MCSC Seeks Nominations for 2010 Governor's Service Awards

Each year, eight awards are presented in the following categories:

• Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism - honors an individual who has taken his or her volunteer service to the highest level-year after year.
• Corporate Community Leader Award - honors corporations and businesses that excel in community involvement.
• Mentor of the Year - honors an individual who has made a significant difference in a child's life through mentoring.
• Outstanding Mentoring Program Award - honors programs that excel at developing and maintaining high-quality experiences for both the mentor and mentee.
• Outstanding Volunteer Program Award - honors organizations or clubs that make a difference in community life.
• Senior Volunteer of the Year - honors individuals who are 65 and older.
• Volunteer of the Year - honors an individual who strives to improve the lives of neighbors, friends, community or congregation.
• Youth Volunteer of the Year - honors individuals who are age 21 or younger.

A celebration will be hosted by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern to recognize the finalists, including the award winner, in each of the eight categories that illustrate the diverse nature of volunteers throughout the state.  The event will be held in June 2010.

The 2010 GSA Nomination Form is now available at www.michigan.gov/volunteer.  Nominations must be postmarked by February 23, 2010.  For additional information or questions, please contact Kathie Vasilion Robinson at the MCSC by phone at 517-373- 4200 or e-mail at vasilionk@michigan.gov.

BACKGROUND
The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2009-2010, the MCSC is granting more than $8.2 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 19 AmeriCorps programs and 20 Learn and Serve programs.  The Governor's Service Awards and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.