Spotlight
Serve Illinois is proud to partner with Generations Serving Generations and the McCormick Foundation to present the Why News Matters Survey. The Why News Matters Survey is an opportunity for you to share your views and opinions about how you access the news and its importance in your life. Your responses will help us understand how older generations regard the news and the skills needed to be wise consumers of information.
From hosting the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Chicago to seeing Illinois become the top volunteer state among the top ten largest states, Serve Illinois had a big year in 2012. Volunteerism in Illinois is on the rise, and Serve Illinois is proud to highlight some of the wonderful service that people in Illinois do each day.
In the 2012 Annual Report you will be able to meet our Commissioners and staff, find detailed information about Illinois' volunteer rate, learn about training activities that are available to volunteer managers, and much more. We hope you enjoy reading the Serve Illinois Commission’s 2012 Annual Report. We have accomplished great success in Illinois this year and will continue efforts to support the work and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Please help us build on our strong foundation for success by sharing your passion for volunteerism with others. Together, our impact will significantly contribute to supporting vibrant communities throughout our state.
Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission presented 23 Illinoisans and 5 businesses with the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award during a special reception at the Executive Mansion on April 18, 2013. The award recognizes volunteers that have made a profound difference in Illinois, and the annual event highlights the Governor’s commitment to fostering a vibrant volunteer environment in the state.
“Every day in Illinois, thousands of volunteers donate their time and talents to help others and to build stronger communities,” Governor Quinn said. “We honor these individuals and businesses that have made positive change in our state and are role models for others to follow with their initiative and energy.”
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards focus on five areas: Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Conservation, Disaster Preparedness/Response, Health, and Veterans’ Affairs.
Individual awards in each of the Commission’s five service regions (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central and Southern Illinois) are presented in three categories: youth ages 18 and under, adult ages 19-54 and seniors ages 55 and older. Additionally, National Service Awards are presented to one Senior Corps or AmeriCorps member in each region. This year marked the first time that the Business Volunteer Engagement Awards will be presented in each region.
Upcoming Events
Featured Volunteers
Paige Logan
Paige wrote a grant to help secure funds for her School Resource Officer Jeff Suckow to bring Rachel’s Challenge to all students in Effingham County. Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying. The programs are based on the writings and life of 17 year-old Rachel Scott who was the first student killed at Columbine High School in 1999.
Paige brought the anti-bullying NO Bull Program to Effingham County & state. The Great American NO BULL Challenge is a global video contest and education program that impacts millions of teens by spreading awareness about anti-bullying and digital responsibility. Paige spoke before her county board and the Effingham County Board members made a proclamation that Effingham County is a NO BULL county. Effingham County was the first county in our nation to make that proclamation! Paige was one of eight selected to be the voice for nearly 8 million youth in America during the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit in Washington D.C. 4-H gave her the leadership skills she needed to cope with a difficult time in her life and believes leadership skills can help other youth too. Being a firm believer in these skills, Paige continues to teach at county & state leadership conferences.
For her volunteer service to U of I Extension--Effingham County, Paige received the Youth Service Governor’s Volunteer Service Award on April 18th, 2013.