Lt. Governor Greg Bell Honors Utah’s Top Summer of Service Volunteers

Summer of Service Winners Receive Private Luncheon and Presidential Service Award

SALT LAKE CITY – In recognition of receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Lt. Governor Greg Bell and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are honoring three outstanding Utahns on September 27^th, 2011 with a private luncheon held in their honor. The awardees contributed the most hours of volunteer service in their age category between June 1 and August 31 as part of the Utah Summer of Service. This year over 650 volunteers participated in the program and between them they served over 20,000 hours.

Daniel Ovard age 13, Shannon Babb age 23, and Dale Greenland age 53, recorded the most service hours in their age categories over the past three months, earning both a Presidential Service Award and lunch with Lt. Governor Bell.

“Volunteering is at the heart and soul of Utah and it is with great personal pride that I recognize these three Utahns for their service this summer,” says Bell.  “Let their examples serve as inspiration for all of us to increase our level of volunteerism in our local communities”.

Thirteen year-old Daniel Ovard volunteered 236 hours with the Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake City. He was the lead youth volunteer at the aquarium for the summer responsible for leading the youth volunteer program. He also spent considerable time doing research on a praying mantis project, evaluating its cost, time requirements, and feasibility for the volunteers to manage at the aquarium.

“I chose to volunteer at the Living Planet Aquarium because I was interested in marine biology and wanted to give something back to the community,” says Ovard. “I found volunteering a fun way to spend my summer.”

Twenty three year-old Shannon Babb, a student at Utah State University, volunteered over 400 hours with the Living Planet Aquarium as well. During her service Shannon discovered that there was a lack of knowledge relating to Utah Waterways. Shannon stepped in and over the summer did all of the research to design several dozen Utah tanks. She also was involved in calculating how many fish and of what species should go in which tank, as well as gathered all of the source data that would be needed for future signage.

“As a student at Utah State University, I feel lucky to live in a state that emphasizes both service and education in our communities,” says Babb. “Volunteering at the Living Planet Aquarium gave me the unique opportunity to not only give back that community, but to teach the public about the importance of water quality, and hopefully inspire the next generation to become interested in a subject I am very passionate about, exploring the natural world.”

Dale Greenland, age 53, from Magna, volunteered his time with the Community Action Program Food Bank in Magna. At the CAP of Magna, Dale could be found separating food into individual orders for incoming clients, unloading trucks with new supplies for the day, and separating the food into categories. Recently the local church organizations in Magna held a food run and collected 7 truck loads of food for the Magna office. This required some additional hours from Dale on Saturday’s but he felt like it was well worth his time.

“The Magna community donated huge quantities of non perishables and I would like to personally thank them,” says Greenland. “The Magna Community Action Program has been great to volunteer for and I enjoy giving back.”

In addition to the three top volunteers, all volunteers ages 5 to 14 who logged more than 50 hours of service, and those ages 15 and older who served more than 100 hours will also be honored with a Presidential Service Award and Recognition Pin.

Interviews Opportunities are available at the press conference with:

·         Lt. Governor Greg Bell

·         Dale Greenland, Adult Award Winner

·         Shannon Babb, Young Adult Award Winner

·         Daniel Ovard, Youth Award Winner

·         Melissa Bowers, The Living Planet Aquarium Volunteer Coordinator

·         Shar Lewis, Executive Director Utah Commission on Volunteers

 

Visuals Available at Press Conference

·         Lt Governor presenting awards to top volunteers

 

Press Kit Available

·         Summer of Service Fact Sheet

·         Award Winner Biographies & Photos

·         Commission on Volunteers Fact Sheet

·         Press Release

 

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.

Commission on Volunteers Celebrates National Senior Corps Week

Commission on Volunteers Celebrates National Senior Corps Week
Seniors Take the Lead in Volunteerism

SALT LAKE CITY -The Utah Commission on Volunteers, in partnership with the State office of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will join the second annual nationwide celebration of Senior Corps Week, September 19-23, 2011, shining the spotlight on the impact of Senior Corps Programs in Utah.

