The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards

The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards Phase 1: Planning and Preparation

Establishing Objectives

Set Clear Goals

• Identify what your association seeks to achieve with these awards. Is it about celebrating innovation, acknowledging long-standing contributions, or spotlighting emerging talents? Keep in mind that the goal should ultimately funnel back to the mission and message the association stands for. By aligning goals, vision, and execution we can ensure we are providing maximum value to members.
• The clarity of these goals will be instrumental in guiding every aspect of your awards program and ensuring they resonate with your membership.

Choose Award Categories

• Select categories that reflect the various facets of excellence within your association. These could range from ‘Lifetime Achievement’ for longstanding members to ‘Innovator of the Year’ for those who have introduced new ideas or methods, to Chapter Excellence Awards. Consider leveraging current events and industry related trends to inspire the younger audience and boost membership in a growing demographic. This consists of categories such as “30 under 30 awards”, “Diversity and Inclusion Awards”, etc.
• The aim is to cover a spectrum of accomplishments that resonate with your diverse member base to provide value to members of all kinds. 
• Multiple award categories creates an ecosystem that promotes increased diversity amongst applicants, the ability to touch all kinds of members, and increase overall participation to promote an active membership.
• Pro-tip: Make sure the software being used to power the recognition awards allows for auto-categorization of award nominations into categories to streamline administrative efforts as well as set the stage for review pairings later in the workflow. This software should also have the ability to during the nomination process make award category recommendations based on answers inputted to help guide the nominee experience as well as make sure each award category gets full visibility.

Develop a nomination form

• Create a submission process with a lower barrier to enter that also captures the essential data needed to make informed review and selections.
• For example submission forms see Appendix A “Example Award Nomination Forms”. 
• Consider a dual nomination process where a nominator enters basic information about who they are, who they are nomination, and basic information about why and then trigger a notification to the nominee themselves to enter more indepth information about themselves.
  • This workflow boosts volume by having a marketing driven approach to collecting nominations by putting the bulk of the effort on the nominee.
  • By putting the comprehensive submission details on the nominee we can ensure data accuracy as its submitted by themselves as well as the ability to collect things such as resumes that are only obtainable by the nominee. 
  • Consider including a reference request process. References provide third party input about the nominee that also adds a sense of personality to the process.
    • When collecting references avoid letters and instead prompt the reference to submit a “template” of the 3-5 key things you wish them to offer insight ton. This ensures a seamless and easy experience for the reference as well as creates a consistent experience for all nominees with similar data sets.

Develop Criteria

• The criteria for each category should be clear, equitable, and reflective of your association’s values.
•  For scorecard examples see the Appendix B “Example Evaluation Criteria”.

 Budgeting

Set a Budget

• Craft a realistic budget, taking into account all potential costs. 
• It’s important to strike a balance between creating a memorable event and staying within financial constraints.
• Budgets should include marketing and outreach, gala, potential prizes, and softwares to manage the process. These are the non-negotiables that must be budgeted for.

Seek Sponsors

Sponsors can add value and reduce financial strain. Align with organizations that share your values and offer them meaningful visibility and recognition in exchange for their support.

• Identify and Tailor Approach to Potential Sponsors: Research and identify companies or organizations that align with your association’s values. Customize your sponsorship proposals to highlight how supporting your awards aligns with their business objectives.
• Develop Sponsorship Packages: Create sponsorship levels with corresponding benefits, such as naming rights, and logo placement to cater to different sponsor interests and budgets.
• Emphasize Mutual Benefits: Clearly articulate the mutual advantages in your proposals, showing potential sponsors the value in terms of brand visibility, community engagement, and networking opportunities.
• Utilize Networks and Showcase Successes: Leverage personal and professional networks for introductions and use testimonials to demonstrate the impact and reach of your awards program.

