Volunteer Banner


Viola Blythe Volunteer Recognition Nominations

The City of Newark is proud of the many individuals who volunteer directly with the City of Newark including those who volunteer within our community.  The work volunteers do is commendable and the City is thankful for the giving and selfless dedication volunteers contribute in our community.  These are the actions that make Newark special.   

Each year, the Newark City Council holds a volunteer recognition program to recognize and honor those who volunteer in Newark, whether volunteering directly at City offices or programs or volunteering within our community.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 has kept us from holding our program until now.  After a lengthy hiatus due to the global pandemic, the City of Newark is pleased to once again, bring back our recognition program.

This is where we are reaching out to you.  Do you know anyone who has volunteered within the Newark community?  If so, they may be eligible to be nominated for the distinguished Viola Blythe Awards.  The Viola Blythe Awards honor community enrichment, cultural, educational, industrial, political, recreational, and social contributions of local residents.  Awards are presented in four categories:  Group/Organization, Youth, Senior, and the prestigious Viola Blythe Volunteer of the Year.  The program's intent is to recognize outstanding, unselfish volunteer contributions that help to improve the quality of life in Newark.  This is particularly important during this unprecedented pandemic. 

While membership in an organization is not a requirement for eligibility, we are accepting nominations for consideration of this honor.  A nomination form is linked below for your convenience, along with criteria/eligibility requirements.  You may submit more than one nomination for any or all of the four categories.  Please make sure that senior and/or youth nominees meet the age requirements.

The Viola Blythe Awards will be presented at the City of Newark Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, which also honors those who volunteer specifically with City-sponsored programs or at City facilities.  The Recognition Ceremony will be held in March.  Finalists will be invited to attend the ceremony as guests of the City. 

The selections for the Viola Blythe Awards will be made by an independent, impartial committee. Volunteer efforts during the 12-month period commencing January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, will be considered.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kathy Slafter at (510) 578‑4278.

With your help we look forward to another exciting program.  Please let your membership know of the program and assist us by making a nomination.