More than 6,700 seniors in Utah contributed 1,218,985 hours of service in one of three Senior Corps programs last year: RSVP with 689,785 hours, Senior Companions with 237,514 hours, and Foster Grandparents with 291,686 hours. This age group provides the highest percentage of volunteer hours, helping keepUtah#1 in volunteerism in the nation.

“This second annual Senior Corps Week gives us the opportunity to say thank you and shine the spotlight on our 55 and older adults,” said Jake Murakami, State Director for the Corporation for National and Community Service said. “These volunteers continue to make an enormous impact in our communities throughout our state.”

Senior Corps works through existing organizations – RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions – to engage age 55 and older volunteers in service to meet critical needs. RSVP volunteers provided services, such as safety patrols for local police and tutoring for youth, to more than 670 groups across Utah. Foster Grandparents served one-on-one as tutors and mentors to14,000 special needs young people. Senior Companions helped 1,300 homebound seniors and other adults maintain independence in their own homes.

“We are proud to be part of Senior Corps and grateful for the service they give to their communities,” Dwight Rasmussen, Program Manager for Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion of Salt Lake Aging Service said. “Older adults in Utah provide solutions to some of our communities most needy individuals. The services these members provide are not only critical to Utah’s economy, but also in setting the example for the next generation on the benefits and joys of volunteering.”

To mark Senior Corps Week, the Utah Commission on Volunteers is celebrating the efforts of senior volunteers across the state. Volunteers like Joe McQueen, 92 and Deanna Ince, 66, are examples of Senior Corps members making a difference in their communities.

Joe McQueen lives in Ogden and will celebrate 12 years as a Senior Companion on September 8^th. His kind and easy going manner puts his clients at ease and his thoroughness keeps them on schedule. You can spot Joe daily at Wal-Mart, either taking someone shopping or doing it for them. He helps folks get to doctor and hair appointments and especially likes taking them to his favorite fresh spring water well. Joe says what he does is not earth shattering, he just simply likes “doing for people who need help.” He truly believes it’s the small things that make a difference. He serves his clients with grace, humility and style, and through his service, helps them continue living in their own homes.

Deanna Ince is a Foster Grandparent in Sandy, and “grandma” to many of the at-risk children she serves at the FamilySupportVillage. She has worked with over 500 at-risk children, providing emotional support to children who are often victims or have been witnesses to domestic violence or abuse in their homes. She gives the children, and the parents, a sense of stability because they recognize and know they are leaving their children with a familiar and caring adult. Deanna organizes crafts, reads and plays with the children. Everyone is always excited to see “grandma Deanna” with her cheerful attitude and infectious laugh.

In addition to Senior Corps programs, there are numerous opportunities for older adults to serve their communities. In commemoration of the 10^thAnniversary of 9/11, we are asking seniors to join Utahns across the state and people throughout the country by serving and thanking our active soldiers, military families, veterans, and first responders in the week leading up to and culminating on September 11, 2011. Opportunities and ideas are posted on the Utah Commission for Volunteers website www.volunteers.utah.gov.

 “Every community has critical social needs that can become opportunities for older adults to serve,” said Lt. Governor Greg Bell. “Their valuable life experience and skills can directly help someone in need and make a significant impact in our communities.”

For more information on Senior Corps programs visit www.seniorcorps.gov or contact Jake Murakami at 801.524.5411. For statewide volunteer opportunities visit www.volunteers.utah.gov or contact your local volunteer center.

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. It furthers its mission by administering federal funds for AmeriCorps and National Service programs and increasing volunteerism by promoting community collaboration, volunteer recognition, youth and older adult service and providing training and resources for those working with volunteers. For more information or to find volunteering opportunities around the state, log ontowww.volunteers.utah.gov.

Utah Residents Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11 by Serving Others

Volunteers across the state serve as part of a National Day of Service

[Salt Lake City] – September 11, 2011, marks the 10^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country.  This is the perfect opportunity for Utahns to honor those who died and those who served during this time in our country’s history.

