the 2019 Leaders of Tomorrow Awards (photo by Courtney Almeida)

By Liam Verster

Youth Volunteer Awards

Nominations open for Leaders of Tomorrow Award

Feb 1, 2020 | 5:00 AM

The Grande Prairie Volunteer Service Bureau (GPVSB) is accepting nominations for the annual Leaders of Tomorrow Awards.

The Awards recognize youth aged 13-18, from Grande Prairie and the surrounding region, who have given back to the community through volunteer work. Individuals, community groups, educational institutions and voluntary organizations are encouraged to nominate youth volunteers.

In the past, the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards winners were selected from an age group of 13 to 15 and 16 to 18. This year, however, they are changing the selection process, and will instead hand out awards in specific categories that highlight the ways youth show leadership in their communities.

Chancie Cook, the Sector Support Manager for the GPVSB, says the four categories are traditional leadership, volunteering, advocacy and perseverance.

“So basically we’re wanting to see kids that are doing that leadership work either through volunteering, by maybe some advocacy that they’re doing in the community for a cause that’s important to them. Or maybe they’ve overcome something or a barrier that allows them to show their leadership qualities. So we’re just really looking to find those kids that maybe hadn’t thought they were fit for the award in the past, but are still doing that important work in the community.”

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She adds that they’re looking for nominations of youth who are quietly doing work in the community, but are also showing really strong leadership. Cook adds that those who strive for inclusion, have lots of patience and creativity, and are eager and take initiative also have a good chance at walking away with an award.

“Especially kids who are maybe a little bit under served or under recognized, we really want to be able to highlight their accomplishments and what they’re doing in the community.”

She adds that youth who volunteer tend to become volunteers for life, and asks groups to send in their nominations as soon as possible.

The winners of the awards will be invited to the Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Summit in late March, where they will be presented with the award. Along with a trophy and certificate, the winners will receive $100 cash, and a $100 donation will be made in their honour to the charity of their choice.

Nominations for the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards are now being accepted, the deadline is Friday, March 13. Forms can be found on the GPVSB website. People can also call 780-538-2727 to get information on other ways to nominate a youth volunteer.