by Elizabeth Bleacher
The deadline for the International Reading Association (IRA) Maryann Manning Outstanding Volunteer Service Award is November 15. The award is given annually to four volunteers within North America and one volunteer outside of North America in recognition of their outstanding dedication to developing children’s literacy.
An ideal candidate is a dedicated volunteer that has made a lasting commitment to a local, state/provincial, or regional council and gone above and beyond their required duties. Volunteers outside of North America can be a member of an international affiliate to be considered. Also, candidates should have been active within their councils for at least ten years prior to being nominated.
Candidates must be current IRA members, and they should be nominated by their IRA council, affiliate president, or coordinator. It should also be noted that preference will be given to candidates that have not been previously recognized by IRA for their service.
Applications should be completed by the nominator and must include a description of the nominees lifelong commitment to volunteer work in regards to literacy. The educational background and career summary of the nominee is also required, along with three letters of support. All the required information can be submitted online at the International Reading Association website.
Dr. Jo Anne Raiford Bryant received the award in 2012 for her commitment to the Alabama Reading Association (ARA). Over her thirty year involvement, Dr. Bryant served as chair to a variety of committees and presented at a number of ARA fall conferences.
Serge Terwagne was recognized in 2012 for his volunteer services outside of North America. Serge was an active member of IRA at the national and international level until his retirement in 2009. However, he continued volunteering and played a large role in developing the 17th European Conference on Reading.
Elizabeth Bleacher is the strategic communications intern at the International Reading Association.