Who can forget the morning of September 11, 2001, when nineteen members of al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airliners. Shortly after taking control, the hijackers crashed two of the planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Arlington, VA and a fourth into a rural Pennsylvania field after passengers attempted to retake control of the plane.  Over 3,000 people lost their lives that day along with many more fighting to protect our freedoms and keep us safe.  Some of our Utah friends and family lost their lives in these attacks and many Utahns volunteered their services in the aftermath.

"I, along with the Utah Commission on Volunteers, would like to personally invite you to join us in honoring Utah’s heroes, our shining examples of service and sacrifice, by participating in Utah’s 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance,” said Lt. Governor Greg Bell.  “This is your opportunity to serve those that so selflessly serve us by getting involved.”

The focus of service for the 9/11 National Day of Service is on active soldiers, military families, veterans, and first responders in the week leading up to and culminating on September 11, 2011.  There are a number of opportunities available to people of every age. 

First, check our website, volunteers.utah.gov, and either 1) Sign On and Sign Up online to show your support, share your story, and print a certificate of participation, 2) Volunteer and Serve by organizing a service project or volunteering with the organizations that serve these groups, 3) Say “Thank You” by writing a letter, making a visit, or doing a good deed.

 

The Utah Commission on Volunteers is also working with seven volunteer connector organizations throughout the state to provide opportunities for Utah residents to serve on this year’s 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.  These activities will take place between September 7-11, 2011.

 

In Cache Valley volunteers will focus on providing direct services to the children of military families and providing an avenue for increased community awareness.  Military children will be invited to participate in outdoor activities and team building exercises.  This event is the beginning of an ongoing mentoring program in Cache Valley.

Volunteers in Washington County are working with the Veterans Coalition with a focus on homeless veterans and military families.  The community wants to raise awareness about veterans’ issues and will do this through a series of projects targeted at veterans.

Volunteers in Weber County, working through United Way of Northern Utah, are teaming up with local schools to read stories to children about local first responders and military personnel.  Included in each book will be stories about Brady Howell, a young man from Ogden who lost his life on 9/11 at the Pentagon.  Books will be given to each of the children.  The Ogden Standard Examiner will video tape and record stories being read by parents who are being deployed and given to their children to enjoy while they are on deployment.

A variety of opportunities are available with the United Way of Salt Lake and their partners.  Daylilly Arts Inc will involve children in creating art that represents military and display these in libraries and city/county buildings. Letters to Soldiers will have volunteers collect needed items for care packages for soldiers and write cards to accompany them.  Kostopulos Dream Foundation will transport veterans to and from a trail ride site where they can ride horses or a pony cart along scenic Settlement Canyon and enjoy a barbeque afterwards. The Memorial Hill Veterans Restoration Project in Midway, Utah will finalize their veterans memorial and need volunteers to help with engraving and last minute preparations.  The Salt Lake County Volunteer Services volunteers are building a memorial to military and veterans at the county complex. 

Volunteers from the Six County areas (Sevier, Sanpete, Millard, Piute, Wayne, and Juab counties) will make quilts for the Triple Deuce, activated on June 1, 2011 and deployed to Iraq in August, 2011.  These light weight, durable blankets are made with camouflage fabric and can be used as a pillow for concealment or for shade.  Organizers will collaborate with local schools to have school children make cards to attach to each of the blankets.

Residents in Duchesne, Daggett, and Uintah counties will work with the Uintah Basin Association of Governments and RSVP will dedicate a day of service to veterans in their communities.  The day will consist of a food drive in collaboration with the local elementary schools, yard clean up and beautification for each of the American Legion Posts located within these counties, and will culminate with a dinner at the park for veterans and their families.

 “In commemoration of this event Utahns across the state and people throughout the country will be serving and thanking our active soldiers, military families, veterans, and first responders in the week leading up to and culminating on September 11, 2011,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers.  “There are so many activities taking place throughout the state, and so many opportunities, that everyone can participate on some level.”