Consider a “Pay to Play” model

• Model a) require membership to participate. This ensures that only those with member dues are eligible and its a way to increase membership for those that want to participate. Think of the recognition awards as a member conversion opportunity. 
• Model b) Leverage an application fee as a way to boost non-due association revenue.
  • This can include things like submission fees, early vs late fees, volume of nominations submitted (free for first, pay for future), etc.

Scheduling

Choosing the right dates for:

• Launching the awards
• Accepting submissions
• Conducting reviews
• Announcing winners
• Holding the ceremony

These should accommodate the schedules of your members and judges, ensuring maximum participation and attention. Often times these dates work backwards from an associations annual meeting or conference as a flagship program.

Create a Timeline

A detailed timeline is a strategic tool in your planning recognition award. It ensures that every task is assigned and completed in a timely manner, keeping your awards program on track from start to finish.

The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards Phase 2: Marketing the Awards

1. Member Outreach

• Direct Communication: Personalized letters or emails to members highlighting the award program’s importance, criteria, and how to participate.
• Member Ambassadors: Engage influential members to act as ambassadors for the program, sharing information within their networks.

2. Newsletters

• Regular Updates: Include a dedicated section in the regular newsletters about the award program, with updates, timelines, and featured past winners.
• Spotlight Stories: Share stories or interviews of past winners, focusing on the impact of winning the award.

3. Email Campaigns

• Announcement Email: Send a detailed announcement about the award program, including key dates and how to nominate or apply.
• Reminder Emails: Schedule reminder emails as deadlines approach, including tips for a successful application or nomination.
• Targeted Emails: Segment the audience and send tailored emails (e.g., to past participants, committee members).

4. Informative Webinars

• Introduction Webinar: Host a webinar to launch the program, explaining the process, criteria, and answering questions.
• How-to Webinars: Conduct webinars on how to write an effective nomination, fill out applications, and what judges look for in candidates.

5. Paid Advertising

• Social Media Ads: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram to target potential applicants and nominators.
• Industry Publications: Place ads in relevant industry publications or newsletters.

6. Social Media Campaign

• Hashtag Campaign: Create a unique hashtag for the award program and encourage members to share stories or posts with it.
• Regular Posts: Share regular updates, quotes from previous winners, and countdowns to deadlines on social media.

7. Website

• Dedicated Web Page: Create a detailed web page on the association’s website with all information about the award program.
• FAQ Section: Include a FAQ section addressing common questions about the award process.

8. Partnership and Sponsorships

• Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with industry partners for wider outreach and credibility.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Offer sponsorship opportunities for different award categories.

9. Local and Community Engagement

• Community Events: Host or participate in local events to promote the award program.
• Press Releases: Send out press releases to local and industry media about the award program.

10. Tracking and Analytics

• Feedback Surveys: Conduct surveys post-campaign to gather feedback for improvement.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor the performance of different channels and adjust strategies accordingly.

Execution Timeline:

• Phase 1 (Launch): Announcement, direct member outreach, first newsletter feature, and launch webinar.
• Phase 2 (Engagement): Email campaigns, social media campaign kickoff, informative webinars, and community events.
• Phase 3 (Reminder and Final Push): Reminder communications, paid advertising intensification, final webinar.
• Phase 4 (Post Deadline): Thank you messages, feedback surveys, and performance analysis.

The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards Phase 3: The Submission Process

Utilizing Technology

Select a Platform, and use a tool like Reviewr to manage submissions and the review process efficiently. Here are key elements your award management software should include. 

Streamlined Submission Platform:

• A digital platform where applicants can submit all necessary documents and information in a structured, user-friendly format. This should include the ability to manage both nominators, and nominees.

• The platform supports various file formats and submission types, catering to the diverse needs of different programs.

• • • Ability to collect third party references in a template format.
    • Ability to save, logout, and track progress.

• This digital transition not only saves time but also enhances accuracy and the overall applicant experience.

Automated Review and Fair Selection:

• The platform provides tools for online judging and scoring, enabling efficient and scalable review processes.

