"During these challenging times, volunteerism has been more important than ever as we all work together to reinvent Michigan," said Governor Rick Snyder. "Now is the time to recognize these outstanding men and women - I encourage you to nominate someone who has made a significant service contribution in your community for a Governor's Service Award."

This year, eight awards will be presented in the eight categories to reflect the diverse nature of volunteers throughout the state. The categories are:

• Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism - honors an individual who has shown a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteerism. 
  
• Corporate Community Leader Award - honors corporations and businesses that excel in community involvement and demonstrate excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to their community in a variety of ways. 
  
• Outstanding National Service Program Award - honors an organization that provides a high-quality national service program which yields a significant impact in a Michigan community. 
  
• Outstanding Volunteer Program Award - honors organizations or clubs that make a positive contribution to community life. 
  
• Mentor of the Year - honors an individual who has made a significant difference in a child's life through mentoring. 
  
• Senior Volunteer of the Year - honors individuals who are 65 and older who has taken action to make their community a better place to live through service. 
  
• Volunteer of the Year - honors an individual who strives to improve the lives of neighbors, friends, community or congregation through volunteerism. 
  
• Youth Volunteer of the Year - honors individuals who are age 21 or younger that have already begun making a significant difference in their community through service.
  

The Governor's Service Awards celebration will be held this summer and will recognize five finalists, including the award winner, in each of the eight categories. This will be Governor Snyder's second year of involvement in the Governor's Service Awards, which were launched originally by Governor John Engler in 1992 and maintained by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm during her terms in office.

The 2012 GSA Nomination Form is now available for download at www.michigan.gov/volunteer. Nominations must be postmarked or electronically submitted to GSA@michigan.gov by March 1, 2012. For additional information or questions, please contact Janice Harvey at the Michigan Community Service Commission by phone at (517) 373- 4998 or by email at harveyj1@michigan.gov.

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. In 2011-2012, the MCSC is granting nearly $8 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. The MCSC is funding 24 AmeriCorps programs, 20 Learn and Serve programs, and seven Volunteer Michigan grantees. The Governor's Service Awards and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.

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