To learn more about participating in a variety of projects and events in commemoration of 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, please visit volunteers.utah.gov.  For interview and photo opportunities, please contact:

• Sherilee Griffiths, Cache Valley Volunteer Center, 435-770-0748 or 435-753-1745
• Carol Hollowell, Volunteer Center of Washington County, 435-674-5757
• Leslie Herold, United Way of Northern Utah, 801-399-5584, Ext. 111
• Amy Bosworth, United Way of Salt Lake, 801-746-2576
• Shara Bastian, Six County areas (Sevier, Sanpete, Millard, Piute, Wayne, and Juab counties), 435-893-0735
• Sandy Whalen, Uintah Basin Association of Governments and RSVP, 435-722-4518

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. It furthers its mission by administering federal funds for AmeriCorps and National Service programs and increasing volunteerism by promoting community collaboration, volunteer recognition, youth and older adult service and providing training and resources for those working with volunteers. For more information or to find volunteering opportunities around the state visit www.volunteers.utah.gov.

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Lt. Governor Bell to Announce New Federal Report Ranking

Lt. Governor Bell to Announce New Federal Report Ranking

Utah #1 Volunteering State in Nation for 6th Year in a Row
Provo, Ogden and Salt Lake City rank as the top 3 cities in their categories nationwide.

Salt Lake City - Lt. Governor Greg Bell and key state partners will announce the findings of the 2011 Volunteering in America report ranking Utah as the #1 volunteering state in the nation for the 6th year running.

"It's not at all surprising to me that Utah is ranked first in the nation for its state volunteerism rate again this year," said Lt. Governor Greg Bell. "Our state has long been known as a national leader in volunteerism and service. These volunteerism rankings are a representation of the character of Utahns, and I am proud that our residents are committed to serving their neighbors and communities."

Collected in partnership with the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is the most comprehensive set of data on volunteering in the U.S., and tracks volunteering trends in all 51 states and over 200 cities. The data shows that as the nation works to tackle some of its toughest challenges and expand opportunity for all Americans, volunteers are resolute in their commitment to their neighbors and communities, with 62.8 million adults serving almost 8.1 billion hours in local and national organizations in 2010.

This report ranks Utah as the #1 volunteering state in the nation with 44.5% of adults volunteering. This volunteering rate is significantly above the national average of 26.5%. In addition to being ranked the #1 volunteering state in the nation, Utah ranked #1 in six other categories.
 

Other #1 state rankings Include:

• Volunteer Hours per Resident: 89.2 hours (up from 86.9 hours in 2009)
• Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964): 49.2% (up from 48.9% in 2009)
• Generation X (born 1965 to 1981): 47.0% (national average 29.2%)
• College Students: 44.9% (up from 42.3% in 2009)
• Young Adults (ages 16-24): 39.9% (down from 40.2% in 2009)
• Millennials (born in/after 1982) 39.9% (up from 39.4% in 2009)

"Service continues to be a powerful force for good across the state," said Gov. Gary Herbert. "In devoting time and energy to meet local needs, volunteers provide a model for fellow citizens—fostering lifelong habits of leadership, problem-solving, empathy and self reliance."

Using service as a key solution to many of the challenges facing our state is economically advantageous for Utah. On average, Utah’s 884,000 volunteers dedicated 177.1 million hours of service in 2010.

"One of Utah’s unique economic ingredients is the valuable contribution that our citizens make within their communities," said Spencer Eccles, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. "In our office, we always look at return on investment, and Utah volunteers contributed about $3.8 billion in service last year alone; I consider that a significant economic driver."

The spirit of Utah’s volunteerism is exemplified in individual cities as well. The city of Provo leads our nation, ranking 1st as the mid-size city with the highest volunteer rate in the country at 61% with each resident averaging 151.9 hours of service. This is nearly four and a half times the national average of 34.1 hours per resident.

"Provo residents understand the real value of serving one another, as evidenced by the results of this study," said Provo Mayor John R. Curtis. "The value of giving back and taking care of our neighbors cannot be overstated, and I am pleased that Provo is being recognized as leading the nation to ensure that community service continues to thrive."

Ogden, Utah ranked 2nd in the nation with a 52.2% volunteer rate in the mid-size cities, and averages 108.5 hours of service per person. This percentage helped Ogden jump from the a 3rd place ranking in 2009 to 2nd place in 2010. Salt Lake City ranked 3rd in the nation in the larger cities category with a volunteering rate of 34.1% and 54.5 volunteer hours per resident.