• Features like blind reviews and random assignment help ensure fairness and compliance in the selection process.

• The system allows for easy collation and analysis of feedback from reviewers, making the selection process more robust and data-driven.

• • • Built in scoring and notetaking tools for the review team.
    • Side by side viewing of nominee information and the selection tools.

Centralized Communication and Workflow Management:

• Facilitate streamlined communication with built-in messaging and notification systems, keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged.

• The platform allows for easy tracking of deadlines, with automated reminders and updates, reducing manual follow-up tasks.

• A centralized dashboard enables program managers to oversee and coordinate all aspects of the program lifecycle in one place.

Enhanced Data Management and Reporting:

• The platform offers robust data management capabilities, securely storing and organizing applicant information.

• Real-time reporting and analytics provide insights into program performance, helping in informed decision-making.

• The ability to generate comprehensive reports reduces the administrative burden and supports strategic planning and evaluation.

• • Scalable Infrastructure: The system should be able to handle a high volume of submissions without performance issues.
  • Integration Capabilities: The software should integrate seamlessly with other tools used by the organization, such as CRM systems, Single sign-on, and AMS. 

Customer Support and Resources

• Access to reliable customer support for troubleshooting and assistance.

• • Robust library of resources for all types of participants. 

The Nomination Form

Leverage a dual process where the nominator starts the submission by inputting who they are, who they are nominating, and why and then let the nominee finish the form by answering more personal questions about themselves. For an example nomination form see Appendix A and C.

• Nominator and Nominee Information: Start by collecting basic details from the nominator and about the nominee, including names, contacts, and their relationship.
• Essays and Statements: Include prompts for nominators to explain why the nominee is deserving, focusing on specific achievements or impacts.
• Supporting Documents: Provide an option for uploading documents like recommendation letters or work samples that substantiate the nomination.
• Nominee Participation and Confirmation: Implement a system where nominees are notified to complete their part of the form, ensuring a collaborative and thorough nomination process. Confirm submissions via email to both parties.

This streamlined approach focuses on the essential elements while ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative nomination process.

Maintaining Communication

In this phase, clear and consistent communication with applicants is essential to ensure transparency and manage expectations. Here are the main touchpoints for effective communication:

• Confirmation of Submission Received: Once an application is submitted, immediately send a confirmation email. This reassures applicants that their submission has been successfully received and is in your system.
• Notification of Review Phase Commencement: Inform applicants when their submissions have moved to the review phase. This communication should set expectations regarding the timeline for the announcement of results.
• For selected applicants: communicate their success, providing details on the next steps, such as ceremony details or further required information. 
• For non-selected applicants: offer a respectful and constructive notification. Where feasible, provide specific feedback or general insights into why their submission was not selected. This can be a valuable learning experience for them and encourage future participation.

The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards Phase 4: Judging and Selection

Assembling the Judging Panel

• Select Judges: Choose respected members or external experts as judges.
• Diversity and Training: Ensure your panel reflects diversity and train judges on evaluation criteria and process.
• Leverage prior award recipients
• Leverage sponsors or other organizational stakeholders.

Assigning judges to submissions

Assigning submissions to judges in an awards or recognition program can be approached in several ways, depending on the nature of the program, the number of submissions, and the judging criteria. Here are some common methods for assigning submissions to judges:

Random Assignment:

• Submissions are randomly assigned to judges. This method is often used to ensure impartiality and prevent any bias in the review process.

Category or Expertise-Based Assignment:

• Judges are assigned submissions based on their expertise or interest in specific categories. This method ensures that judges review submissions in areas where they have the most knowledge and experience.

Geographic Assignment:

• Submissions are assigned based on the geographic location of the judges or the applicants. This is particularly useful in programs where local knowledge or context is important.

Load Balancing:

• Submissions are evenly distributed among judges to ensure that no single judge is overwhelmed with too many reviews, maintaining fairness and reducing fatigue.

