City Accepting Nominations for Be More Awards Honoring Volunteers

City of Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton encourages all community members to nominate outstanding volunteers for the Be More Awards, the community volunteer awards presented by the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network, a program of the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department. Nominations are being accepted now through Monday, March 21 at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/bemore. 
 
"Bloomington thrives because so many talented, caring and energetic folks give freely of their time and resources," said Hamilton. "Whether volunteering at our social service agencies, cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, or City boards and commissions, the people who show up and get involved are essential to keeping our community strong."
 
Nominations may be submitted by members of the general public, community organizations, or businesses. Awards are made in five categories, including Lifetime of Service (honoring an individual over age 60), Community Impact (honoring an individual or group), Youth (honoring a volunteer under the age of 21), Engagement Professionals (honoring a volunteer program within an organization), and Community Collaboration (excellence in community collaboration).  ​

Each of the five Be More Award recipients will receive a $1,000 award provided by the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County for the recipient's nonprofit organization in honor of their outstanding service. 
 
An additional category without a cash award is available, honoring a community-minded business operating locally. This award recognizes a for-profit entity that has contributed time or talent to the community in the past year and demonstrated community impact and goodwill. A complete list of categories and criteria, including profiles of the 2021 award recipients, is available online. 
 
The 2022 Be More Award recipients will be celebrated during a reception on Friday, May 6, at the John Waldron Arts Center. Additional details about the event will be available soon. Be More Award co-sponsors include the IU Credit Union, the United Way of Monroe County, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, and WTIU Public Television.  
 
"The spirit of community is found in the good works of our engaged individuals, groups, nonprofits, and businesses. The Be More Awards allow every one of us an opportunity to say thank you to a community volunteer, engagement professional, or community-minded business by submitting a nomination," said Lucy Schaich, director of the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network. "Submitting a nomination for this public celebration of volunteerism is an impactful way to acknowledge and express gratitude to those who give so generously of their time and talents for the betterment of our community."