested. Incomplete nomination submissions may result in disqualification.

Please submit completed forms to Janice Pothier Pac, Director of the Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island. Nominations of volunteers directly serving the Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island are not eligible.

DEADLINE for nominations is April 10, 2009

Please email one (1) copy of all forms and supporting information to:

jpothierpac@serverhodeisland.org

A committee will review the nominations and select the winning award recipients. Nominators will be notified of the winning selections at the end of April.

Other Important Information

You may use as many pages as required. Please provide as much background information as possible, including other supporting material such as photographs, recordings, etc.

Please note that the Volunteer Center at Serve Rhode Island assumes that by virtue of the submission of any photographic images with this application, permission is granted to use all materials provided with the nomination in any and all promotional and marketing materials including electronic media. If an organization is providing this material, Serve Rhode Island assumes that said agency has already secured all waivers and permissions relative to their use of this material, especially where it may depict minors. In the event that you are an individual and submit photographic material, should the nominee be selected to receive this award, we will require that you, the individual or group, or the responsible individuals for said winner, sign a waiver and permission of use form allowing for the above mentioned use of the material and images.

If you have any questions regarding the award criteria, nomination process, please call us at (401) 421-6547.