Nominations are being taken for the 2024 Step Forward Awards, which sees honorees chosen by Nebraska’s Governor based on their commitment to volunteerism and impact in their community. Each nominee receives a certificate in recognition of their service.
Volunteers across the state give of their time, resources and expertise to keep Nebraska communities going every day of the year, and for over 30 years citizens have nominated volunteers from their life to thank them for all they do.
Those wishing to nominate someone can access the nomination portal by going to www.serve.nebraska.gov. The site also holds links that show evaluation criteria for each type of nomination. Nominations need to be submitted by June 1, 2024.
Award categories include adult volunteer, mentorship award, youth volunteer leadership, volunteer group, corporate community volunteer, national service, veteran volunteer, disaster volunteer, senior volunteer, and lifetime achievement.
Nominee eligibility:
– Live in Nebraska (except National Service)
– Must have completed volunteer service in Nebraska
– Individuals must meet the requirements of the category in which they are submitted
– Posthumous nominations are limited to within 2 years of the nominee’s passing
Award Categories
Adult Volunteer: An individual, who, age 19 or over, has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service
Mentorship Award: An individual who has demonstrated outstanding youth mentorship by dedicating their time, knowledge and energy to guide, nurture, and support one or more mentees. This individual must have served as a mentor for at least one full calendar year and be affiliated with an official mentoring program in Nebraska.
Youth Volunteer Leadership: An individual, who, aged 18 or under, has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service. This individual may hold leadership roles in student organizations, student councils, or student service clubs where they have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills.
Volunteer Group: A group of volunteers who have served together on a common project that has impacted their community. The nominees in this category strive to make communities better places to live through a variety of activities or by focusing on one issue of primary importance in their community.
Corporate Community Volunteer: Corporations and businesses that excel in community involvement and demonstrated excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to their community in a variety of ways. Equal consideration will be given to both large and small businesses, top nominees will be selected.
National Service: An individual or group currently serving in a National Service program in Nebraska. This individual or group demonstrates outstanding effort to increase the quality of life in one or more communities in our state. Nominees may be serving through AmeriCorps, VISTA, AmeriCorps Seniors (Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions and RSVP), or NCCC.
Veteran Volunteer: An individual who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service during and after active duty.
Disaster Volunteer: An individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteerism by helping with a special project or ongoing activities, in preparation for or during times of disaster. Many Nebraskans have served in this capacity this year. Several top nominees will be recognized.
Senior Volunteer: Individuals 65 or older who are taking action to make their community a better place. These individuals share their many years of experience and are role models for others to serve and volunteer.
Lifetime Achievement: This award is the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive; the people selected are those who have forever changed their community, the state, the nation, or the world with their volunteer service and action. Nominees should be over the age of 65.
