"Moore County RSVP is extremely proud to help recognize Moore County's dedicated volunteers and accept nominations for the 2010 Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service," says a spokesman. "The RSVP Advisory Council has the honor, on behalf of the Governor's State Commission on Volunteerism, to act as the local review board and selection committee for the annual Governor's Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Our volunteers are our role models, and these awards are one big way to say thank you to these volunteers and inspire everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives."

These nominations are not exclusive to RSVP volunteers, but Moore County residents of all ages, types and categories serving the county in a volunteer capacity. Any individual, group, business or organization whose volunteer activities in North Carolina benefit the community or the state of North Carolina in a substantial, important or unique way is eligible for the award.

The top five nominees are recommended to the Commission as our Moore County recipients. The top scoring nominee competes with the other 99 counties for the Medallion Award.

"Our nominees offer an eye-opening and rewarding snapshot of volunteer service in Moore County," says the spokesman.

This prestigious award has been around for 32 years, but this year the Governor's Office and the N.C. Commission on Volunteerism have made some significant changes. There are 12 categories to choose from when making nominations:

1. Individual: An individual volunteer.

2. Family: A family that volunteers together on the same project(s).

3. Group: A group of three or more people who volunteer together on the same project(s) under a group name.

4. Youth Volunteer: A youth (age 18 or younger) volunteer.

5. Senior Volunteer: A person who is 55 or more, and volunteers.

6. Perseverance in Volunteerism: An individual volunteer who has overcome significant personal obstacles (mental or physical) in order to engage in service to others.

7. National Service: An individual member of a National Service program (AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC or Senior Corps) who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service above and beyond the requirements of the designated program.

8. Outstanding Mentor: An individual volunteer who has demonstrated a commitment to working with children (ages 18 and younger) in a mentoring capacity and/or been actively involved in the mobilization of volunteers, groups and resources that support a mentoring program.

9. Faith-Based Volunteerism: An individual or group that volunteers through a faith-based community organization. Nominees may serve either members of or those outside the service-sponsoring faith community.

10. Corporate Volunteerism: A business that has made a substantial impact through innovation, volunteer hours, number of volunteers and/or other means.

11. Director of Volunteers: A paid staff member who exemplifies good management skills in volunteer training, risk management, screening, recognition, evaluation and retention of volunteers (e.g., director of volunteers, manager of volunteers or other related titles).

12. Lifetime Achievement: An individual who has exhibited a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community service. Nominees must have made a substantial and sustained impact in the community as a result of their service efforts.

Nomination forms are available at the Senior Enrichment Center, two miles north of the Pinehurst Traffic Circle on U.S. 15-501, at RSVP volunteer sites or call RSVP to have a formed e-mailed or download a nomination form at www.volunteernc.org/programs/index.aspx.

Completed nominations may be returned in person or mailed to RSVP at P.O. 487 Carthage, NC 28327 no later than 5 p.m. July 31. The local selection committee will forward nominations to Raleigh by the end of August. The N.C. Commission of Volunteerism will announce its award recipients in late September or early October.

For additional information or assistance contact Shiela Klein, Moore County RSVP Director, at (910) 215-0900.