2024 VIP (Volunteers-in-parks) award
Each year Friends of the Parks puts out a call for nominations for groups and individuals that have gone above and beyond in making Chicago’s parks great places—through stewardship, advocacy, coordinating park-centric activities for the community, and other kinds of volunteerism. These may be folks who are actively involved with Friends of the Parks. Or they may be people we don’t know yet, but we really should!
That's where you come in. Who do you see going above and beyond to care for a park? What projects have captured your imagination? What groups are influencing decision makers to ensure all parks work for all Chicagoans?
For inspiration, check out our VIPs from recent years: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018.
That's where you come in. Who do you see going above and beyond to care for a park? What projects have captured your imagination? What groups are influencing decision makers to ensure all parks work for all Chicagoans?
For inspiration, check out our VIPs from recent years: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018.
HOw to Nominate
There are so many ways to support our parks! That's why we have multiple categories to choose from--see below. By submitting a nomination, you get to be a part of recognizing and celebrating the champions who are shaping the future of our parks. Submit your nomination here!
Please submit your nomination by Friday, December 6, 2024. Contact Egna Setiawan at [email protected] or 312-854-3803 with any questions.
These are the nomination categories.
Please submit your nomination by Friday, December 6, 2024. Contact Egna Setiawan at [email protected] or 312-854-3803 with any questions.
These are the nomination categories.
- Stewardship Award - Awarded to individuals who work to beautify & improve the natural assets in parks.
- Advocacy Award - Awarded to groups or individuals that work to better their park through community organizing and public advocacy, by committing their voice and time to addressing a park issue or concern.
- Park Advisory Council Award - Awarded to advisory councils who have made a significant contribution to their park and local community.
- Individual Volunteer Award - Awarded to individuals who volunteer in their parks other than in a stewardship capacity.
- Community Group Award - Awarded to community groups or organizations that have made a significant contribution to their park and local community.
- Outstanding Park District Employee - Awarded to individuals whose commitment to their job and their park greatly benefits the local and Chicago community.
- "Smoky Sakurada” Friends of Friends - Awarded to individual volunteers who support FOTP staff in their mission.
