Excellence in Volunteerism
- Commitment and Dedication
- Impact and Influence
- Creativity and Innovation
- +5 more criteria
How to Nominate
Everything you need to nominate a community member for the UCC-OPC Trillium Award — eligibility, process, full criteria, and how to submit.
About the Nomination
Initiated on the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the UCC-OPC Trillium Award honours youth and adults who have made meritorious contributions — in a volunteer capacity — to a strong, vibrant, and active Ukrainian-Canadian community in Ontario.
The Award is presented every two years, in August–September. The next ceremony is in August 2026, with the nomination deadline on May 31, 2026.
Award Types & Criteria
Two streams — open a category to view its full evaluation criteria and recent recipients.
Adult Award
The UCC – OPC Trillium Award for Adults recognizes the outstanding volunteer service and/or exceptional community involvement of individuals who, through their leadership and contributions, have made a lasting, positive impact on the Ukrainian-Canadian community in the Province of Ontario.
Evaluation categories
Lifetime Leadership Achievement
- Longevity and Consistency
- Vision and Innovation
- Impact and Influence
- +3 more criteria
Cultural Preservation and Development
- Cultural Knowledge and Expertise
- Preservation and Conservation
- Education and Awareness
- +4 more criteria
Youth Award
The UCC – OPC Trillium Award for Youth recognizes youth who have made an outstanding contribution to the Ukrainian-Canadian community in Ontario through their volunteer achievements, leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm for community work. The nominees, by their involvement, inspire and encourage other youth to become more involved.
Evaluation categories
Exemplary Youth Award
- Commitment to Community Service
- Leadership and Initiative
- Impact and Effectiveness
- +5 more criteria
Adult Award — Criteria
Excellence in Volunteerism
- Commitment and Dedication
- The nominee should have shown a long-term commitment to volunteerism, consistently dedicating their time and efforts towards a specific cause or organization.
- Impact and Influence
- The nominee should have made a significant impact through their volunteer work, positively affecting the lives of individuals, organizations or Canadian-Ukrainian community. This impact should be measurable and demonstrable.
- Creativity and Innovation
- Recognizing innovative approaches and ideas in volunteer work can help inspire others and create lasting change. The nominee should have demonstrated creative problem-solving, innovative projects, or unique initiatives.
- Leadership and Collaboration
- Exceptional volunteers often exhibit leadership skills, taking initiative to organize and lead projects or teams. They should also demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with others, inspiring and motivating fellow volunteers towards a common goal.
- Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm
- Volunteer work can be challenging, but a positive attitude and enthusiasm can make all the difference. The nominee should exhibit a positive and optimistic outlook, serving as an inspiration to others.
- Community Impact
- Outstanding volunteers extend their impact beyond their immediate responsibilities, positively influencing their community. The nominee should have made a tangible difference within the Canadian-Ukrainian community through their volunteer efforts.
- Longevity of Service
- While the length of service is not the sole criterion, a sustained commitment to volunteerism over a significant period of time can demonstrate dedication and a genuine passion for making a difference.
- Testimonials and Recommendations
- Reviews and testimonials from individuals or organizations directly impacted by the volunteer's work can provide additional validation of their exceptional qualities and achievements.
Adult Award — Criteria
Lifetime Leadership Achievement
- Longevity and Consistency
- The nominee should have demonstrated their exceptional leadership skills and qualities consistently for a significant period of time, typically spanning several years or even decades.
- Vision and Innovation
- The nominee should have shown a unique ability to envision and implement innovative ideas, strategies, or solutions that have positively impacted their organization or Canadian-Ukrainian community.
- Impact and Influence
- The nominee should have had a significant and measurable impact on the people and organizations they have led, with a lasting influence on their achievements and continued success.
- Community and Social Engagement
- Exceptional leaders often extend their influence beyond their immediate responsibilities and actively engage with their community and society at large. The nominee should have made notable contributions to community service, social causes, or philanthropy.
- Mentorship and Development
- Outstanding leaders are also known for their ability to mentor and develop others, helping individuals grow and reach their full potential. The nominee should have a track record of fostering the growth and development of others.
- Recognition and Awards
- While not the sole criterion, past recognition and awards received by the nominee for their leadership achievements can provide further validation of their exemplary and impactful contributions.
