2025 Step Forward Awards Nomination

Volunteers give of their time, resources and expertise to keep Nebraska communities going every day of the year. ServeNebraska is honored to partner with the Governor's office to recognize their commitment and celebrate their hard work. Nominate a volunteer from your life to thank them for all they do!

Honorees are chosen by Nebraska's Governor based on their commitment to volunteerism and impact in their community. The awards will be presented at the Step Forward Awards Luncheon on October 3, 2025 in Lincoln. All nominees will receive a certificate signed by the Governor.

Deadline: June 1, 2025

Eligibility

  • Must live in Nebraska (except National Service).
  • Must have completed volunteer service in Nebraska.
  • Individuals must meet the requirements of the category in which they are submitted.
  • Posthumous nominations are limited to within 2 years of the nominee's passing.

Award Categories

Click on a category below to see a description and category specific eligibility requirements.

  • Adult Volunteer

    An individual, who, age 19 or over, has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service.

  • Mentorship

    An individual who has demonstrated outstanding youth mentorship by dedicating their time, knowledge and energy to guide, nurture, and support one or more mentees. This individual must have served as a mentor for at least one full calendar year and be affiliated with an official mentoring program in Nebraska.

  • Youth Volunteer Leadership

    An individual, who, aged 18 or under, has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service. This individual may hold leadership roles in student organizations, student councils, or student service clubs where they have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills.

  • Volunteer Group

    A group of volunteers who have served together on a common project that has impacted their community. The nominees in this category strive to make communities better places to live through a variety of activities or by focusing on one issue of primary importance in their community.

  • Corporate Community Volunteer

    Corporations and businesses that excel in community involvement and demonstrated excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to their community in a variety of ways. Equal consideration will be given to both large and small businesses, top nominees will be selected.

  • National Service

    An individual currently serving in a National Service program in Nebraska. This individual or group demonstrates outstanding effort to increase the quality of life in one or more communities in our state. Nominees may be serving through AmeriCorps, VISTA, AmeriCorps Seniors (Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions and RSVP), or NCCC.

  • Veteran Volunteer

     

    An individual who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service during and after active duty.

  • Disaster Volunteer

    An individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to volunteerism by helping with a special project or ongoing activities, in preparation for or during times of disaster. Many Nebraskans have served in this capacity this year. Several top nominees will be recognized.

  • Senior Volunteer

    Individuals 65 or older who are taking action to make their community a better place. These individuals share their many years of experience and are role models for others to serve and volunteer.

  • Lifetime Achievement

    This award is the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive; the people selected are those who have forever changed their community, the state, the nation, or the world with their volunteer service and action. Nominees should be over the age of 65.

Evaluation Criteria

Click on the links below to review the evaluation criteria for each type of nomination.

Nomination Form

Contact Information
First Name *
Last Name *
Nominator's Phone (Required)
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If you are nominating an organization or group, set last name to N/A
First Name *
Last Name *
Nominee's Phone (Required)
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Country
Address Line 1 *
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
Please review the category definitions carefully before choosing.
Why are you nominating this person, group or business?
Please describe the nominee's overall commitment to volunteerism and their community. Individual nominees will be evaluated based on their community impact, duration of service and weight of contribution. Groups and businesses will additionally be evaluated on their mission statement and goals, volunteer recruitment and engagement, and use of effective partnerships. See rubrics for more details.
Why do you think this nominee is an example of a stellar volunteer?
Please provide examples of how they have demonstrated leadership, innovation and reliability in service to others.
References (Please provide 2)
First Name *
Last Name *
Reference 1 Daytime Phone
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First Name *
Last Name *
Would you like to receive information on attending the Step Forward Awards Luncheon?

         

If you have any questions regarding the Step Forward Awards or need assistance submitting a nomination, please contact:

Cathleen Plager
cathleen.plager@nebraska.gov
402-802-6865