Our Opinion: Nominate a deserving volunteer

We've repeatedly touted the virtues of volunteerism.

It's a way to help people in your community and make your community a better place to live, of course. But you'll also help yourself. You can learn new skills and you might even volunteer for a job that turns into a career.

Sixty percent of hiring managers view volunteering as a value add when making recruiting decisions, and 82 percent said they'd be more likely to choose a candidate with volunteer experience on their resume, according to tech nonprofit Fast Forward.

Jefferson City and the surrounding area depends on volunteers for many good community causes. We have written about local volunteers and causes, but most of the volunteers and their work go unsung.

Do you know of a local volunteer who has made a difference and deserves to be recognized?

The Missouri Community Service Commission is seeking nominations for the 20th annual Show Me Service Awards, which will resume in 2022 on Missouri Service Day in May.

The commission is a bipartisan commission appointed by the governor and administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Its mission is to strengthen Missouri communities through volunteerism and service.

Awards will be given in seven categories across four regions, amounting to a possible 28 awards total. Categories include youth, adult, senior, AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Seniors (Senior Corps), business excellence and community excellence. Awardees must be Missouri residents who performed a majority of their service within the state and during 2021.

The Show Me Service Awards are held annually in May at the Capitol to highlight Missourians serving to make their communities stronger. To provide a diverse group of awardees each year, the awards are presented by region and include age-specific awards, national service awards, business awards, and community awards.

Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 28 at ShowMeService.org. All nominees will receive a letter of appreciation and winners will be invited to a ceremony in May at the state Capitol.

So many people have done so much to make Missouri a better place to live. If you know of someone deserving of this award, we ask you to take a few minutes to fill out a nomination.

News Tribune