Nominations for the 2012 Governor's Award for Volunteer Service are now being accepted by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

This is the 34th year of the program that showcases Moore County's most dedicated volunteers, according to Shiela Klein, RSVP director and coordinator of the local awards process.

"Through the years, Moore County volunteers have proven their concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local communities, and our homegrown Moore County volunteers deserve to be recognized for their excellence," Klein said.

Recently changed criteria for nominations include the requirements that a nominee have a minimum of one year of volunteer service and that two references be provided for each nominee.

Nominations in 12 categories are being accepted. These include addition of the category for director of volunteers, developed to recognize paid professional directors of volunteers.

The other 11 categories include individual, family, group/team, youth volunteer (age 18 or younger), senior volunteer (age 55 or older), perseverance in volunteerism, national service volunteer, outstanding mentor, faith-based volunteer, corporate volunteerism and lifetime achievement.

Klein said anyone can make a nomination with the exception of family members.

Guidelines and official nomination forms are available at the Senior Enrichment Center on U.S. 15-501 about two miles north of the Pinehurst Traffic Circle or by email request to sklein@moorecountync.gov or by telephone at (910) 215-0900.

Nominations will be reviewed and scored by RSVP Advisory Council members, who will select five individuals, businesses, groups/teams and one director of volunteers to receive this recognition.

One of the five recipients will be nominated to receive the RSVP Medallion and the Governor's Medallion Award for volunteer service. The Medallion winner will then compete for the state Medallion award.

RSVP is a part of the Moore County Department of Aging.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.