There are two categories of awards: Volunteer of the Year (less than 10 years of service) and Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer (10 years or more), with nominations accepted from each land-grant university within each category. From these nominations, an independent review panel of youth and adults will choose the top volunteer in each category in each region. From those eight awardees, the top two winners are selected to receive the national awards.

Besides receiving a plaque, each regional awardee is given $200 to be donated to any 4-H program of their choice. The national winners each receive $1000 to donate and a trip to the National 4-H Conference Center for their recognition.

Volunteers are truly the heart of the 4-H program. Please take a moment to nominate the top 4-H volunteers from your land-grant institution. Click here to access the 2008 nomination form. Please pass this message onto those on your staff who work with volunteer development.

For further information or suggestions, please contact Arletta Gustafson at 301-347-3801 or email agustafson@fourhcouncil.edu. Suggestions to improve the process and/or program are always welcomed.