In an effort to better recognize (and encourage) the volunteer efforts of the members of our community, Romanians of DC has applied and has been certified as an organization eligible to award the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was created in 2003 by then President George W. Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize incredible individuals who are committed to a high level of volunteer and service and more broadly to acknowledge the important role volunteers play in America’s strength and national identity. The PVSA has continued under each administration and is currently led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light.
The award honors individuals who work tirelessly to help solve some of the toughest challenges facing their communities, and our nation and who inspire those around them to take action. Available as a Bronze, Silver, Gold or as a Lifetime Achievement Award, it is given, based on the level of service performed, only to United States citizens or lawful permanent residents (i.e., green card holder) over the age of five.
Romanians of DC plans to present this award annually in December to up to 10 qualifying members of our community who complete the application form by no later than October 15 of each calendar year. The award consists of a personalized certificate of achievement, a congratulatory letter signed by President Joe Biden, a medallion, and a pin.
Romanians of DC believes strongly in the value and importance of volunteerism. We hope that through this initiative we will encourage the members of our Romanian-American community to become actively engaged both with our organization and other similar organizations and churches in the area but also with their local communities, schools and American organizations. To be eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award presented by Romanians of DC, applicants must be members of our local community in the greater Washington, DC area, must complete the application form and meet the criteria outlined there, and must have performed eligible service which consists of unpaid acts of volunteer service benefiting others or service through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps). Eligible service does not include: donating funds, political lobbying, religious instruction, conducting worship service, proselytizing, volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service, or serving only family members.
To learn more about the President’s Volunteer Service Award and to apply, please click here.