The entry below appeared on April 28, 2009 in a GeoVisions E-News:

GeoVisions has a long proud history of providing volunteer opportunities abroad.  Our volunteers are working to meet global needs such as working in orphanages, schools, hospitals, clinics and as conversationalists in 15 countries. In recognition of these outstanding achievements, GeoVisions is proud to announce the availability of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment.  Established in 2003, this new AWARD is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months.    GeoVisions has teamed with hundreds of organizations and businesses across the country to deliver this Award to our most outstanding volunteers.  As a Certifying Organization of the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, we can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the AWARD criteria. “GeoVisions is extremely proud to join the President of the United States in recognizing the volunteers who consistently take the time to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Randy LeGrant, Executive Director of GeoVisions.  “Volunteers strengthen America and inspire others to get involved.  We are proud to honor our volunteers who are answering the call with this AWARD.”   Children, adults, families and groups can receive the AWARD and, given their ongoing service activity, many of our volunteers may already meet the requirements (see below).  To qualify for the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, volunteers simply submit a record of their service hours to GeoVisions, and we will verify the service and deliver the AWARD.   Volunteer service hours are not limited to those performed on behalf of GeoVisions.  In fact, service hours can be accumulated through work on a variety of projects throughout the year.  The only requirement is that the necessary hours be completed within12 months; recipients can qualify for a new AWARD each year. “Our volunteers should strive to earn the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD every year,” said LeGrant.  “Even if you’ve never volunteered before, the AWARD is within your reach.  In fact, the strength and success of our nation depends on every one of us taking an active role in our community as well as globally.” The PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation – created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation.  To learn more and find out how to qualify for the AWARD, contact us at 203-453-5838 or visit http://www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov. REQUIREMENTS To be eligible to receive the PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, applicants' service hours must be confirmed by GeoVisions, a registered Certifying Organization.  There are three levels of the AWARD varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period:   Kids - 14 and younger             Bronze Award    50 - 74 hours Silver Award    75 - 99 hours Gold Award    100 or more hours Young Adults - Ages 15 - 25 Bronze Award    100 - 174 hours Silver Award    175 - 249 hours Gold Award    250 or more hours   Adults - Ages 26 and up     Bronze Award    100 - 249 hours Silver Award    250 - 499 hours Gold Award    500 or more hours Families and Groups (two or more people)* Bronze Award    200 - 499 hours Silver Award    500 - 999 hours Gold Award    1,000 or more hours *Each member contributing at least 25 hours towards the total PRESIDENT’S CALL TO SERVICE AWARD Individuals who have completed 4,000 or more volunteer service hours over the course of their lifetime are eligible to receive the PRESIDENT’S CALL TO SERVICE AWARD.