Dear Colleagues:

First, let me thank you for your warm and uplifting responses to last month’s mentoring letter.  My husband Dan and I were once again reminded about how many exceptional people we work with in state government.  I do appreciate hearing from you and receiving your feedback.

Today, I am writing to share with you information about the Governor’s Service Awards to be given in June and to invite you to nominate someone you know who is an outstanding Michigan volunteer.  Nominees are those extraordinary people who go above and beyond while serving the hungry and homeless, assisting the elderly, mentoring and tutoring children, or caring for our environment.  Look around you.  Look at your neighbors and friends, within your department, or in the cubicle next to you and nominate someone – perhaps someone with whom you work – who best demonstrates the spirit of giving and caring within their community.

This year, for the first time ever, the Governor’s Service Awards will join with the Carter Partnership Awards to elevate and align statewide volunteer recognition.  A dinner to honor the award winners and finalists will be held on Saturday, June 18, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn.  Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter will join us to pay tribute to Michigan’s volunteers.

A nomination form for the Governor’s Service Awards can be downloaded from the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) Web site at www.michigan.gov/mcsc, or you may call the MCSC at 517-335-4295 to request a form.  Nominations must be postmarked by
Friday, March 18, 2005.

I encourage you to nominate someone you know as a way to say thank you for their efforts to help build a better Michigan.  If you have questions, you may contact Mary Grill at the MCSC at 517-335-7875, or e-mail her at grillm@michigan.gov.
Thank you.

Warm regards,    
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”   - Gandhi