Judge Preferences:

• Judges are allowed to choose or indicate preferences for certain types of submissions they wish to review, based on their interests or areas of expertise.

Rotational or Round-Robin Assignment:

• Each judge is assigned a submission in turn, often used in conjunction with other methods to ensure a fair distribution.

Blind Assignment:

• Judges are assigned submissions without any identifying information about the applicants to ensure unbiased evaluation.

Panel Review:

• Submissions are assigned to a panel of judges who collectively review and score them. This method is often used for more complex or high-stakes awards.

Sequential Review:

• Submissions are reviewed by judges in a sequential order, where each judge builds on or considers the evaluations made by previous judges.

Custom Algorithmic Assignment:

• Using software to create a custom algorithm that assigns submissions based on predefined criteria such as judge’s expertise, submission type, conflict of interest checks, and workload balance.

Each of these methods has its advantages and can be chosen based on the specific requirements and goals of the awards program. A combination of these methods can also be employed for a more nuanced and effective judging process. Automated award management software often provides the flexibility to implement these various assignment methods efficiently.

Managing the Review Process

• • Use a Scoring System: Implement a clear scoring system to help judges evaluate submissions.
  • Ensure Confidentiality: Maintain the integrity of the process with secure and confidential review procedures.
• See Appendix B for an example scoresheet

The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards Phase 5: Awards Celebration

Planning a post-award selection celebration and gala, especially at an annual conference, involves a detailed approach to ensure a memorable and engaging event. The celebration can be extended beyond the event through digital marketing and social media activities. Here’s a comprehensive plan:

Pre-Gala Preparation

1. Event Planning and Venue Selection

• Choose a suitable venue within the conference space for the gala.
• Arrange catering, décor, audio-visual equipment, and seating.

2. Invitations and Registrations

• Send out digital invitations to members, awardees, and special guests.
• Set up an online registration system for attendees.

3. Award Preparation

• Prepare the physical awards or trophies.
• Finalize the list of awardees and their accomplishments for announcement.

4. Program Itinerary

• Develop a detailed program schedule, including speeches, award presentations, and entertainment segments.

5. Speaker and Host Engagement

• Engage a charismatic host or MC for the event.
• Brief speakers, including key association members and industry leaders.

Gala Event Execution

1. Welcome Reception

• Start with a welcome reception, allowing attendees to mingle and network.

2. Opening Remarks

• Begin with opening remarks from a prominent association leader.

3. Award Announcements and Presentations

• Announce each award and recipient, with a brief overview of their achievements.
• Include multimedia presentations (videos/photos) showcasing the awardees’ contributions.

4. Entertainment and Dinner

• Provide entertainment (music, performances) throughout the evening.
• Serve dinner or refreshments based on the event format.

5. Closing Speech

• Conclude with a closing speech, thanking attendees and highlighting the association’s future initiatives.

Post-Gala Promotion and Celebration

1. Website Showcase

• Feature the award recipients on the association’s website with detailed profiles and their achievements.

2. Digital Marketing Campaign

• Develop a digital marketing campaign to highlight the awardees, including email newsletters and online brochures.

3. Social Media Promotion

• Utilize social media platforms to celebrate the awardees, using photos and videos from the gala, and share their success stories.
• Encourage awardees to share their experiences and recognition on their social platforms.

4. Press Release and Media Coverage

• Distribute a press release detailing the event and highlighting the awardees.
• Encourage media coverage of the event and the awardees’ achievements.

5. Continuous Engagement

• Feature interviews or articles about the awardees in subsequent newsletters or association publications.
• Organize webinars or talks where awardees can share their expertise or journey.

Follow-Up

1. Feedback Collection

• Collect feedback from attendees to improve future events.

2. Thank You Notes

• Send thank you notes to attendees, awardees, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers.

