Volunteer Recognition
Every two years, AmeriCorps conducts the most robust longitudinal survey about volunteerism and other forms of civic engagement in the United States in partnership with the US Census Bureau. In Virginia, the most recent survey shows that more than 2.2 million Virginians formally volunteer each year and 3.8 million Virginians help their neighbors informally! More than 156 million hours of service happen in Virginia communities each year.
Volunteers make our lives better through increasing access to healthy food, building and maintaining parks and green spaces, spending time tutoring and mentoring—just to illustrate some of their impact! All together, this creates more than $5.2 billion in estimated economic impact.
Is there a volunteer in your life that you want to recognize? Someone known throughout your community for always being willing to show up and lend a hand? There are great ways to recognize and honor their service and commitment to helping others.
Virginia Recognition
For general requests and information about Serve Virginia awards, please contact VirginiaServiceInfo@dss.virginia.gov
The Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards recognize Virginians who serve across the Commonwealth. Individuals, groups, and organizations invest their time and talent in helping others and creating pos...
The bi-annual Serve Virginia Honor Roll celebrates the valuable contributions of volunteers and organizations across the Commonwealth. In recognition of the service provided by over 2.2 million Virginians, the Serve V...
AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors members serving in Virginia who have performed outstanding service to their communities are honored annually through this recognition program. Honorees will be celebrated during the v...
Regional & National Recognition
Local Awards Programs
Stories of Service
Virginians are making a real difference in their communities by volunteering their time and talents. Every day, we hear remarkable stories about how our volunteers have helped those around them. Know someone who is always helping others? We’d love to hear their story.
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond
Story of Service: The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond
As a member of the Virginia Volunteerism Network, the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond has the mission of bringing people together to transform their community through informed and inspired philanthropy. Serving the greater Richmond region (specifically, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, Powhatan, Petersburg, Richmond City), the Community Foundation's vision is a vibrant region where all individuals and families can thrive and prosper, and their motto is, "Together, we do more good." The Community Foundation offers a full range of services to support the volunteerism sector, including the regional Volunteer Center for the greater Richmond area, CFengage. CFengage is free...
Virginia Lottery
Story of Service: Virginia Lottery
As a member of the Virginia Volunteerism Network, the Virginia Lottery’s mission is to contribute to Virginia’s future one play at a time. The Lottery responsibly creates and regulates games, experiences, and fun to benefit K-12 public education and Virginia initiatives. “Our commitment to the community and our beneficiaries extends past the profit that we return to K-12 education," says Khalid Jones, Virginia Lottery Executive Director. "We make sure that we are present, in person, and engaged in the spirit of volunteerism. For me, this commitment is deeply personal and highly important." The Virginia Lottery has taken an active and positive...
American Red Cross in the Virginia Region
Story of Service: American Red Cross in the Virginia Region
As a member of the Virginia Volunteerism Network, the American Red Cross in the Virginia Region serves 118 independent cities and counties in Virginia, with a combined population of 5.8 million people, fulfilling the mission of the American Red Cross to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Volunteers carry out 90% of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and volunteer engagement strategies ensure that these volunteers are able to serve in the capacity they desire and feel supported. All volunteers have a supervisor who provides meaningful...
Clifford Yee
Story of Service: Clifford Yee
Clifford Yee is a member and former chair of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism as well as the treasurer and former chair of the Virginia Service Foundation. He reflects, "I began serving on the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism in 2020 to deepen my commitment to civic engagement, eventually having the honor of chairing the Board from 2022-2024. One of the most rewarding aspects was working closely with staff to develop a new strategic plan, which included launching the Serve Virginia brand and the statewide Volunteer Honor Roll to better amplify volunteerism across the Commonwealth....
The Span Center
Story of Service: The Span Center
The Span Center is a the state sanctioned Area Agency on Aging, serving serve Planning District 15, which covers the City of Richmond and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan. With a mission of “Empowering older adults to live with dignity and choice,” The Span Center provides services, information, referrals, and advocacy for older adults, caregivers, and persons with disabilities. For more than 50 years, they have been a trusted resource in Central Virginia, dedicated to helping individuals and building a more connected community. Formerly known as Senior Connections, The Span Center name...
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Story of Service: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
As home to the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) acts as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. AmeriCorps members at IALR currently serve as STEM and literacy tutors and developers. They primarily assist upper elementary through middle school students in schools and at out-of-school partner sites. By tutoring and mentoring young students, AmeriCorps members at IALR help make sure all students are equipped to reach their goals. The Dan River Region exhibits lower high-school graduation rates as compared to the state (Danville 73.3%, Pittsylvania County 90.4%, Virginia 91.9%). Members tutoring and mentoring...
What’s Your Volunteer Personality?
Pair your passion with purpose. Take our Volunteer Personality Quiz and find out which volunteer direction is best for you.
