Initiatives
Washington State Service Summit
The Washington State Service Summit, the first of its kind in the nation since the Kennedy Serve America Act was signed into law on April 21, 2009, will provide an opportunity to bring leaders from all sectors of our state together to discuss the utilization of service and volunteerism as strategies to address critical community needs and to collaboratively guide the future of the service movement. Participants will shape our State Service Plan and discuss how new partnerships can be developed and supported to fully utilize the talents of all Washingtonians.
Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards
On April 20, 2009, Governor Chris Gregoire and First Gentleman Mike Gregoire hosted the fifth annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. In conjunction with National Volunteer Week, this is an excellent time to recognize outstanding volunteers as well as to inform the public about the many opportunities available for people who want to serve and volunteer. Organizations affiliated with national service programs and volunteer centers from across the state nominated community volunteers who they believe represent the best qualities among those who serve their communities.
Seattle Mariners Salute to Volunteers
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, the Seattle Mariners, Washington Commission for National and Community Service and Bonneville Seattle Radio joined together for Salute to Volunteers. Pre-game ceremonies on April 21, 2009 included a special tribute to the men and women of the state of Washington that have distinguished themselves for volunteer service to the community. The 53 honorees, who were nominated by AmeriCorps programs and volunteer centers, represent a cross section of the estimated 62 million Americans that donated their time last year. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by 12-year old Tristen Lasiter of Spanaway, winner of the Governor's 2009 Volunteer Service Award. This event is an extension of the Mariners long-time commitment to the community. We take our responsibility very seriously and strive to make a positive and lasting impact on our community, said Howard Lincoln, Mariners Chair & CEO.
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.
Northwest Leader Corps
The Northwest Leader Corps is a training program for national service participants with leadership potential who will benefit from a multi-day, intensive personal development workshop in facilitation, planning, coaching, diversity, and teamwork. This unique program gathers approximately 30 participants from diverse national service programs across Oregon and Washington. Training sessions take place over a seven-day span and occur in November (four days) and February (three days). Leader Corps members are expected to apply their newly learned and practiced leadership skills back at their work sites and in their communities, to share elements of the training with their teams back home, and to address unmet needs in the service community.
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.