3. Documentation and Archiving

• Document the event with photographs and videos for the association’s archives and future promotions.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the award recipients are not only celebrated at the gala but also recognized and promoted extensively within the association’s community and beyond, enhancing the prestige of the awards and the visibility of the recipients’ accomplishments.

The Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards Phase 6: Post-Award Engagement

Showcasing Impact

• Share Stories: Publish articles or case studies showcasing winners’ contributions and the impact of their work.
• Follow-up Events: Organize webinars or meetups featuring winners to share their insights.
• Prepare for Next Year: Begin planning the next awards cycle soon after the ceremony to maintain momentum.

• Celebrate Again: Use anniversaries to remind the community of past winners and the value of the awards.

Appendix A: Example nomination form of the Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards

General Nomination Form

The general nomination form will be submitted by the nominator. They will have a short, simple form where we collect who they are, who they are nominating, and why. We can also leverage Association Management Software (AMS) Single Sign On (SSO) to prepopulate some information. Once the nomination is submitted the nominee will be notified to submit their portion of the form.

Section 1: Nominator Information

• Name:
• Membership Number (if applicable):
• Contact Information (Email, Phone Number):
• Relationship to Nominee:

Section 2: Nominee Information

• Name of Nominee:
• Category of Award:
  • Lifetime Achievement
  • Innovator of the Year
  • Chapter Excellence Awards
  • Diversity and Inclusion Award
  • 30 Under 30 Award
  • (Other categories as applicable)
• Reason for Nomination:
  • [Text Box for detailed explanation]

Specific Nomination Forms for Each Award Category

After selecting the award category, the nominator will be directed to the specific nomination form for that category, to be completed by the nominee. The goal here is to put the heavy lifting on the nominee themselves as well as collect accurate information that likely is only available from the nominee.

Common Sections for All Categories:

• Nominee’s Personal Information:
  • Full Name:
  • Membership Number:
  • Contact Information (Email, Phone Number):
  • Current Position/Title:
  • Organization/Affiliation:
• Membership Information:
  • Years of Membership:
  • Previous Roles/Positions within the Organization:
• Short Answer Questions: (Questions will vary based on the award category)
  • Example: “Describe a significant contribution you have made in the field of [specific category].”
• File Uploads:
  • Option to upload supporting documents, certificates, publications, etc.
• Reference Request:
  • Name of Referee:
  • Email of Referee:
  • Relationship to Nominee:

Specific Sections for Each Award Category: (Examples)

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Career Milestones: Describe key milestones and achievements in the nominee’s career.
• Leadership Roles: Detail the leadership positions held and the impact made in these roles.
• Contributions to the Field: Discuss significant contributions made to the industry or field.
• Mentorship and Influence: Provide examples of how the nominee has mentored others or influenced the field.
• Innovations Introduced: Describe any innovations or new methods introduced by the nominee.
• Legacy and Impact: Reflect on the long-term impact and legacy of the nominee’s career.

Innovator of the Year Award

• Description of Innovation: Describe the innovation and its unique features.
• Development Process: Explain the process of developing and implementing the innovation.
• Challenges Overcome: Discuss challenges faced and how they were overcome.
• Impact of Innovation: Detail the impact of the innovation on the industry or community.
• Future Potential: Discuss the future potential and scalability of the innovation.
• Personal Motivation: Describe the nominee’s motivation and inspiration behind the innovation.

Chapter Excellence Awards

• Chapter Achievements: Outline the chapter’s key achievements under the nominee’s guidance.
• Membership Growth Strategies: Describe strategies used to grow and engage the chapter’s membership.
• Community Service Initiatives: Provide examples of community service or outreach projects.
• Chapter Events and Activities: Discuss unique events or activities organized by the chapter.
• Member Engagement Techniques: Describe how the chapter keeps its members engaged.
• Chapter’s Future Vision: Share the nominee’s vision for the future of the chapter.

