Initiatives
Governor's Volunteer Service Awards
To recognize the countless acts of service performed by one of Washington’s most valuable assets – its volunteers – Governor Chris Gregoire proclaimed April 10-16, 2011 as Washington Volunteer Appreciation Week. Gregoire said, “I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing and supporting those who volunteer and serve.” To celebrate, Governor Gregoire hosted the Seventh Annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards on April 11, 2011 and recognized the contributions of 46 volunteers for their dedication and commitment to improve their communities through service. The honorees were nominated by local Volunteer Centers; Citizen Corps Councils; Senior Corps; Learn and Serve; and AmeriCorps programs from across the state who they believe represent the best qualities among those who serve their communities. “Your contributions are sincerely welcomed and appreciated,” Gregoire told those who were recognized. “You are part of the giving spirit that makes Washington great. Our state has recently risen to tenth in percentage of residents who volunteer, and more than a third of all Washingtonians volunteer in some capacity.” Those recognized represent 18 different counties, large and small cities and all ages. The youngest volunteer recognized is five years old, while the oldest is 90.
Leadership Forum for National Service Executives
Since 2001, the Washington Commission for National and Community Service has partnered with the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs to offer a unique learning opportunity designed specifically for AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve program staff. Students complete a three-course sequence leading to a certificate in non-profit management. Participants gain specific skills in program design, budgeting, assessment, and leadership skills that are directly applicable to on-the-job challenges; and share field experiences and gain important insights from faculty and fellow students.
National Service Symposium
Each year, a metamorphosis takes place as members and volunteers from across Oregon and Washington transform their service experiences into writing, art and performances. The event is held In May on the campus of Portland State University and draws roughly 300 participants from the national service community. Genres include service stories (short creative nonfiction pieces inspired by service); poetry and fiction; visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography) and performing arts (dance, video, music).
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) recognizes those members of the military (active duty, reserve and national guard) who perform substantial volunteer service to the local community above and beyond the duties required as a member of the United States Armed Forces. Such volunteer service must be made in a sustained and direct nature towards the civilian community, must be significant in nature to produce tangible results, and must reflect favorably on the military service and the United State Department of Defense (DoD). The definition of volunteer service is left intentionally vague, allowing for a wide variety of activities and volunteer duties which would qualify a service member for the MOVSM. There is no time limit required for the MOVSM, however most awarding authorities require that the volunteer service must exceed three years in length and/or 100 hours of service. Since the decoration is classified as a service medal, there is no citation which accompanies the award, however most commanders will present a personal letter to those who receive the MOVSM. The governing regulation for this decoration is DoD 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards - September 1996.
NW Network
The Northwest Network is a cross-stream event designed to meet the training and professional development needs of national service program directors and staff. The Northwest Network is held annually in August and includes intensive sessions, comprehensive workshops, and various networking opportunities.
President's Volunteer Service Award
America has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service. Now more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment to helping others and making new connections that bring us closer together as families, as neighbors, as communities, and as a Nation. The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) recognizes youth and adults who make a difference in their community through community service. Gold, silver, and bronze levels of recognition are available based on the number of service hours completed. In addition, the Lifetime Service Award is available to those who complete 4,000 hours of service over their lifetime. WCNCS is a certifying official for the PVSA.
