Volunteer nominations sought for state awards

Montana’s volunteers have a chance to gain recognition for their volunteer efforts in helping to make Montana a better place. The Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service are accepting nominations for the 2013 ServeMontana Awards and ReadyMontana Awards in February. These annual awards recognize outstanding Montana individuals, organizations and national service members committed to community and volunteer service.

“Montanans truly are making a difference in their hometowns by volunteering their time and skills,” Kim Miske, chair of the Montana Commission on Community Service, said. “We ask the public to share their stories and help us recognize these inspiring volunteers.”

The ServeMontana Awards are for service and volunteer work in the areas of education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans and military families, and economic opportunity.

The ReadyMontana Awards are for service specifically related to disaster services, emergency preparedness and emergency response.

The public is encouraged to nominate individuals of all ages and backgrounds, organizations, and groups. All services must be performed in Montana and individual nominees may not be salaried for the services performed.

The Montana Commission on Community Service will present the awards during the fourth annual ServeMontana Symposium on Feb. 28, 2013 in Helena. There will be more than one award presented in each category.

The Governor-appointed Montana Commission on Community Service was created in 1993 to renew the ethic of civic responsibility in the state and to encourage citizens, regardless of age and income, to engage in service.

All nominations for the 2013 awards must be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Community Service by Dec. 18. The nomination form is available to download at serve.mt.gov.