Honouring the heart of our global movement

Behind every camp, every programme, and every unforgettable youth experience, there are volunteers making it happen. 
People who say yes. 
People who stay late. 
People who keep going when it would be easier to stop. 
The CISV International Volunteer Awards celebrate these exceptional contributions that bring our mission to life: to educate and inspire action for a more just and peaceful world.  
This is why, once again, we are proud to mark another year of these awards – a moment to recognise, honour, and share the stories of those who make a lasting difference. 
Nominate here
 

Award Categories

Chapter Volunteer Award

Recognises local individuals or teams of volunteers who have developed their Chapter through outstanding commitment, ongoing volunteer efforts, and inspirational ideas, approaches, or leadership while maintaining the CISV Values.

National Volunteer Award

Recognises National individuals or teams of volunteers who have developed their Association through outstanding commitment, ongoing volunteer efforts, and inspirational ideas, approaches, or leadership while maintaining the CISV Values.

International Volunteer Award

Recognises Committees, Teams, or individual contributors who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of CISV International. This may be through outstanding commitment and effort, innovative practice, inspirational ideas, approach, or leadership while maintaining the CISV Values.

Dr Jennifer Watson Outstanding Contribution Award

Recognises volunteers at any level who have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation over a long period of time. Volunteers who have shown outstanding commitment, inspired others, or have created something unique in their Chapter, Association, or at the International level. This award is named in memory of Dr. Jennifer Watson and her many years of outstanding contribution to CISV Great Britain and CISV International. This award will only be given in years when nominees meet this criterion.
 

Nomination Criteria

Nominations will be assessed against the following criteria. Please respond to 3 of the 5 criteria below with clear examples from the nominee’s work in the past year for a total of  45 points. 
 For the Dr Jennifer Watson Outstanding Contribution Award, “Commitment to CISV” is mandatory.

  • Demonstrated commitment to CISV (mandatory for Dr Jennifer Watson Award) (15 points)
  • Impact on peace education and programmes (15 points)
  • Support and mentorship of others (15 points)
  • Innovation and problem-solving (15 points)
  • Advancing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (15 points)
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Tip:

Be specific. Use real examples. Show how your nominee made a difference in the lives of others, keeping CISV’s values at the heart of your story.
 

Who can you nominate? 

Anyone can submit a nomination to recognise those who have contributed to the success of CISV.  Some examples include:

• An individual, team or team member in your Chapter who kept things running smoothly.
• A national or international leader or team who guided others through challenges.
• A group of individuals or a quiet champion who improved CISV without seeking recognition.

See previous nominees here

 

How to nominate in 3 steps

1

Choose the award category

that best reflects your nominee’s contribution sharing real stories of their impact. Remember to confirm the nominee’s consent
2

Respond to 3 of the 5 criteria

with examples from the past year. For nominees for the Dr Jennifer Watson award, one of the three must be “Demonstrated commitment to CISV”
3

Submit your nomination

by 15 October 2025 in this page.
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Tip:

If more than 3 criteria are addressed, only the first three will be scored. Focus on quality, specificity, and the nominee’s measurable impact.
 
Nominate here
 
 

Key Dates

 
 
 

Selection Process

1. Selection Panel

A selection panel of 6 individuals will be formed by the middle of August each year. The panel will be made up of:  

  • One trustee (to be selected by the Governing Board)  
  • One member of the IJB Team (to be selected by the International Junior Representatives)  
  • One member of the CISV International staff (to be selected by the Secretary General)  
  • One National Representative from each Region (to be selected by the National Representative) 

Alternate(s) will be selected in the event of a conflict of interest, dispute, or in the event a significant number of nominations are received. 

2. Selection Process

As nominations are received: 

  1. Nominees will be contacted to confirm consent permissions, validate the write up provided by the nominator 
  2. Clearance checks will be completed on all nominees by the Safeguarding and Risk Management Team and the nominee’s Association 

After the nomination period closes on 15 October: 

  1. Names of the nominators will be removed before sharing with the panel 
  2. Panellists will score nominations independently based on a criteria rubric (will be provided) 
  3. Once individual scoring is completed, panel will meet to review results and align on discrepancies. In the event of a dispute the Governing Board will be called upon to decide 

Note: in the event a large number of nominations is received, the alternates will form a second panel and the awards will be split up for review. 

 

Announcements

Once recipients are selected, they will be contacted individually followed by: 

• Announcing the results, including nominees by email and on the website 
• A virtual event announcing recipients to be held 5 December 
• Sharing at Regional Meetings 
• Nominees may be featured in communications throughout the year highlighting their achievements 

 

At CISV, we believe that peace begins with friendship and action. Recognising and thanking our volunteers is an essential part of our work. Every nomination is a way to say: “We see you. We value you. You made a difference.”

Nominate here