The President's Service Awards were created as the President's Volunteer Action Awards in 1982 to honor outstanding individuals and organizations engaged in volunteer service directed as solving critical social problems and to call public attention to the contribution made by the nation's 93 million volunteers.

   The President's Service Awards program is cosponsored by The Points of Light Foundation, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, and the Corporation for National Service. Responsibility for program management rests with the Foundation; program funding is provided by private corporations and foundations.

In 1998, more than 3,500 nominations were submitted and reviewed in four activity areas: human needs, environment, education and public safety. Special consideration was given to those activities that either benefit or involve young people.

Review and judging of the nominations is a three-step process. A group of distinguished Americans served as the final judges, choosing the 1998 award recipients from a group of 48 finalists. The President traditionally presents the award winners their sterling silver medallions at a White House ceremony. Each citations (or finalist) receives a certificate from the President by mail.

The 322 recipients of the President's Award over the past 17 years continue to reflect the diversity inherent in American society and in American volunteering. Winners have included individuals from all walks of life and organizations ranging from small grassroots groups to international corporations. What they have in common is a commitment to solving the critical problems that face all of our communities.

The President's Service Award, the most prestigious Presidential recognition ever given for volunteer community service, reflects the importance President Bill Clinton has placed on community service.