Public and nonprofit programs across the state rely on local citizens to volunteer and help meet critical needs in their communities. Every helping hand is valued and the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism offers a way to show appreciation while lifting up some volunteers as inspirational role models.

Maine community volunteer programs have until March 7, 2024 to submit nominations for individual awards or roll of honor recognition. One nominee in each of these categories will be selected by a community panel for recognition: Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Volunteer Team, Outstanding Employee Volunteer Program, and Outstanding Non-Profit Volunteer Program.

The roll of honor recognition for both youth and adults shows appreciation for the many people who give more time to the community than the 4 hours a month from the typical Maine volunteer. This category is not competitive and just requires certification by the volunteer program leader. All nominees are recognized.

Volunteer leaders can find nomination details and submission instructions at VolunteerMaine.gov.

Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer sector by funding service programs, developing volunteer managers and service-learning practitioners, raising awareness of the scope and the impact of the volunteer sector, and encouraging an ethic of service.