About the Volunteer Engagement Award
The Volunteer Engagement Award was developed in 2015 by the Volunteer Management Committee and highlights the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' recognition of achievement by an AZA member institution in volunteer program development. Programs will be judged on their ability to engage volunteers in the overall mission and operation of the organization.
NOTE: The VMC revised and streamlined the Application and Guidelines for 2019.
If there is any question as to what constitutes an eligible project, please email Rob Vernon or call (301) 244-3352.
How to Submit an Application
2020 sample application and guidelines are available below. 2021 application materials will be updated in the Spring and will be due on June 1, 2021.
All Honors and Awards applications must be submitted in electronic format ONLY and must be compiled into one PDF file. Please make sure the file name reflects both the award name and the institution.
Please upload your file to the AZA Dropbox. Your file will go to the AZA Digital Dropbox account, but you do not need to sign in, or even have a Dropbox account to use this link—when it opens, just click on the “choose files” box and upload your application.
Remember to submit a Media Release Form (DOC) with your application.
Volunteer Engagement Award Recipients
See past recipients' application materials (member log in required)
2020
Top Honors - operating budget over $8 million
- Ocean Park Hong Kong for Ocean Park Golden Age Volunteer Programme
- Woodland Park Zoo for Volunteer Inclusion Program
Significant Achievement - operating budget under $8 million
Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo / Bermuda Zoological Society for Trunk Island – “Living Classroom”
2019
Top Honors - operating budget over $8 million
Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk for Conversation 2 Conservation
Significant Achievement - operating budget under $8 million
Greensboro Science Center for Greensboro Science Center Animal Encounter Team
Innovation - operating budget over $8 million
Dallas Zoo for Dallas Zoo Volunteers - Catalysts for Local and Global Conservation
Innovation - operating budget under $8 million
The Wilds for Outstanding Wilds Learning Program (OWLs)
2018
Top Honors
Houston Zoo, Inc. for Houston Zoo Volunteers: An Empowered Culture
Significant Achievement
Seattle Aquarium for Youth Ocean Advocates Volunteer Program
Innovation
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Volunteer Program
2017
Top Honors
John G. Shedd Aquarium for Shedd Aquarium's Guest Engagement Volunteer Program
Significant Achievement
Lincoln Park Zoo for Lincoln Park Zoo's Volunteer Program
Innovation
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) Volunteer Program
- The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore for 141-derful years as an urban oasis
2016
Significant Achievement
- California Academy of Sciences for Volunteer Services Across the Academy
- Minnesota Zoo for Minnesota Zoo Volunteers: 3 million Hours of Engaging & Inspiring Action to Save Wildlife
2015
Top Honors
San Diego Zoo Global for San Diego Zoo Global Volunteer Engagement
Significant Achievement
- Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo for 40+ Years of Engaging Volunteers
- Woodland Park Zoo for Woodland Park Zoo Volunteer Program
Innovation
Seattle Aquarium for Beach Naturalist Program