Government of Ontario: Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers

PURPOSE

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers was created to recognize the outstanding achievements of young volunteers across the province of Ontario. The personal commitment of time and effort made by young volunteers is a valuable contribution to the quality of life in their communities and in our province. The leaders of tomorrow are among these many youth volunteers.

By bestowing special distinction upon these admirable youth, the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers emphasizes the importance of volunteering in building strong communities across our province and recognizes these youth as role models.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers is presented to up to 10 young people who:

are between the ages of 15 and 24 years;
reside in Ontario;
contribute significant time and service without pay to a charity, not–for–profit organizations or an individual;
have made a sustained and innovative contribution in the community, demonstrating leadership, initiative, perseverance, originality, as well as the promise of long–term improvement or greater public awareness of the community activity;
have proven to be a role model attracting others to volunteering;
have inspired and helped peers and the community as a whole, to better understand and appreciate the importance of volunteering.

Posthumous and self–nominations will not be accepted.

HOW ARE THE RECIPIENTS SELECTED?

Up to 10 award recipients are selected by an independent Advisory Council.

HOW ARE THE AWARDS PRESENTED?

Recipients are presented with a medal by the Lieutenant Governor at a ceremony held in the Provincial Legislature.

A COMPLETE SUBMISSION INCLUDES:

A completed nomination form (original and signed).
A detailed description of the young volunteer’s achievements and why they are outstanding (500 – 1,000 words). Include the specific role the nominee has played.
The time spent volunteering at each organization. Clearly indicate volunteer hours per week, month or year.
Information regarding when the achievement was initiated and completed or if ongoing.
Information regarding how long you have known the nominee.
Written testimonials from at least two additional persons (other than the nominator) who can attest to the value and impact of the nominee’s achievements.
Additional materials
Include any additional materials in support of this nomination (i.e. other testimonial letters that add substance to the nominee’s achievement, publications, media stories, etc.).

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE?

Nomination forms may be submitted at any time. The deadline is January 31 of each year. All nominations received after this date will be considered for the following year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...

Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, 4^th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 2R9
Tel.: 416 314–7526
Fax: 416 314–7743
E–mail: ontariohonoursandawards@ontario.ca
Website: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca

PLEASE SUBMIT SIGNED, ORIGINAL FORMS ONLY.

Send completed forms to:
Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, 4^th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 2R9

NOTES:

1. Do not send originals of important or official documents or photographs, as they will not be returned.
2. Nominators should present only volunteer experience and not work experience.
3. This recognition program is not based on academic achievement. Do not include educational certificates/transcripts.

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
NOMINATION FORM

Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.18, s.4 and will be used to determine the eligibility and notify recipients of the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.
For further information, please contact the Manager, Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat, 400 University Ave, 4th Floor, Toronto ON M7A 2R9, Tel. 416 314–6608.
For service in French, telephone 416 314–7529 or 416 212–3196.

Name of Nominee

Mr. Mrs. Ms. Other Other

First Name Last Name
Residential Address (Street No., Street Name OR P. O. Box Number)
City Province Postal Code
Telephone No. (9:00am - 5:00pm) Fax No.
E–mail
Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
Youth’s Achievement (25 word maximum)

Estimated volunteer hours per week month year Estimated volunteer hours

Name of Nominator