The deadline is Sept. 30
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2022) – If you know an extraordinary Kentuckian or group that works diligently to improve the lives of others, now is the time to nominate them for one of the 2022 Governor’s Service Awards.
This is the 27th year for the annual service awards, which recognize the contributions of Kentuckians to their fellow citizens. Each year a special ceremony is held to publicly honor the recipients and others who have given to their communities through volunteering and service, without expectation of reward or commendation.
“Through some of the most challenging times in our history, which involved the recent flooding and mudslides in Eastern Kentucky; last December’s storms and tornadoes in Western Kentucky; a once-in-a-century pandemic and other natural disasters, Kentuckians have continued to be there for one another,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I urge Kentuckians to nominate someone they know who deserves our gratitude and appreciation for all their hard work and service to others.”
To honor individuals and groups and to highlight the impact of volunteerism and service, Serve Kentucky, an agency of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is accepting nominations on behalf of the Office of the Governor. The award nomination deadline is Friday, Sept. 30.
Volunteer service must have been performed in Kentucky, serving primarily Kentuckians. Individuals and groups may be nominated in only one category. Self-nominations are accepted. Award categories spotlight the contributions of individuals, businesses and groups. Volunteer Awards include youth, adult, senior, and veteran. Group awards include general, nonprofit and faith-based. Other categories honor national service such as AmeriCorps and lifetime achievement.
Award winners from the previous five years are ineligible for this year’s awards. Independent panels of reviewers score nominations using an assigned judging worksheet. The awards committee will consider top-scoring nominations in each category and will collectively decide the winners.
“The historic challenges of the last couple of years haven’t curbed the commitment of Kentuckians to step up and support their communities,” said cabinet secretary Eric Friedlander. “At the Governor’s Service Awards, we acknowledge individuals and groups that have gone above and beyond, selflessly devoting their time and resources to making our communities more resilient.”
Serve Kentucky Executive Director Joe Bringardner said the state service commission advocates for and helps support effective volunteer program management, administers Kentucky’s AmeriCorps national service programs and recognizes volunteer service across the state through its annual Governor’s Service Awards. Working together – through communication, cooperation and collaboration—volunteers can improve their own lives as well as the lives of others in their communities.
“Service is about taking the initiative to make a change for others,” Bringardner said. “These awards thank those for their worthwhile efforts and encourage others who are willing to follow their lead to do more for our families, friends and neighbors. Kentuckians agree that our service is not just what we do, it’s who we are.”
Research conducted by Serve Kentucky in 2021 shows that 71% of Kentuckians volunteer in one or more settings.
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Information on how the state is working to improve the lives and health of our people is available at CHFS.ky.gov. Follow the cabinet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.