Celebrate volunteers. Share their stories. Support their impact.
The 2027 Community Champion Spotlight is a volunteer recognition and fundraising initiative created by the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ to celebrate people making a meaningful difference through service, leadership, advocacy, and community involvement.
Nominate an outstanding volunteer, discover inspiring community champions, share their stories, and support participating nominees through Community Support Votes.
The 2027 Community Champion Spotlight soft launch is now open. Nominations, nominee spotlights, and Community Support Voting are available now. The program will officially launch to the broader public in September 2026.
What Is the Community Champion Spotlight?
The Community Champion Spotlight is a public volunteer recognition opportunity for volunteers, students, educators, nonprofit supporters, community leaders, caregivers, advocates, and other changemakers whose service deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Nominees do not need to be members of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program. Nominations are free, self-nominations are welcome, and volunteers from communities around the world may participate.
Every nominee receives an online spotlight sharing their volunteer story and community impact. All 2027 nominees will also be celebrated online and in person during the 2027 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Awards Ceremony.
How the 2027 Community Champion Spotlight Works
- Nominate a volunteer: Use the nomination form to recognize someone making a difference. Nominations are free and self-nominations are accepted.
- Share their story: Approved nominee biographies are published on this page so visitors can learn about their service, leadership, and community impact.
- Support a nominee: Friends, family members, coworkers, organizations, and community supporters may purchase Community Support Votes for participating nominees.
- Celebrate every nominee: All nominees will receive online recognition and be celebrated during the 2027 awards ceremony, regardless of their vote total.
Community Support Voting Is Open
Community Support Voting is available now as part of the program’s soft launch. Nominees may begin sharing their spotlight and inviting their communities to participate if they choose.
Each $5 Community Support Vote counts as one vote for the selected nominee. Supporters may purchase more than one vote, and votes received during the soft launch will count toward the final results.
Community Support Voting is optional. A nominee does not need to participate in voting to remain an official 2027 Community Champion Spotlight Nominee or receive nominee recognition.
The full public launch will begin in September 2026. The final voting deadline, complete program rules, and 2027 awards ceremony details will be announced as plans are finalized.
Vote for or Support a 2027 Community Champion Spotlight Nominee
Two 2027 Community Champion Awards
Two special Community Champion Spotlight recipients will be selected for 2027. These awards recognize both community support and the nominee’s overall volunteer impact.
Community Choice Award
The Community Choice Award will recognize the participating nominee who receives the highest number of verified Community Support Votes.
This award reflects the encouragement and support a volunteer receives from friends, family members, coworkers, organizations, and members of their community.
2027 Community Champion of the Year
The 2027 Community Champion of the Year will be selected by the Global Volunteer Recognition Program Board.
The Board will consider factors such as the nominee’s volunteer service, leadership, dedication, community impact, commitment to helping others, and overall story. Community Support Vote totals will not determine the Board’s selection.
Every nominee remains an important part of the Community Champion Spotlight. The two awards provide additional recognition, but the program is designed to celebrate every volunteer whose story is featured.
Meet the 2027 Community Champion Spotlight Nominees
Meet the volunteers, leaders, advocates, educators, students, caregivers, and changemakers nominated for the 2027 Community Champion Spotlight.
Each nominee is making a meaningful difference through volunteer service, leadership, advocacy, or community involvement. Select a nominee below to read their story, learn about their impact, and support their participation through Community Support Votes.
Every approved nominee will be celebrated online and during the 2027 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Awards Ceremony, regardless of the number of votes received.
Elizabeth Arebalo
I am a current Content Writer Volunteer at the Czech Center Museum Houston, but I have had the pleasure of assisting and supporting the museum in different areas. I have been able to assist with signature events and public programming with greeting and check-in duties. I always ensure to display a welcoming demeanor to each and every guest at the museum. Respectful, responds to instructions, and presenting with a professional manner are just some of the characteristics that I display and use throughout my time volunteering. I have also assisted with cataloging and library organization, recording and updating books within the museum's growing collection. I have handled each of these tasks with accuracy and care, helping improve access to our archival materials and supporting the museum’s educational mission. I am dependable in preparing materials, assisting staff, and helping ensure events run smoothly. I can adapted quickly to changing needs and am always willing to take initiative. I deserve recognition for my volunteer work as I always ensure to create an environment that is welcoming to everyone. From writing articles on Czech history and public figures to event support to library cataloging, I always ensure that everything that I do will deliver the best possible results.
Purchase Community Support Votes for Elizabeth Arebalo
What Do Community Support Votes Fund?
Funds raised through Community Support Votes help support the 2027 awards ceremony, volunteer recognition activities, nominee storytelling, event expenses, outreach, and the Global Volunteer Recognition Program’s mission of celebrating volunteers around the world.
Purchasing Community Support Votes does not include event admission, membership, merchandise, or an award package. Information about tickets and participation in the 2027 awards ceremony will be provided after the event details are finalized.
Who Can Be Nominated?
A Community Champion may be anyone who gives their time, skills, leadership, or support to help others or strengthen a community. Nominees may include:
- Local and global volunteers
- Student and youth volunteers
- Educators and mentors
- Nonprofit volunteers and community partners
- Caregivers and advocates
- Pageant titleholders and service leaders
- Volunteer coordinators and project organizers
- People completing informal or independent acts of service
- Individuals making a quiet but meaningful difference
Membership in the Global Volunteer Recognition Program is not required. Nominations are free and open to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does voting begin for the 2027 Community Champion Spotlight?
Community Support Voting is open now as part of the soft launch. The Community Champion Spotlight will receive its full public launch in September 2026.
Does a nominee have to participate in voting?
No. Community Support Voting is optional. All approved nominees will receive an online spotlight and 2027 recognition whether or not they promote voting.
How much does a Community Support Vote cost?
Each Community Support Vote costs $5 and counts as one vote for the selected participating nominee. Supporters may purchase multiple votes.
How will the Community Choice Award be selected?
The Community Choice Award will recognize the participating nominee who receives the highest number of verified Community Support Votes before the announced voting deadline.
How will the Community Champion of the Year be selected?
The Global Volunteer Recognition Program Board will select the Community Champion of the Year after reviewing the nominees’ volunteer service, leadership, dedication, impact, and stories.
Will all nominees be recognized?
Yes. All approved 2027 Community Champion Spotlight nominees will be celebrated online and in person during the 2027 Global Volunteer Recognition Program Awards Ceremony.
Is there a fee to nominate someone?
No. Community Champion Spotlight nominations are free, and self-nominations are welcome.
Nominate or Support a Community Champion
Know a volunteer, student, community leader, educator, caregiver, advocate, or changemaker whose impact deserves recognition? Use the nomination form below to share their story.
Ready to support a participating nominee? Purchase Community Support Votes here.
You can also explore additional volunteer awards and recognition opportunities available through the Global Volunteer Recognition Program.