"As volunteers fill critical voids in our community’s infrastructure, state and local leaders increasingly recognize the key role volunteers play in addressing economic and social challenges at time of fiscal constraint," said Shar Lewis, executive director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers. "I encourage Utahns to continue their leadership and strong civic mindedness by stepping up to meet our communities needs with renewed enthusiasm and engagement."

 

AmeriCorps Week Shines Spotlight on Impact of AmeriCorps Service in Utah

Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell thanks Utahs AmeriCorps Members for their significant accomplishments and service in our state.

SALT LAKE CITY – Everyday across Utah, citizens are finding solutions to local problems through national and community service efforts. From increasing high school graduation rates and grade level reading proficiencies to mentoring at-risk youth, providing healthcare to the medically underserved, and restoring public lands, these everyday heroes are strengthening Utah communities as they transform their own lives. These people are AmeriCorps members.

This week, May 14th 21st, is national AmeriCorps Week and people all across the country and here in Utah are thanking the AmeriCorps members who serve in their communities, often at great personal sacrifice, to meet some of our states most critical needs. Because of Utahs AmeriCorps members 5,648 children are mentored by caring adults. Over 10,000 youth are receiving tutoring in math and reading. Approximately 15,000 youth are given safe places to learn and play after school and nearly 3,300 have participated in leadership development trainings.

In 2010 members trained over 12,000 Utahns on how conserve energy and how to be good stewards of our natural resources. Last year members educated 28,000 people in preventative health methods and how to access options to health care.

AmeriCorps members are also tasked with bringing community volunteers into the organizations in which they serve. In 2010 AmeriCorps members across Utah recruited and trained over 13,000 community volunteers who served over 156,000 hours. These recruited volunteers bring an estimated $2.9 million dollars worth of service into Utahs economy.

AmeriCorps members also tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. They also focus on building the capacity of nonprofit groups to become more self-sustaining, among many other activities.

Since 1994, more than 10,000 Utahns have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to get things done for America. I want to personally thank each and every one of our past and current members for their dedicated service and commitment to get things done in Utah, said Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell. The impact of their service, addressing real community needs, is outstanding and I am honored to recognize them for their great achievements.

In exchange for a year of full-time service, members earn an education award equal to the maximum amount of the Pell Grant that can be used to pay for educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, or to pay back qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps Week is more than a way to honor AmeriCorps members for their great achievements in communities across the state. Its an opportunity to trumpet the impact of AmeriCorps service to transform lives and communities.

In a time of great fiscal constraint we are glad that programs like AmeriCorps exist, said Shar Lewis, Executive Director with the Utah Commission on Volunteers. AmeriCorps is a highly cost effective and competitive grant where every $1 granted $1.60 is matched by the grantee organization. It is a model for how government and local community organizations can partner for success.

Utahs State AmeriCorps programs utilized over 300 AmeriCorps members to address critical unmet needs in our communities. In 2010 the Commission was awarded $2.2 million in federal grant funding that was passed through to 10 State AmeriCorps Programs. These programs matched the federal dollars with over $3.5 million.

AmeriCorps members mobilized more than 8,000 volunteers who provided over 130,000 hours of volunteer service with an estimated economic value of $2.9 million dollars to Utahs economy.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES Utah State AmeriCorps Programs & Members Please see list and summary of Utah State AmeriCorps Programs with contacts for interviews. AmeriCorps Program Managers, their AmeriCorps members and the organization where they serve are available for interview. Utah Commission on Volunteers Shar Lewis, Executive Director and LaDawn Stoddard, AmeriCorps Program Manager with the Utah Commission on Volunteers are available for interview during the week. ###

Utah Commission on Volunteers The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. It furthers its mission by administering federal funds for AmeriCorps and national service programs and increasing volunteerism by promoting community collaboration, volunteer recognition, youth and older adult service and providing training and resources for those working with volunteers. The Lt. Governors Conference on Service, State Volunteer Recognition and Awards Banquet, Summer of Service, and the Statewide Volunteer Matching Website www.volunteers.utah.gov are also premiere programs of the Utah Commission on Volunteers.

