Governor's Volunteer Awards

OneStar joins the Governor of Texas every year in honoring some of Texas' most dedicated community volunteers at the Governor’s Volunteer Awards. For 28 years, the awards have honored Texans who give their time and talents to their communities through volunteerism and community service. 

These awards allow Governor Rick Perry to recognize some of the individuals, organizations, corporations and public entities that truly embody the Texas tradition of community service.

28th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards

The winners of the 2011 Governor's Volunteer Awards are:

Social Innovator Award - Bridges to Life
Corporate Community Impact Award - Applied Materials, Central Texas
Community Leadership Award - Little Helping Hands
First Lady's Rising Star Award - Sam Collins
Governor's Lonestar Achievement Award - Charles Fletcher

Award Categories

Social Innovator Award

Recognizes an individual/group/organization who has created transformational change within a community by addressing both symptoms and root causes of social issues. Social Innovators identify the underlying causes of their communities’ challenges, and implement innovative, multifaceted solutions. Any individual, group of individuals, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, government agencies, public institutions or public education institutions can be nominated for the Social Innovator Award.

Corporate Community Impact Award

Recognizes a private sector entity/business for implementing programs that have demonstrable community impact. Corporate Community Impactors support skilled volunteering and pro bono professional service by their employees within faith-based and community nonprofits to improve nonprofits’ business practices and service delivery. Corporations, media or other for-profit, private sector entities/businesses are all eligible for the Corporate Community Impact Award.

Community Leadership Award (New in 2011)

Recognizes an individual/group/organization for strengthening their community through outstanding partnerships, service and volunteerism. Community Leaders understand the importance of service and develop connections between groups and individuals to help them craft collaborative solutions to local needs. They also have a pure compassion for people and a dedication to their communities that inspires those around them to serve. Any individual, group of individuals, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, civic groups, government agencies, public institutions or public education institutions can be nominated for the Community Leadership Award.

First Lady’s Rising Star Award

Recognizes the innovative efforts of an individual under I8 years of age serving and inspiring his/her community. Rising Stars use their unique talents to serve others, often while engaging those around them to join their cause. Nominees should demonstrate leadership, perseverance and creativity.  Any individual under I8 years of age at the time of nomination can be nominated for the First Lady’s Rising Star Award.

Governor’s Lonestar Achievement Award

Recognizes the outstanding service of an individual who has enhanced the delivery of social services in Texas. Lonestar Achievers are those rare individuals that see impossible dreams and make them realities. Nominees should demonstrate a minimum of 15 years of serving and engaging others in service to be nominated for the Governor’s Lonestar Achievement Award.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, you can send an e-mail to gva@onestarfoundation.org or call 512.287.2013.

Become a Sponsor

If your company is interested in sponsoring the 29th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards, contact Jane Murray at 512.287.2013.

Past Winners

Click here to view the 2010 GVA Winners.

Click here to view the 2009 GVA Winners.

Click here to view the 2008 GVA Winners.