President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)

Important Update

The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program is currently temporarily paused by AmeriCorps. As a result, new award orders cannot be processed, and organizations are unable to certify new recipients until the program resumes. At this time, no official date has been announced for the program to restart.

At the Universal Peace Foundation of North America (UPFNA), we remain committed to encouraging a lifelong spirit of volunteerism and selfless service.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways young people can develop leadership, compassion, confidence, and a sense of responsibility while making a positive impact in their communities.

Service to others reflects the yogic principle of Seva—selfless service performed with kindness, humility, and compassion.

Through volunteering, students learn to:

• Develop leadership and teamwork skills.
• Build confidence and character.
• Support their local community.
• Strengthen college and scholarship applications.
• Create positive change through service.

Continue Tracking Your Volunteer Hours

Although the national PVSA program is paused, we encourage all students to continue documenting their volunteer service.

Eligible volunteer activities may include service performed with:

• UPFNA programs and events
• Nonprofit organizations
• Schools and PTAs
• Libraries
• Food banks
• Hospitals
• Community organizations
• Environmental projects
• Religious and spiritual organizations
• Animal shelters

Keeping accurate records now ensures your volunteer service is recognized in the future.

Register your UPFNA volunteer hours at Track It Forward:
trackitforward.com

UPFNA Young Volunteer Recognition Program

While the national PVSA program is unavailable, UPFNA proudly recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding dedication to serving others.

Our volunteer recognition program celebrates students who make a positive difference through verified community service and active participation in UPFNA activities.

Volunteer Recognition Levels

Award

Total Verified Hours

Minimum UPFNA Hours

🥉 Bronze

50

20

🥈 Silver

100

35

🥇 Gold

175

60

💎 Platinum

250

85

Volunteer hours may include service with other eligible nonprofit organizations, provided the hours are properly verified.

Volunteer Hour Verification

To receive recognition, volunteers should maintain a record of their service, including:

• Organization name
• Dates of service
• Volunteer hours completed
• Description of activities
• Supervisor's name and signature or email verification

Who Is Eligible to Receive the Award?

Only U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) are eligible to receive these awards.

When Does the 12-Month Volunteer Period Begin?

UPFNA establishes and maintains the official 12-month volunteer service period.

The annual volunteer cycle is:

June 1 – May 30

If you are submitting volunteer hours completed with other eligible organizations, please submit all documentation between May 15 and May 31. Awards will be reviewed and ordered on June 5.

Can I Volunteer at Another Organization and Have UPFNA Count Those Hours?

Yes.

UPFNA will recognize volunteer hours completed with another organization provided that:

• The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• More than 30–40% of your total volunteer hours are completed in support of UPFNA programs, causes, or campaigns.

Volunteers should submit:

• Their volunteer hours.
• Proof of volunteer service.
• The name and contact information of the organization.

At a minimum, an authorized representative from the organization must provide written verification confirming:

• The volunteer's name.
• Dates of service.
• Total volunteer hours.
• Description of the volunteer activities performed.

Do All Volunteer Service Hours Need to Be from the Same Organization?

No.

Volunteer service hours may be earned through multiple eligible nonprofit organizations.

For example:

A student completes 50 hours with Organization A and 50 hours with Organization B.

The student may receive:

• A Silver Award from Organization A based on the hours completed there.
• A Silver Award from Organization B based on the hours completed there.
• A higher-level award representing the combined total of 100 volunteer hours, provided Organization B supplies Organization A with written verification summarizing the student's volunteer service.

Likewise, if Organization A provides Organization B with verified documentation of the volunteer's service, Organization B may also recognize the student based on the combined verified volunteer hours, in accordance with its award policies.

If the national President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program resumes, UPFNA will share updated information with our students and families and will explore opportunities to participate again as a Certifying Organization, if eligible.

Begin Your Journey of Service

Every act of kindness matters.

Whether you volunteer for one hour or one hundred hours, your service has the power to inspire others and strengthen our community.

Serve with Compassion. Lead with Kindness. Inspire Peace.

Questions?

Email us at kidsyoga@upfna.org