For more information, visit www.volunteers.utah.gov or call 1-888-755-UTAH. AmeriCorps AmeriCorps is commonly described as the Domestic Peace Corps. Individuals, called members, commit to a specific term of service usually one year- and are housed in nonprofit organizations, schools or other agencies. Members range in age from 17 to 70+ years of age and represent a wide spectrum of other demographics. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn an education award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. During their service, members may also be eligible to receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, childcare, and student loan deferment.

The Corporation for National and Community Service The Corporation plays a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility. They are a catalyst for change and champion for the ideal that every American has skills and talents to give. The Corporation is the nations largest grant maker supporting service and volunteering.

Through the AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Service America programs, they provide opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to express their patriotism while addressing critical community needs.

Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell Declared Utahs AmeriCorps Week in 2010

Lt. Governor’s Conference on Service General Session

Shirley Sagawa to keynote Conference Luncheon on Wednesday

SALT LAKE CITY- The Utah Commission on Volunteers, in collaboration with the Utah Nonprofits Association, the Utah Society of Fund Raisers and the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence at the University of Utah, is pleased to host the Lt. Governor’s Conference on Service. In keeping with the conference theme, “Partnering for Impact”, the day has been planned in partnership with various agencies throughout the Wasatch Front.

 On April 20, Lt. Governor Greg Bell will kick off the 2011 Conference on Service general session day with his keynote address, “Partnering for Impact”. The general session day will be filled with over 30 workshops for the 700 attendees to choose from, each of which was chosen to represent the varying needs of conference attendees.

Lt. Governor Bell and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are pleased to announce that the 2011 luncheon keynote speaker will be Shirley Sagawa, co-founder of Sagawa/Jospin Consulting and a fellow at the Center for American Progress. She played instrumental roles in the creation of AmeriCorps, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Social Innovation Fund. Newsweek magazine names Sagawa a “Woman to Watch in the 21st Century”.

Sagawa will be addressing national service and volunteerism as a strategy during difficult economic times and is scheduled to speak at 12 p.m. Wednesday, April 20. Directly following the luncheon there will be a book signing with Shirley Sagawa, author of The Charismatic Organization: 8 Ways to Grow a Nonprofit and The American Way to Change: How National Service and Volunteers are Transforming America.

“We are thrilled to have such an influential keynote speaker for this year’s Conference on Service,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission of Volunteers. “Shirley is uniquely able to speak to national service and volunteerism in a way that will appeal to all of our attendees.”

Media are encouraged to attend any of the conference’s events. 

 The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.

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Over 500 Volunteers Donate Hundreds of Hours as part of the 2011 Conference on Service

Over 500 of Utah’s Volunteers attending the 2011 Conference on Service, hosted by the Utah Commission on Volunteers

(Volunteers will be available for interviews)

More than 500 volunteers from across Utah will wrap up the Lt. Governor’s 2011 Conference on Service Thursday, April 21, when they participate in various service projects focusing on children, youth or families. Opportunities to serve great organizations around the valley, as well as projects at the hotel, will be available for conference participants. Volunteers will participate in projects with the Youth Mentoring Project, Family Support Center, Living Planet Aquarium, Department of Health, Habitat for Humanity, and Mountain View Elementary School. The projects will take place at a variety of locations, cumulating with a volunteer pizza lunch at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.

WHEN:  Thursday, April 21, 2010
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE:  Habitat for Humanity Re-Store

                  1276 South 500 West

                  Salt Lake City, Utah          

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2011 Lt. Governor’s Volunteer Recognition and Awards Banquet

Gail Miller to keynote event honoring 9 state and 25 county volunteer award winners

 

SALT LAKE CITY- Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell and the Utah Commission on Volunteers will present nine State Volunteer Service Awards and celebrate twenty-five County Volunteer Silver Bowl Award recipients at the Lieutenant Governor’s Volunteer Recognition and Awards Banquet tonight at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center at 7pm. These awards, presented annually as part of the Lt. Governor’s Conference on Service, celebrate the extraordinary volunteer efforts of Utahns across the state.