Adult Award — Criteria
Cultural Preservation and Development
- Cultural Knowledge and Expertise
- The nominee should possess a deep understanding and knowledge of the culture they are engaged with. This knowledge may encompass various aspects such as history, traditions, language, arts, and cultural practices.
- Preservation and Conservation
- The nominee should have made significant efforts to preserve and conserve Ukrainian cultural resources, artifacts, or traditions. This may involve activities such as documentation, restoration, or protection of cultural heritage.
- Education and Awareness
- Recognizing the importance of education and raising awareness about the Ukrainian culture, the nominee should have contributed to educational programs, workshops, or campaigns that promote knowledge and understanding of the Ukrainian culture to a wider audience.
- Community Engagement
- The nominee should have actively engaged with the community to ensure the inclusivity and participation of different members. This may involve organizing cultural events, festivals, or community-based projects that foster a sense of collective identity and appreciation for the Ukrainian culture.
- Innovation and Adaptation
- The nominee should have demonstrated an ability to innovate and adapt traditional practices or cultural expressions to contemporary contexts without compromising their authenticity. This could include the development of new artistic forms, creative cultural initiatives, or the integration of technology.
- Collaboration and Networking
- The nominee should have actively collaborated with other individuals, organizations, or communities to promote cultural preservation and development.
- Local Recognition and Support
- Testimonials, feedback, and support from the local Canadian-Ukrainian community or cultural authorities can provide additional validation of the recipient's exceptional contributions to cultural preservation and development.
Youth Award — Criteria
Exemplary Youth Award
- Commitment to Community Service
- The nominee should demonstrate dedication and a commitment to volunteerism, community service, or engagement in activities that positively impact the Canadian-Ukrainian community.
- Leadership and Initiative
- The nominee should exhibit strong leadership skills and the ability to take initiative. This includes actively organizing and leading community-based projects, events, or initiatives, and inspiring others to get involved.
- Impact and Effectiveness
- The nominee should have made a significant impact on their community through their service, resulting in tangible outcomes that address a specific need or issue.
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Recognizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration, the nominee should have worked effectively with others, such as peers, community organizations, or local leaders, to achieve shared goals and create a greater impact.
- Innovation and Creativity
- The nominee should have demonstrated innovative and creative approaches to problem-solving and community engagement. This could include developing new programs, initiatives, or campaigns that address community needs in unique or inventive ways.
- Personal Growth and Development
- The nominee should have demonstrated personal growth and development through their community involvement. This could include gaining new skills, knowledge, or perspectives, as well as displaying resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Positive Role Model
- The nominee should serve as a positive role model for their peers and inspire others to get involved in community service and make a difference in their own organizations and Canadian-Ukrainian community.
- References and Testimonials
- Testimonials and references from Canadian-Ukrainian community members, leaders, or organizations that can substantiate the nominee's outstanding contributions and character will be considered.
General Information
Application Package
Every complete submission includes:
- Nomination Form
- Biography or Resume of the Nominee
- Two Letters of Support
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline
- May 31, 2026
- Next Ceremony
- August 2026
- Frequency
- Every 2 years (Aug–Sep)
Confidentiality
All information provided to the UCC-OPC is confidential and used exclusively for the Trillium Awards process.
Nominee Eligibility
Three simple requirements determine whether a community member can be put forward for a Trillium Award.
Status
Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents who are members of a local branch organization in good standing with the UCC-OPC.
Experience
At least 10 years of demonstrated volunteering experience within the community.
Youth Stream
Canadian youth aged 16–25 are eligible for the Trillium Youth Award.
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Verify & Inform the Nominee
Confirm the nominee is an active member of an organization in good standing with UCC-OPC. It is the nominating organization’s responsibility to inform the nominee they have been put forward.
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Compile the Application Package
Gather the following materials before starting the form:
- Completed Nomination Form (submitted online)
- A current biography or resume of the nominee
- Two letters of support from relevant parties
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Endorse & Submit Online
A UCC-OPC Member Organization endorses the nomination (via a Board Meeting Minutes excerpt) and submits the package through the awards portal at trillium-award.uccon.ca. Questions: trilliumaward@uccon.ca.
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Acknowledgement of Receipt
UCC-OPC sends electronic confirmation of receipt to both the nominating organization and the nominee, confirming the application has entered review.
Ready to nominate?
Put forward a volunteer whose work deserves recognition. Nominations close May 31, 2026.