Club de Ajedrez de Guaynabo has a long proud history of volunteer service.  Our volunteers are working to meet the needs of their neighborhoods and the community by:

• Developing chess as a tool for the education of kids, teenagers and adults of all ages.
• Teaching the basics of chess discipline for newcomers.
• Coaching young talents to train and practice for National and International competitions.
• Organizing special activities and chess tournaments.

In recognition of these outstanding achievements, the Guaynabo’s Chess Club is proud to announce the availability of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment.  Established in 2003, this new Award is given by the President of the United States and honors individuals, families and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months.  

The Guaynabo’s Chess Club has teamed with hundreds of organizations and businesses across the country to deliver this Award to our most outstanding volunteers.  As a Certifying Organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award, we can nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet or exceed the Award criteria.

“The Guaynabo’s Chess Club is extremely proud to join the President of the United States in recognizing the volunteers who consistently take the time to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Cristobal Vega, president of Club de Ajedrez de Guaynabo.  “Volunteers strengthen Puerto Rico and inspire others to get involved.  We are proud to honor our volunteers who are answering the call with this Award.” 

Children, adults, families and groups can receive the Award and, given their ongoing service activity, many of our volunteers may already meet the requirements (see sidebar).  To qualify for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, volunteers simply submit a record of their service hours to Club de Ajedrez de Guaynabo, and we will verify the service and deliver the Award. 

Volunteer service hours are not limited to those performed on behalf of Club de Ajedrez de Guaynabo.  In fact, service hours can be accumulated through work on a variety of projects throughout the year.  The only requirement is that the necessary hours be completed within12 months; recipients can qualify for a new Award each year.

“Our volunteers should strive to earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award every year,” said Francisco Cruz.  “Even if you’ve never volunteered before, the Award is within your reach.  In fact, the strength and success of our nation depends on every one of us taking an active role in the community where we live.  You can also help strengthen Puerto Rico by asking your friends, families and neighbors to join you in helping your community.  Most people say ‘yes’ if asked to volunteer – all it takes is a personal request.”

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation – created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation.  To learn more and find out how to qualify for the Award, contact Francisco Cruz, our Award administrator, at 787-587-3409 or visit www.presidentialserviceawards.gov.

SIDEBAR

To be eligible to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award, applicants' service hours must be confirmed by a registered Certifying Organization.  There are three levels of the Award varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period:

Silver Award         75 - 99 hours

Gold Award          100 or more hours

Young Adults - Ages 15 - 25

Bronze Award      100 - 174 hours

Silver Award         175 - 249 hours

Gold Award          250 or more hours

Adults - Ages 26 and up   

Bronze Award      100 - 249 hours

Silver Award         250 - 499 hours

Gold Award          500 or more hours

Families and Groups (two or more people)*

Bronze Award      200 - 499 hours

Silver Award         500 - 999 hours

Gold Award          1,000 or more hours

*Each member contributing at least 25 hours towards the total

President’s Call to Service Award

Individuals who have completed 4,000 or more volunteer service hours over the course of their lifetime are eligible to receive the President’s Call to Service Award.