The two most prestigious awards being the Lt. Governor’s Civic Volunteer of the Year Award and the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2011 Lt. Governor’s Civic Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Kelly Christensen, CEO and President of Iceberg Drive Inn. Kelly has met many needs in his community, whether through serving lunch to the hundreds volunteering during a fire in Herriman, working with the Special Olympics, co-chairing the Days of ’47 rodeo, or volunteering with student organizations in the Canyons and Jordan School District.

The 2011 Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Marion Palmer, who is affectionately known as “The Queen of Pre-School Vision Screening.” For over 55 years she has donated her time to the nonprofit organization Friends for Sight as she screens young children for Amblyopia. She initiated the passage of a bill requiring children to have a vision screening when they enter school. 

 “These honorees are a powerful force for good in our communities,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission of Volunteers. “They are a shining example of the transformative power of service on those who serve and the communities around them.”

The Commission is pleased to announce that the banquet keynote speaker will be Gail Miller, wife of the late Larry H. Miller and owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. Gail will be addressing the importance of volunteerism in Utah as well as in her personal life.

Media are encouraged to attend tonight’s activities: Private reception for honorees at 6pm in the Trofi Room and the Banquet Program begins at 7pm in the Grand Ballroom.

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Lt. Governor’s 2011 Conference on Service Begins Tuesday

 Gail Miller and Shirley Sagawa Keynote During the Conference

 SALT LAKE CITY- Volunteers from across Utah will begin gathering at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center for the Lieutenant Governor’s 2011 Conference on Service Tuesday morning and will participate in a wide range of informative plenary sessions and workshops. The conference will run April 19-21 and registration is at capacity.

Hosted by the Utah Commission on Volunteers, the conference is the state’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, faith-based, government and corporate sectors. This year’s event features the annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Banquet which will honor and recognize the achievements of some of the most outstanding volunteers and volunteer programs in Utah.

The 2011 banquet keynote speaker is Gail Miller, wife of the late Larry H. Miller and owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. Miller is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19. On April 20, Lt. Gov. Greg Bell will kick off the day with a keynote address at 8:30 a.m. Over 30 workshops will be held throughout the day providing information designed to strengthen volunteer organizations and communities.

Lt. Governor Bell and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are please to announce this year’s luncheon keynote will be Shirley Sagawa, author of The American Way to Change and The Charismatic Organization. Sagawa was named a “Woman to Watch in the 21st Century,” by Newsweek magazine and it is a please to have her speak at the conference. Sagawa is scheduled to speak at 12 p.m. Wednesday.

The conference wraps up April 21, when more than 500 volunteers will work with 7 agencies to provide meaningful service to the community. The service projects begin at 9 a.m. at the Hilton and various other locations.

“The 2011 Conference theme, ‘Partnering for Impact’ will leave participants coming away inspired, energized and ready to serve,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission of Volunteers. “Our partnerships with the Utah Nonprofits Association, the Utah Society of Fundraisers and the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence promise to make this our most engaging conference yet.”

Media are encouraged to attend any of the conference’s events. For more information, contact Justin Hudspeth (801) 452-1221 The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.

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Lt. Governor’s 2010 Conference on Service Begins, Senator Orrin Hatch Keynote’s Tuesday’s Awards Banquet

Lt. Governor’s 2010 Conference on Service Begins

Senator Orrin Hatch Keynote’s Tuesday’s Awards Banquet

SALT LAKE CITY- Volunteers from across Utah began gathering at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center for the Lieutenant Governor’s 2010 Conference on Service Tuesday morning and will participate in a wide range of informative plenary sessions and workshops. The conference will run through April 8.

Hosted by the Utah Commission on Volunteers, the conference is the state’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, faith-based, government and corporate sectors. This year’s event features the Volunteer Recognition Awards Banquet which will honor and recognize the achievements of some of the most outstanding volunteers and volunteer programs in Utah and begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Lt. Gov. Greg Bell and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are pleased to announce this year’s conference keynote speaker is Senator Orrin Hatch. Senator Hatch co-sponsored the Serve America Act, which seeks to expand opportunities for people to serve their communities at every stage of life, from students and working adults to retirees. Senator Hatch is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

On April 7, Lt. Gov. Greg Bell kicks off the morning with his keynote address, “Service as a Strategy…Now More Than Ever,” at 8:30 a.m. Throughout Wednesday, 30 workshops will be held providing information designed to strengthen volunteer organizations and communities.

