Take Pride in America
Take Pride in America is a national campaign that encourages federal, state and local public and private partnerships and volunteer services to protect public parks, recreation areas, and cultural resources. Each year, the governor of North Dakota recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and participation in the Take Pride in America initiative.
The awards program is open to individuals and public and private groups that have contributed to the protection or enhancement of North Dakota’s public lands, including public and state parks, grasslands, forests, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, cultural and historic sites, local playgrounds, and other recreation areas. For all categories, nominations must reflect actual, measurable accomplishments achieved through volunteer service. Projects must be “on the ground” activities, rather than advocacy of any form. Projects must instill in the public the importance of the appropriate use and appreciation for state and local lands, facilities, and natural and cultural resources. The projects should encourage an attitude of stewardship and responsibility towards these lands, facilities, and natural and cultural resources.
Awards are given in the following categories:
- Individual: This award is given to an individual for a project or on-going commitment that best supports the goals and mission of Take Pride in America.
- Youth Group/School Program: This award is given to the group of people under the age of 18 or elementary/secondary school program that best exemplifies creativity and ingenuity in carrying out the goals and mission of Take Pride in America.
- Non-profit/Community Organization: This award is presented to the 501 (c) (3) or community organization whose volunteer event best promotes the goals and mission of Take Pride in America.
- State Land Manager: This award is presented to the state land manager who, in the spirit of Take Pride in America, has the most innovative and creative approach to using volunteers.
- Governor's Volunteer Stewardship: Take Pride in America, in cooperation with the state of North Dakota, recognizes individuals who have completed more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service on public lands.
2007 Take Pride in America Honorees
Take Pride in America award recipients in 2007 included:
- Individual: Darrell and Delores Byrum
- Youth Group/School Program: Wing Public School
- Non-profit Community Organization: Maah Daah Hey Trail Association
- State Land Manager: North Dakota Forest Service
- Governor's Volunteer Stewardship: Fort Ransom Sodbusters Association
About Take Pride in America
Take Pride in America is a national campaign that encourages Federal, state and local public and private partnerships and volunteer services to protect public parks, recreation areas, and cultural resources.
Its mission is to encourage citizen stewardship for all of our public lands and cultural and historic resources through individual’s time and service to restore the resources and facilities in their area.
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, in association with the North Dakota Department of Tourism, is proud to be an active partner in the Take Pride in America (TPIA) campaign. It encourages local public and private organizations to join together to protect North Dakota’s parks, recreation areas, and cultural resources.
For complete information about the national Take Pride in America Initiative, go to www.takepride.gov
Plan a volunteer event
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department encourages individuals to organize events within their own organizations, clubs, youth groups, and communities. An event can be:
- Maintaining trails, campsites, and shorelines
- Clean-ups at federal, state, county, and city parks
- Repairing and improving historical sites
- Planting gardens or trees
- Creation and rehabilitation of habitat
Events can be recognized as a national Take Pride in America event by following the “Guidelines for a Take Pride Event” shown on the national Take Pride in America's web site, www.takepride.gov.
Volunteer Organizations and Events
We encourage individuals to provide information regarding their own volunteer organizations and events at this website. Please contact the Take Pride in America coordinator at (701) 328-5357 to list your organization or event.
The following North Dakota schools participate in the Take Pride in America Program:
- Hope-Page Elementary School, Hope
- Manuel Public School, Manuel
- Montpelier Public School, Montpelier
- Newburg United School, Newburg
- North Central School, Rogers
- Wing Public School, Wing
