Awards

Carol Ritter Wright Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service

 

The Carol Ritter Wright Award for Volunteer Service recognizes an individual volunteer or a volunteer group for their outstanding volunteer service in the Greater Rochester Area.

CRITERIA

Community Needs and Solutions

Does the nominee's activity meet a real community need or concern?

Connection Building

    • Does this activity demonstrate hands-on service that results in building connections in the community?

Ongoing Involvement

    • Is the activity ongoing? To be eligible an activity should typically be of at least six months in duration

Impact

    • Is there demonstrated impact resulting from the activity?

Innovation

    • Do the activities reflect innovative or unique approaches to meeting community needs?

The Carol Ritter Wright Award will be presented at the annual RAAVS symposium, giving recognition to the volunteer and their organization.

If you believe there is a person within your organization that is deserving of this recognition please complete the online nomination form here.

All nominations must be postmarked by May 1, 2023

Jerry Bennett Excellence in Volunteer Administration Award

Named after a pioneer in the field in the Rochester Area, The Jerry Bennett Excellence in Volunteer Administration Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement in professional management and volunteer engagement as a volunteer administrator, coordinator or manager. Their competencies result in the effective delivery of services and support their organization’s mission and goals.

CRITERIA

The Nominee's exemplary performance reflects competency in seven areas of volunteer administration. The nominee demonstrates ethical behavior and a commitment to continued professional development.

PART I  Please provide a short description of how, within the last year, the nominee has demonstrated competency in each area. Please include details on the impact of their work.

  1. How does nominee access, develop, and implement volunteer recruitment initiatives that meet the needs of the agency?
  2. How does the nominee develop and implement orientation and initial training? What creative initiatives has the nominee developed to engage volunteers in continuing educational / learning opportunities?
  3. How does the nominee manage the volunteer program to meet the needs of the agency (fiduciary, compliance and personnel)?
  4. How does nominee manage effective program, keeping volunteers engaged, happy and advocating for the organization?

PART II  The Association of Volunteer Administration (AVA) sites specific ethical standards as the hallmark of the volunteer management profession.  Those who mobilize, direct and motivate volunteers should exhibit the following ethical values:

  • Citizenship and Philanthropy
  • Respect and Responsibility
  • Caring
  • Justice and Fairness
  • Trustworthiness

Describe specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated at least three of the professional values listed above.

PART III  Please list professional development opportunities the nominee has participated in to strengthen their professional knowledge.

The Jerry Bennett Excellence in Volunteer Administration Award will be presented at the annual RAAVS conference, giving recognition to the organization and the volunteer administrator.

If you believe there is a person within your organization that is deserving of this recognition please complete the online nomination form here.

All nominations must be postmarked by May 1, 2023.

Carol Ritter Wright Volunteer Service Award 2018

 Andy LaManna with Meals on Wheels

Jerry Bennet Award 2018

Lani Sherrill with Girl Scouts of Western New York