FEMA Calls for National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards Submissions

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the 2010 National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards–Celebrating Resilient Communities. The National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards recognize innovative practices and achievements of Citizen Corps Councils across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.

Winning Citizen Corps Councils will exemplify excellence in community emergency planning, foster successful public-private partnerships, prioritize collaboration, demonstrate creative and innovative local problem solving, and implement sound programs that can be modeled for use by other communities. This year we also welcome stories of outstanding individuals involved in a Council who went above and beyond expectations to serve their community. All submissions should feature program activities that took place during the period of January 1, 2009 and May 17, 2010.

Local, tribal, regional, State and Territory Councils only need to apply once and will be considered for a number of awards. Examples of possible awards are:

Outstanding State/Territory Citizen Corps Initiatives Award
Outstanding Citizen Corps Council Award
Collaborative Preparedness Planning Award
Preparing the Public Award
Preparing Community Organizations Award
Volunteer Integration Award

Two representatives from the winning Councils will be FEMA's honored guests at a meeting in Washington, D.C. as part of National Preparedness Month. Awardees will participate in a community preparedness roundtable discussion to share ideas and solutions regarding challenges in community preparedness with other award winning Councils, FEMA leadership, and Citizen Corps partners.

How to Apply

Step 1: Read the Achievement Awards Application Guide and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet.
Step 2: Complete the Achievement Awards narrative, which will include 1) Summary of Activities; 2) Participants; and 3) Goals, Impact, Local significance. The narrative document can be submitted in Word or PDF/Adobe format; each Council also has the option to submit their narrative on the Achievement Awards Application Template. Councils are also encouraged to submit supporting materials, such as audio, video, photographs, outreach materials, organization charts, list of Council members/organizations, letters of recommendation, reports, evaluations, or press coverage.
Step 3: Send an email message to CitizenCorps@dhs.gov and attach your completed narrative document/Application Template and supporting materials. If attaching supporting materials that cannot be sent via email, please mail all materials to the address listed in the Application Guide.

2010 Citizen Corps Achievement Awards Materials

Achievement Awards Application Guide (PDF)- This guide details the award categories, eligibility requirements, award submission review process, content of application submission, and how to submit application and supporting materials. The mailing address is provided in the Application Guide.
Achievement Awards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet (PDF) - The Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) sheet is a list of commonly asked questions that may help you with your application.
Achievement Awards Application Template (PDF)- This document offers the option for Councils to complete the Achievement Award Application on a standardized template. The Council leader will complete this template and email it to CitizenCorps@dhs.gov.

Important Dates

Submission deadline is June 4th, 2010.
Applicants will be notified of award submission results by August 2, 2010.

More Information

2010 Achievement Awards Announcement (PDF)
2009 Citizen Corps Achievement Award Winners
If you have further questions, please email CitizenCorps@dhs.gov.

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