Overview
Launched in September 2018, Chinmaya Mission RDU’s Volunteer Service Award (VSA) program celebrates and recognizes the countless volunteer hours offered to the center. For children, the recognition sets them apart from their peers while giving them opportunities to serve, and thereby, learning to be humble. For adults, it provides a fulfilling avenue to offer their services, while acting as role models to all our Bala Vihar children.
Eligibility Criteria
VSA recognizes both US citizens and non-citizens who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period (September 2018 – September 2019), or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime.
Hours are measured over a 12-month period and awards are designated based on cumulative hours. Levels include bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.
| Hours By Award | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids (5-10) | 26-49 | 50-74 | 75+ |
| Teens (11-15) | 50-74 | 75-99 | 100+ |
| Young Adults (16-25) | 100-174 | 175-249 | 250+ |
| Adults (26 and older) | 100-249 | 250-499 | 500+ |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Individuals who have completed 4,000 or more hours in their lifetime | ||
- US Citizens and Permanent residents – Volunteers will receive the official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin, coin, or medallion from the White House. You can learn more about the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program here.
Please note that for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the VSA team will need to verify volunteer qualification through a visual check of the volunteer’s original proof of identity (passport or green card). No documents will be collected, and no copies of your identification are required. - Non US Citizens – Volunteers will receive the Chinmaya Mission pin, coin or medallion from Chinmaya Mission Center.
What do I do next?
- Contact Volunteer leads (Rajesh Nadipalli and Raj Daswani) for volunteering opportunities and sign up for the programs.
- Start volunteering.
- Use this Google Form to record your volunteer effort by entering your volunteer hours any time after the day of service. For easy access, this link is also available on the Chinmaya RDU home page, under the Quick Links section on the right.
What happens after that?
VSA Sevaks will track your hours and services offered. As and when volunteers achieve certain milestones, their names will be announced at GA. At the end of the Bala Vihar year, VSA Sevaks will certify the hours and inform you of your qualification towards an award. For more information, contact VSA Sevaks at seva-vsa@chinmaya-rdu.org.