Executive Council
March 11, 2015

Connecting Youth and Strengthening Communities

Nomination Deadline Approaching for URock Volunteer Awards

The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, is reminding residents that only one week remains to nominate deserving young people for a 2015 URock Award . Nominations will be accepted until Wednesday, March 18.

�Every day, young people throughout the province, regardless of age, community, or background are realizing they can make a difference and have a lasting impact. Nominating a youth or youth-led organization for a URock Volunteer Award is the Provincial Government�s way of thanking volunteers who are building communities, improving the lives of others, and inspiring us all with their stories.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

The award winners (selected from two categories: individuals and organizations) will be celebrated at the 2015 URock Volunteer Awards Show on May 14, which will feature live performances by local bands, as well as community booths from young volunteer organizations. Winners will each receive an electric guitar customized by students of the Graphic Design program at College of the North Atlantic to celebrate the innovative ways young people volunteer.

"As a teacher, my award has given me an opportunity to show my students the importance of being engaged citizens, which is an extremely important life lesson that I am very passionate about. I encourage people to reach out in their communities and shine some rock star light on youth who are making things happen. They won't look for the spotlight - it's up to their communities to shine that light on them and give them recognition for all the wonderful things they do."
- Richard Churchill, 2014 URock Award Recipient

To learn more about the 2015 URock Awards, read about past winners and nominate a youth or organization, visit www.urockvolunteerawards.ca.

QUICK FACTS

  • The Provincial Government is reminding residents that nominations for the 2015 URock Volunteer Awards will close on Wednesday, March 18.
  • The awards celebrate outstanding voluntary contributions of youth across the province.
  • Youth-led groups and youth, who are 30 years of age or under, are eligible for nomination.
  • Information about the eight youth and youth groups recognized last year for their volunteer contributions can be found at www.nlyouth.ca/ProgramsServices/URock/legends/legends2014.html.
  • Further details on how to get involved can be found at nlyouth.ca, Instagram, Twitter , and Facebook.

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Recipients of the 2015 URock Volunteer Awards will receive an electric guitar designed by students at College of the North Atlantic to celebrate the innovative ways young people volunteer across the province.

Media contact:

Kip Bonnell
Communications Manager
Office of Public Engagement
709-729-1221, 687-9081
kbonnell@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 11                              2:15 p.m.