The conference wraps up April 8, when more than 250 volunteers descend upon Little Cottonwood Canyon to clean and maintain two hiking trails. This service project begins at 9 a.m.

“This is our most engaging conference yet,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission of Volunteers. “Participants will come away inspired, energized and ready to serve.”

Media are encouraged to attend any of the conference’s events.  For more information, contact Shad West at (801) 505-2662.

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.

Register today for the Lt. Governor’s 2011 Conference on Service April 19-21, 2011

Partnering for Impact

SALT LAKE CITY- Registration for the Lieutenant Governor’s 2011 Conference on Service is now open.  This year’s conference will be held April 19-21, 2011 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Register online at www.volunteers.utah.gov.

This year the Utah Commission on Volunteers hosts the Lieutenant Governor’s 2011 Conference on Service in collaboration with the Utah Nonprofits Association (UNA), Utah Society of Fund Raisers (USFR), and the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence at the University of Utah.

Early Bird Registration is $129.00 until Feb 28. Registration increases March 1 to $139.00 up until the date of the conference.

This is the state’s largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, faith-based, government and corporate sectors. This three-day event offers the opportunity to learn, connect, be inspired and make a difference through a wide variety of exciting and informative plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects and more.

The luncheon keynote address on April 20th will be given by Shirley Sagawa, a national expert on national service and philanthropy.  She has been called a “founding mother of the modern service movement” in the United States. She is currently a fellow with the Center for American Progress (http://www.americanprogress.org/).

This year’s conference is brimming with opportunities for professional development. Participants will LEARN, CONNECT, BE INSPIRED, and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

• Learn best practices, strategies and new ways of doing business from the state’s best thinkers and practitioners on service and volunteering.
• Connect with peers, experts and leaders from the business, government and nonprofit sectors.
• Be Inspired, recharge, engage and bring back new ideas and energy to strengthen the reach and impact of your organization.
• Make a Difference by participating in service projects and honoring those who have made significant contributions to our communities through their volunteer and service efforts.

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.

Celebrate an extraordinary volunteer or service program by nominating them for one of the 2011 Utah State Volunteer Service Awards

WHO WILL YOU NOMINATE?
Deadline to submit is Monday, February 7th, 2011

 Salt Lake City – Utahns across the state give selflessly of themselves to help improve the lives of others. They perform their good deeds largely unnoticed, without compensation and without any expectation of reward or commendation. The Utah State Volunteer Service Awards celebrate the extraordinary volunteer efforts of Utahns across the state at the Lieutenant Governor’s Volunteer Recognition and Awards Banquet held as part of the Utah Conference on Service April 19, 2011 hosted by the Utah Commission on Volunteers.

 

 “Utah has a long and proud tradition of volunteer service,” Lt. Governor Bell said. “Now more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment to helping others and making new connections that bring us closer together as families, neighbors, communities and as a state.”

 

Lieutenant Governor Bell and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are currently seeking nominations in multiple categories through February 7^th and encourage you to nominate one or more groups or individuals for these awards.

 
Award categories include: Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Lieutenant Governor’s Civic Volunteer of the Year Award, Corporate Volunteer Program of the Year Award, Nonprofit Volunteer Program of the Year Award, Volunteer Administrator of the Year, Senior Volunteer of the Year, Youth Service Award, Community Preparedness Award, and Utah AmeriCorps Member/VISTA of the Year Award.

“The amount of time and talent that volunteers give to our state is staggering,” said Shar Lewis, Executive Director of the Utah Commission of Volunteers.  “Now is the time to recognize these extraordinary efforts by nominating yourself, your friends, your company or your community organization for one of these awards today.”

Award nomination forms are available at www.volunteers.utah.gov.

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. For more information on the Utah Commission on Volunteers, and various volunteering opportunities across the state, log onto www.volunteers.utah.gov.