Happy National Volunteer Week!

National Volunteer Week is our time to say thank you to all of the incredible people in our community who volunteer

Maybe you are motivated by an issue: animal welfare, education, health, children, the environment, aging, arts and culture, or others.

Perhaps you have a specific skill or talent that you like to share: building, public relations, web 2.0, accounting, playing games, drawing or painting, writing, making videos, listening, reading, research, or fundraising (just to name a few).

Thank you for taking the time to find or to create a volunteer opportunity, based on addressing a specific social issue or based upon your skills or interests.

Thank you for becoming a volunteer and supporting local nonprofit and governmental agencies.

Thank you for stepping up to play an active role in our community.

Thank you for being a force for positive social change.

Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in Howard County, throughout our region and around the world.

And if you aren't volunteering yet, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved. You can check the key word search or calendar on the volunteer center's website (www.volunteerhoward.org) or register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests! You'll be glad that you did.

Finding and Thanking Local Volunteers

Think about the people you know. It could be someone you work with, someone in your school or faith-community, or someone in your neighborhood. It could be a friend or a person in your family. It could be someone from a community or social group.

Maybe you've always thought of them as the person who is always helping other people. You know the one - always volunteering or doing a fundraiser or talking about a particular community issue. Sometimes they do all three at the same time. Maybe they've tried to get YOU to volunteer before, or asked you to sign a petition or attend a rally or car wash or walk for a cause.

Well, now is the time to recognize that person's efforts. Take a moment to nominate them for the Governor's 26th Annual Volunteer Service Awards. Categories include:

• Youth
• Individual
• Senior
• Faith-Based
• Lifetime Achievement
• National Service
• State Government
• Public Safety and Emergency Response
• Youth Group
• Group
• Senior Group
• Business Group

Help us find and thank outstanding local volunteers. Help us learn and share their stories to inspire others.

Please nominate outstanding volunteers for the Governor's Annual Volunteer Service Award. Nominations are due no later than March 6, 2009.

Need help with the nomination? Check out this short presentation:

And The Award Goes To. . .

View more presentations from VolunteerHoward. (tags: recognition volunteer)

Register with the Volunteer Center Serving Howard County today to find volunteer opportunities related to your skills and interests!