Diversity and Inclusion Award

• Diversity Initiatives: Describe specific diversity initiatives led by the nominee.
• Inclusive Practices: Provide examples of how the nominee promotes inclusive practices.
• Impact on Organization/Community: Discuss the impact of these initiatives on the organization or community.
• Challenges in Promoting Diversity: Reflect on any challenges faced in promoting diversity and how they were addressed.
• Advocacy Efforts: Describe the nominee’s efforts in advocating for diversity and inclusion.
• Personal Commitment: Explain the nominee’s personal commitment to diversity and inclusion.

30 Under 30 Award

• Career Achievements: Highlight the nominee’s career achievements and contributions.
• Leadership and Innovation: Provide examples of leadership and innovative thinking.
• Challenges and Solutions: Discuss significant challenges faced and how the nominee addressed them.
• Impact and Influence: Detail the impact and influence of the nominee in their field.
• Professional Development: Describe the nominee’s approach to professional growth and development.
• Vision for the Future: Share the nominee’s vision and aspirations for their future career.

Appendix B: Example selection criteria of the Ultimate Playbook to Managing Awards

Scorecard for “30 Under 30” Member Award

1. Professional Achievements (25 points)

• Criteria: Achievements in their field or industry, innovation, and impact.
• Scoring: Rate the extent and significance of their professional accomplishments.

2. Leadership and Influence (20 points)

• Criteria: Leadership roles, influence on peers and industry, mentorship activities.
• Scoring: Evaluate their leadership qualities and the impact of their influence.

3. Community Engagement and Service (15 points)

• Criteria: Involvement in community service, volunteering, and civic engagement.
• Scoring: Assess the depth and impact of their community involvement.

4. Personal Development and Education (15 points)

• Criteria: Educational achievements, continuous learning, personal skill development.
• Scoring: Judge the level of commitment to personal growth and education.

5. Innovation and Creativity (10 points)

• Criteria: Originality in problem-solving, innovative thinking, creative contributions.
• Scoring: Rate the uniqueness and effectiveness of their innovative approaches.

6. Testimonials and References (10 points)

• Criteria: Quality and persuasiveness of references and testimonials.
• Scoring: Consider the endorsements provided by colleagues, mentors, or industry leaders.

7. Additional Achievements (5 points)

• Criteria: Any other notable achievements not covered in the above categories.
• Scoring: Recognize extra achievements that demonstrate the candidate’s uniqueness.

Instructions for Judges:

• Each judge scores candidates on a scale of 1-5 for each criterion, with 5 being the highest.
• Comments for each score are encouraged for transparency and feedback.
• The final score for each candidate is the sum of all criteria scores.

Considerations:

• Ensure the criteria align with the values and objectives of your association.
• The scorecard should be accompanied by clear guidelines on how to interpret and apply each criterion.
• Regularly review and update the rubric to reflect

Scorecard for “Member Diversity and Inclusion Award”

1. Advocacy and Leadership (30 points)

• Criteria: Demonstrated leadership in advocating for diversity and inclusion. Initiatives or actions taken to promote inclusive practices.
• Scoring:
  • Outstanding Leadership and Advocacy (25-30 points)
  • Significant Efforts in Leadership and Advocacy (15-24 points)
  • Some Efforts in Leadership and Advocacy (5-14 points)
  • Little to No Effort (0-4 points)

2. Impact of Initiatives (30 points)

• Criteria: Tangible impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Measurable outcomes in enhancing diversity within the organization/community.
• Scoring:
  • Exceptional Impact (25-30 points)
  • Considerable Impact (15-24 points)
  • Moderate Impact (5-14 points)
  • Minimal Impact (0-4 points)

3. Creativity and Innovation (20 points)

• Criteria: Originality and creativity in implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Innovative approaches to overcome challenges.
• Scoring:
  • Highly Creative and Innovative (16-20 points)
  • Moderately Creative and Innovative (9-15 points)
  • Somewhat Creative and Innovative (3-8 points)
  • Limited Creativity and Innovation (0-2 points)

