Romanians of DC believes strongly in the value and importance of volunteerism. In an effort to better recognize (and encourage) the volunteer efforts of the members of our community, it has applied and has been certified since May 2021 as an organization eligible to award the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.
We hope that through this initiative we will encourage the members of our Romanian-American community to become actively engaged both with our organization and other similar organizations and churches in the area but also with their local communities, schools, and American organizations. Romanians of DC will only award Individual Awards.
What is the President’s Volunteer Service Award
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was created in 2003 by then President George W. Bush’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize incredible individuals who are committed to a high level of volunteer and service and more broadly to acknowledge the important role volunteers play in America’s strength and national identity. The PVSA has continued under each administration and is currently led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light.
The award honors individuals who work tirelessly to help solve some of the toughest challenges facing their communities, and our nation and who inspire those around them to take action. It is offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of service achievement. Levels include bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible to apply, a volunteer has to be United States citizen or lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and must be at least five years old. Candidates must also have performed and completed the eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards)
To qualify for the President’s Volunteer Service Award presented by Romanians of DC, applicants must be members of our local community in the greater Washington, DC area, must complete the application form below and must have performed eligible service which consists of unpaid acts of volunteer service benefiting others or service through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps). Eligible service does not include: donating funds, political lobbying, religious instruction, conducting worship service, proselytizing, volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service, or serving only family members.
Further Requirements
Volunteers must submit a letter of nomination from either the direct supervisor or an organization representative working with the candidate, a school administrator, church representative.
Candidates must submit a documented record of volunteer activities and hours served. This record of service may be a diary, calendar or timesheet. Please note that hours served fulfilling responsibilities as a local, state or national officer do not count for the PVSA (volunteer activities performed while an officer are acceptable).
A verifying letter, on the organization’s letterhead, is required from every organization, school, church, etc., where the volunteering activity took place. It must be signed by an agency representative verifying the number of hours your hours.
Candidates must meet the number of hours designated by the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in any consecutive 12 months.
| Age Group | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Lifetime Achievement Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids (5–10 years old) | 26–49 hours | 50–74 hours | 75+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Teens (11–15) | 50–74 hours | 75–99 hours | 100+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Young Adults (16–25) | 100–174 hours | 175–249 hours | 250+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Adults (26+) | 100–249 hours | 250–499 hours | 500+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
APPLICATION
WINNERS
2024 Winners
Laura Melinciuc – Teens Silver Award
2023 Winners
Alexandru Drăgoi – Teens Gold Award
Stephanie Drăgoi – Young Adults Silver Award
Ana Martin – Teens Gold Award
Mara Statie – Young Adults Silver Award
2022 Winners
Gabriela Sandoz – Lifetime Award
2021 Winners
Janina Constantin – Lifetime Award
Cosmin Cornea – Lifetime Award
Ovidiu Pandrea – Silver Award
Teodora Pandrea – Silver Award
Oxana Rusu – Silver Award