The Robert Crawford Community Service Award recognizes OGS members who have served the various genealogical and heritage communities of which they are a part — whether they be geographic, organizational or any other construct the term Community might imply — reaching beyond the parameters of the OGS Mission and Objectives. It is presented in honour and memory of Ontario Genealogical Society Past President Robert “Bob” Crawford, who exemplified the best of Community Service. The history of the award and Bob Crawford can be found here.

Purpose

  • To recognize and encourage contributions of Community Service to the genealogical and heritage sector and to the broader community beyond the parameters of our Society mission and objectives.

Eligibility

  • Any current OGS member who has been a member in good standing for a minimum of five (5) years

Criteria

  • Has acted in a volunteer capacity within the last ten (10) years in one or more substantive ways within the Ontario Genealogical Society at either or both of the local or provincial levels. (This may also include service at the Regional level if the years in consideration fall within the time period prior to the dissolution of the Society Regions on 3 May 2014 due to a change in governance structure); and,
  • Has performed Community Service in the broader community within the past ten (10) years.

Nomination Process

  • Nominations may be submitted by any OGS member or non-member who has knowledge of the nominee’s volunteer service as outlined in the criteria.
  • Nominators must submit the nomination below, describing how the nominee meets the criteria, along with letters of support from other individuals or organizations having benefited from the Community Service provided by the nominee, or by email using the same headings and required information.
  • Nominations must be received electronically by May 1st of any given year.
  • Nominees not selected may have their names submitted again in following years.

Award

  • This award to be presented to one (1) OGS member each year.
  • Recipients may receive the award only once in their lifetime but might be nominated for Honorary Recognition in future years if their active Society and Community Service continues and warrants such recognition.
  • Annual Recipient’s name is acknowledged on the Society’s website (with permission of honoree).
  • Annual Recipient receives a “keeper” award.
  • Annual Recipient and Honorary Recognition Recipient(s) receive a certificate outlining the service for which they are being honoured: The Robert Crawford Community Service Award/Presented to _____________________/year/for volunteerism with (state organizations), etc.

Presentation

  • To occur at the annual OGS Awards Presentation

**OGS Awards Committee reserves the right not to present this award in any given year should suitable candidates not be nominated. The judges’ decision is final.**