Governor’s Volunteer Service Certificate Launched!

Nevada Volunteers is excited to announce the Governor’s Volunteer Service Certificate. This ongoing certificate process will be an avenue for nonprofits, governmental agencies, and faith-based agencies to apply for recognition from the Governor’s Office on behalf of exemplary volunteers that meet the criteria.

During National Volunteer Week 2012, the Governor’s Office and Nevada Volunteers presented the inaugural awards to John and Dawn Fidaleo, on April 17th, Tax Day. These two outstanding volunteers have served over 2,000 hours within the last five years with the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) project that provides free income-tax preparation for low-income individuals.

Nevada Volunteers and the Governor’s Office is looking forward to recognizing volunteers throughout Nevada that continue to make an impact in our communities. Read below for more information regarding how you can nominate a volunteer for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Certificate.

Criteria

The criteria for nominations for the Volunteer Service Recognition Certificate include one or more of the following:

• An individual has performed over 200 hours of service in a calendar year, representing exceptional service that surpassed expectations; and/or
• An individual has provided a skilled or pro bono service that increased the capacity or stability of the organization by $10,000 or more; and/or
• An individual has demonstrated reliability and commitment in continual direct volunteer service for a period of two or more years; and/or
• An individual has taken on a significant leadership role resulting in a new or enhanced program, an innovative way of meeting organizational needs, or has addressed a need that was not previously met.

*Note: This Certificate is not meant as recognition of normal board service but could be used for exceptional board service that exceeds expectations. Please contact Nevada Volunteers with questions.

Nomination Process

The nomination form is available here or upon request and may be submitted by any nonprofit, business, faith-based group, civic organization, or governmental entity. Nominations need to be submitted 4 weeks in advance of when the award will be presented. Nominations are submitted to the Governor’s Office on the 1st and 15th of each month. There is no charge for participating unless you wish to add a recognition item to your presentation (see below).

The nomination requires the following information:

• Name of Nominating Organization
• EIN Number or other proof of legitimate status as a nonprofit or business
• Phone/Mailing Address/Email
• Name of Person Making the Nomination
• Volunteer Name and contact information
• Description of the way(s) in which the volunteer meets the criteria

Limitations

No individual may receive the Certificate in two consecutive years for the same category. Recipients must be Nevada residents or have performed their volunteer service solely in Nevada.

Optional Recognition Item

An optional lapel pin is available for a $5.00 charge. Click here to order. The pin will be sent with the Certificate.

*Please note that this certificate process is different than the Governor’s Points of Light Awards. This certificate is year round and ongoing, where as the Governor’s Points of Light Awards is held annually and open for nominations for a limited amount of time. Find out more information about how Nevada Volunteers recognizes volunteers throughout Nevada here.