Governor’s Volunteer Awards nominations sought

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 Governor’s Volunteer Awards, conducted by Oregon Volunteers Commission for Voluntary Action and Service and sponsored by Wells Fargo.

The 20-year-old awards program recognizes committed individual youths, adults, seniors, programs and organizations throughout Oregon who create positive change through their volunteerism.

The winning volunteers will receive a grant to designate to their favorite nonprofit group, thanks to a $20,000 sponsorship from Wells Fargo.

The nomination form and more information are online at www.oregonvolunteers.org/ . Nomination information is also available at Wells Fargo bank branches throughout Oregon.

There is no cost to submit a nomination. The entry deadline is Tuesday , Feb. 25.

Awards will be given in the following categories:
* Adult Volunteer or Duo (age 19-54)
* Elder Volunteer or Duo (age 55 or better)
* Youth Volunteer or Duo (age 18 and younger)
* Lifetime Achievement (individual or duo – at least 10 years of service in Oregon)
* Youth Volunteer Program
* Small Business Volunteer Program (15 or fewer employees)
* Large Business Volunteer Program (16+ employees)
* Not-for-Profit Volunteer Program
* Statewide Business Volunteer Program (any size – active in 3 or more regions)
* Statewide Not-for-Profit Volunteer Program (active in 3 or more regions)

A committee from the Oregon Volunteers Commission will choose the winners, who will be honored at a luncheon April 24 at the Salem Conference Center.

Oregon Volunteers is the State Commission for Voluntary Action and Service. Its mission is to strengthen our communities by inspiring Oregonians to actively engage, volunteer and serve. Oregon Volunteers promotes and supports AmeriCorps, Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteerism and civic engagement to strengthen Oregon communities. More information about Oregon Volunteers is at http://www.oregonvolunteers.org .