Parkinson asks Kansans to nominate outstanding volunteers

Kansans are known for their willingness to lend a hand, which has earned the state a top five ranking for volunteerism.

To honor outstanding volunteers, Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson is asking Kansans to nominate individuals for the Points of Light Award.  The award is intended to honor volunteers who have made a commitment to service in Kansas and who are helping to meet critical needs in their communities.

“In Kansas there’s a real spirit of community and a tradition of helping others.  I want to honor the men and women who best exemplify that tradition, which is why I hope Kansans will take time to nominate individuals who give of their time and talents to make our state a great place to live, work and play,” Parkinson said.

The call for nominations comes at the same time as Kansas is being recognized for its residents’ commitment to volunteerism.  The Corporation for National and Community Service ranked Kansas 5th in its recent study on volunteering in America.

“Recently we launched Volunteer Kansas which serves as a clearing house to connect volunteers to service opportunities throughout the state,” Parkinson said. “By searching www.volunteerkansas.ks.gov Kansans can search by county for numerous opportunities in which can they assist their communities and neighbors.”

As many as three awards will be given quarterly to recognize volunteer service by an individual, group, or entire Kansas community.  The volunteer service must be completed in Kansas to be eligible for this award.

The winners of the award will be chosen using the following criteria:

• Community Needs and Solution
• Connection Building
• Ongoing Involvement
• Impact
• Innovation

The Daily Points of Light program was started in 1989 under former President George Bush.  The State Points of Light Awards began in 2000 and Kansas is the eighth state to initiate a program.  The Kansas Volunteer Commission administers the awards. 

Nomination materials are available at http://www.kanserve.org/content/view/88/90/ or Kansas Volunteer Commission, 120 SE 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612.  For questions, call (785) 368-6207 or e-mail shoytal@ksde.org.

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