FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Apr 03, 2012

CNCS Launches National Search for Volunteer Stories

Today, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced that it is seeking nominations for the 2012 National Service Impact Awards to honor the best and brightest national service participants from around the country that are making an impact in their communities.

The Service Impact Awards provide an opportunity to examine best practices and learn about innovative programs within the national service community while recognizing the contributions made through service and volunteering.

Recipients will be announced and recognized at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, June 18-20, 2012, in Chicago. This prize includes conference registration, round trip airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and a per diem.

Successful nominations will be from current national service members and volunteers, as well as alumni and program directors. Initiatives and programs funded through grants or subgrants from CNCS are also eligible.

Programs and initiatives include Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn & Serve America, Social Innovation Fund, Non-profit Capacity Building Fund, Volunteer Generation Fund, MLK Day of Service, September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

All entries should fit into one of the six focus areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.

Nominations within the veterans and military families category should identify one of the following focus areas: education (college school counselor programs for veterans and/or school-aged children of military members), employment (job placement and/or training programs for veterans), and wellness (behavioral health counselors for veterans and military family members, programs that engage wounded warriors, service of veterans at VA Hospitals).

Submissions are due May 1, 2012 at 5:00 PM EDT. All entries must be submitted through the contest page on challenge.gov at 2012serviceimpact.challenge.gov/. The site includes additional guidelines rules, and further information on the National Service Impact Awards.

Stories from previous winners of the National Service Impact Awards can be found here.

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AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.