CONGRESS AWARD FOR YOUTH INITIATIVE // SERVICE // ACHIEVEMENT

Transcription

1 CONGRESS AWARD FOR YOUTH INITIATIVE // SERVICE // ACHIEVEMENT

2 ABOUT U.S. Congress award for youth Highest honor bestowed upon a youth civilian through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Open to youth ages 13 ½ - 23 Encourages goal-setting and fosters principles of citizenship

3 HISTORY Founded by Congress in 1979 Public Law : The Congressional Award Act Public-private partnership Non-partisan program to honor initiative, service, and achievement in America s youth

4 BENEFITS Superlative for college, job, scholarship, internship applications Mentor-based opportunities Serves communities near and far Interactions with Members of Congress Medals struck by U.S. Mint

5 THE PROGRAM Voluntary Public Service Personal Development Physical Fitness Expedition/Exploration

6 VOLUNTARY PUBLIC SERVICE Serving without compensation Identifying a need in your community and finding a way to volunteer directly Activities must benefit greater community at-large (public organizations, non-partisan, nonreligious, no hot-button issues) Sharing time and talents for the benefit of others Set up to four different goals

7 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Pursue a new activity or advance ability an existing interest Goals must be specific and measurable Count part-time work if you re a fulltime student. Count educational activities if you re employed full-time. Set up to two different goals Developing skills in a personal, career, or social interest

8 PHYSICAL FITNESS Goals cannot be competitive Goals must be specific and measurable Include current fitness level and determine where you d like to advance Fitness activities do not have to be strenuous in order to be challenging Improving one s quality of life Set up to two different goals

9 EXPEDITION or EXPLORATION Expedition: Discover the great outdoors Exploration: Experience culture, history, humanity Develop a spirit of adventure Organize, prepare, and execute Does not have to be costly or far off Immersion in an unfamiliar environment or culture

10 AWARD LEVELS The program is cumulative. Participants may start at the lowest level and progress level-by-level or advance directly to a higher level. Bronze Certificate Silver Certificate Gold Certificate Bronze Medal Silver Medal Gold Medal

11 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Minimum hour and month totals BC SC GC BM SM GM Voluntary Public Service Personal Development Physical Fitness Expedition/Exploration Day, 3 Day, 5 Day, Day Days Days 1 Night 2 Night 4 Night Total Minimum Hours Total Minimum Months No No (for EACH VPS, PD, PF) Min. Min.

12 ADULT MENTORS Advisor Reviews program requirements and guidelines Helps you set goals - ensuring they re measurable, achievable, worthwhile, challenging, fulfilling Makes sure you have qualified Validators Periodically reviews progress toward goals Reviews and signs Record Book before submission to national office Validators Reviews program requirements and guidelines Oversees your activity in the specific program area Should have expertise in the activity Helps you identify your starting level and how your goal will be measured Signs off on specific Record Book page once activity is completed

13 ADULT MENTORS Who is eligible? Any adult with the exception of your parents, relatives, or peers. Examples include: Teachers, neighbors, coaches, volunteer coordinators, scoutmasters, counselors, youth group leaders.

14 PRESENTATIONS Local and state Congressional Award ceremonies occur throughout the year for Bronze and Silver Medalists. Types of presentations from Members of Congress: Hosted in District Office Town Halls School visit or award banquets Statewide ceremonies in special venues *Certificates are mailed directly to participants.

15 GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY Gold Medalists attend an annual ceremony in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC each summer. Members of Congress, family and friends, celebrity personalities, and partners join the celebration.

16 JOIN THE Congressional Award PO Box Washington, (202) AWARD It s easy to join our list! Just text THEAWARD to to get started.