news/events tribute! how to nominate
Title Sponsor
The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2010 Tribute! awards is September 14, 2010 (5:00pm).
For help with TRIBUTE!-related questions, please contact Kelli Langan at 616.459.7062 X127 or email.
Preparing A Strong Nomination
The YWCA TRIBUTE! Selection Committee deeply appreciates the effort and time it takes for nominators to prepare a TRIBUTE! nomination. The following is offered as guidance to our nominators as you evaluate your candidates’ achievements and prepare their nominations.
Please Remember…
- Follow the directions outlined in the Nomination Guidelines on the TRIBUTE! Nomination Form.
- You have flexibility on font size and margins, but please be kind to the Selection Committee. Each member will be reading between 40 and 60 nominations.
- The efforts of TRIBUTE! Honorees reflect the YWCA’s values and mission. Evaluate your own nominee based on how well she reflects these.
- Write from the heart. You know your nominee deserves special recognition – tell us why.
- Do not simply list key achievements or activities. Be sure to explain WHY those achievements or activities are important. How have they moved our community forward and improved life for others?
- The nominator’s role cannot be overemphasized. TRIBUTE! honorees are chosen based on the quality of the nomination that is submitted. At the same time, the Selection Committee urges nominators to remember that the selection process is always within a unique context. Selection Committee members change annually, and the slate of nominees varies widely from year to year. The fact that a nominee was not selected as a TRIBUTE! Honoree is as much a reflection of this context as it is the quality of the nomination.
- If you have any questions, feel free to contact the YWCA at 616.459.7062, ext. 127.
Nominee Profile…
Each item within the Nominee Profile is scored. Be sure to address each thoroughly, yet concisely. Consider the following when doing so.
Demonstrated Leadership
Give specific evidence of your nominee’s leadership in her award category.
Think about…
Has your nominee effectively influenced our community or those around her to move in a certain direction? How so? What direction was this and why is this important?Community Impact
Describe your nominee’s influence and visibility in a sector(s) of our community and the importance that has had on the greater community. Also, share as appropriate, any circumstances, challenges or unique/extraordinary situations the nominee has faced.
Think about…
Has your nominee meaningfully impacted a large number of people in our community? If so, how and how has this made a difference? Why is it important?If she has meaningfully impacted a small sector of our community, why is it important to that sector? How has it influenced or made a difference in the larger community? Why is that important?
Has your nominee overcome any extraordinary situations or challenges? Why is this important?
Vision
Describe your nominee’s grasp of problems and solutions in her area of endeavor.
Think about…
How versed is she? What is your nominee’s vision? How does she demonstrate her vision? What does this mean for those she serves and our community? Why is it important?Reflection of YWCA Values
The YWCA’s mission emphasizes Eliminating Racism, Empowering Women and Girls, Promoting Peace, Justice, Freedom, and dignity for all
Think about…
How has your nominee demonstrated an effective ability to strengthen the position of women or populations that are traditionally marginalized/underserved? How do these populations benefit from such empowerment? Why is it important?How has your nominee and her efforts encouraged our community to be more inclusive and accepting?
Has your nominee reached out to others beyond her own community?
Significant Points
Include additional information about your nominee that is relevant.
Think about…
Has she approached an issue with exceptional creativity? What makes her special?Do not disclose personal details that your nominee may not be comfortable with the general public knowing.
For Student Nominees…
Leadership
Summarize and give specific evidence of your nominee’s leadership.
Think about…
Has your nominee effectively influenced those around her to move in a certain direction? How so? What direction was this and why is this important?Academic and/or Athletic Accomplishments
Summarize your nominee’s achievements in one or both of these areas.
Think about…
Has your nominee succeeded in these areas? If so, what has she done? How has she accomplished this?The Selection Committee is not looking solely at high grade-point averages or the number of athletic letters earned, but rather students who show commitment to achieve in one or both of these areas.
Positive Impact
Describe the positive impact the nominee’s actions/activities have had on her life and/or on the lives of others.
Think about…
Has your nominee’s activities helped bring perspective or deeper meaning to her life? Is she expressing or behaving in a way that is reflective of this?Has your nominee meaningfully impacted those around her? If so, how and how has this made a difference? Why is it important?
Reflection of YWCA Values
The YWCA’s mission emphasizes empowering women and eliminating racism.
Think about…
How has your nominee demonstrated an effective ability to strengthen the position of women or girls populations that are traditionally marginalized/ underserved? How do these populations benefit from such empowerment? Why is it important?How has your nominee and her efforts encouraged those around her to be more inclusive and accepting? Has your nominee reached out to others beyond her own community?
Extraordinary Circumstances or Challenges
Explain any extraordinary circumstances or challenges that this nominee has faced in an exceptional way.
Think about…
Has your nominee approached an issue or challenge with exceptional creativity, commitment or enthusiasm?Do not disclose personal details that your nominee may not be comfortable with the general public knowing.
