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National Association of Counties • Washington, D.C.      Vol. 34, No. 20 • October 28, 2002




Spirit of volunteerism honored through Acts of Caring Awards

By Tom Goodman
Director of Public Affairs

In 2003, NACo will again pay tribute to the nation’s volunteers by recognizing outstanding county volunteer programs.

An “act of caring” is a community service provided by a county-sponsored volunteer program that enhances or preserves the quality of life. This is the fourth year the Acts of Caring Awards will have been presented.

Up to 33 programs will be recognized and deemed examples of outstanding “acts of caring.” Based on county size, as many as three programs will be honored in each of 11 categories: arts and culture, civic education and public information, criminal justice, elderly services, emergency management, environment, health services, libraries, parks and recreation, programs for children and youth, and social services.

In addition, three special awards will be presented: the Legacy Award for Excellence and Innovation, the Youth Service Award and the Youth Literacy Mentoring Award.

The Legacy Award is the top award out of all programs entered. It recognizes the program that most fully embodies the spirit of volunteerism by addressing a unique need and sets itself apart by providing unparalleled service in its community.

The awards will be presented in a ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., during National County Government Week, which will be held April 6–12. The deadline for entries is Jan. 17, 2003.

(To download an application for this year’s awards and to learn about past Acts of Caring award winners, visit www.naco.org/programs/special/millenn/services/acts.cfm.

The Acts of Caring is part of Counties Serve America, a long-term project of NACo in partnership with Nationwide Retirement Solutions, a Nationwide Financial company. It is designed to raise public understanding and awareness about county government. For additional information or questions, contact Tom Goodman, director of public affairs, at tgoodman@naco.org or call (202) 942-4222.