Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award - Guide to Nominations

What is volunteering?
Volunteering is a service offered by choice; it is not mandated or coerced. It contributes to the well-being of an individual or a community, pays no salary or wages, and has no financial benefit to the volunteers.

Who is eligible for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?
The Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award is open to all Canadian citizens, with the exception of members of the Thérèse F. Casgrain Foundation, elected officials of government while serving in office, past recipients of the award and employees of Social Development Canada.

Is it possible to re-nominate an individual from year to year?
Yes. However, past recipients of the award are not eligible.

Is it possible for a group of people to be eligible for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?
No. The award will be presented on an annual basis to one man and one woman.

How are nominations evaluated?
Nominations are evaluated by the National Selection Committee, which is an independent body. Evaluation is based solely on the contents of the nomination form and supporting documents.

How are award recipients selected?
The Minister of Social Development makes the final selection, based on the recommendations submitted by the National Selection Committee.

Is there any age requirement?
All nominations are welcome, regardless of age. However, recipients will need to have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to volunteering.

What should sponsors keep in mind when completing a nomination package?
Award recipients are selected based solely on merit. Each criterion should be responded to individually, in paragraph or point form. Supplemental documentation should be clear and well organized.

What kind of biographical information is necessary to describe a nominee?
A nomination package should clearly describe the volunteer services provided by the nominee with each organization, the innovation involved in the volunteer work and the nominee’s motivation for volunteering. The amount of time the nominee has dedicated to each cause as a volunteer should be identified, with a brief description of the nominee’s occupation while providing these services.

Is there a specific format for nominations?
Supporting documentation (including photographs and newspaper clippings) must be submitted on 8.5" × 11" sheets, typed, reproduced or clearly written in dark ink. Nominations must be submitted in their entirety and must not exceed 50 pages in length - only the first 50 pages will be reviewed. Additional enclosures such as cassettes, videotapes, diskettes and CDs will not be reviewed.

Will nomination forms and supporting documents be returned to sponsors?
No. All materials submitted become the property of the Government of Canada and are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

Do nominations need to be bilingual?
Nominations will be accepted in either French or English.

Do candidates have to be active volunteers when being considered for the Thérèse Casgrain Volunteer Award?
No. However, their past voluntary contributions should reflect a lifetime of volunteer service.

Will I be advised on the outcome of my nomination?
All nominees and sponsors will be advised of the winning nominations.