4. Sustainability and Ongoing Commitment (20 points)

• Criteria: Long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion. Efforts to ensure sustainability and ongoing impact of initiatives.
• Scoring:
  • Exceptional Commitment and Sustainability (16-20 points)
  • Strong Commitment and Sustainability (9-15 points)
  • Moderate Commitment and Sustainability (3-8 points)
  • Limited or No Commitment and Sustainability (0-2 points)

Total Score: 100 points

Scorecard for “Lifetime Achievement Award”

1. Career Longevity and Dedication (30 points)

• Criteria: Duration of involvement and consistent commitment over the years.
• Scoring:
  • Over 20 years of service (25-30 points)
  • 15-20 years of service (20-24 points)
  • 10-14 years of service (10-19 points)
  • Less than 10 years of service (0-9 points)

2. Leadership and Influence (25 points)

• Criteria: Leadership roles held, influence on organizational direction, mentorship, and impact on others.
• Scoring:
  • Transformative Leadership and Influence (20-25 points)
  • Significant Leadership and Influence (15-19 points)
  • Moderate Leadership and Influence (5-14 points)
  • Limited Leadership and Influence (0-4 points)

3. Contributions to the Field or Community (25 points)

• Criteria: Contributions to the advancement of the field, community, or organization. Innovations, key projects, or initiatives led.
• Scoring:
  • Exceptional Contributions (20-25 points)
  • Considerable Contributions (15-19 points)
  • Notable Contributions (5-14 points)
  • Few Contributions (0-4 points)

4. Legacy and Impact (20 points)

• Criteria: The long-term impact of the individual’s work, legacy left behind, and the lasting effect on the organization or community.
• Scoring:
  • Profound and Lasting Impact (16-20 points)
  • Significant Impact (11-15 points)
  • Moderate Impact (5-10 points)
  • Minimal Impact (0-4 points)

Total Score: 100 points

Scorecard for “Innovator of the Year” Award

1. Originality of Innovation (30 points)

• Criteria: Degree of originality and uniqueness in the idea or method introduced. Evaluation of how the innovation differs from existing solutions or approaches.
• Scoring:
  • Highly Original and Unique (25-30 points)
  • Moderately Original (15-24 points)
  • Some Original Elements (5-14 points)
  • Minimal Originality (0-4 points)

2. Practical Application/Implementation (25 points)

• Criteria: Effectiveness in implementing the innovation. Practicality and usability in a real-world scenario.
• Scoring:
  • Highly Effective Implementation (20-25 points)
  • Good Implementation (10-19 points)
  • Adequate Implementation (5-9 points)
  • Poor Implementation (0-4 points)

3. Impact of Innovation (25 points)

• Criteria: The overall impact of the innovation on the field, community, or target audience. This includes measurable outcomes, improvements, or benefits resulting from the innovation.
• Scoring:
  • Major Impact (20-25 points)
  • Moderate Impact (10-19 points)
  • Some Impact (5-9 points)
  • Little to No Impact (0-4 points)

4. Scalability and Future Potential (20 points)

• Criteria: The potential for the innovation to be scaled or adapted for broader application. Future potential in terms of growth, development, or influence.
• Scoring:
  • High Scalability and Future Potential (15-20 points)
  • Moderate Scalability and Potential (8-14 points)
  • Limited Scalability and Potential (3-7 points)
  • Minimal or No Scalability (0-2 points)

Total Score: 100 points

Scorecard for “Chapter Excellence Awards”

1. Member Engagement and Growth (25 points)

• Criteria: Effectiveness in engaging current members and attracting new members. Activities and programs that promote member participation and retention.
• Scoring:
  • Exceptional Engagement and Growth (20-25 points)
  • Significant Engagement and Growth (10-19 points)
  • Moderate Engagement and Growth (5-9 points)
  • Limited Engagement and Growth (0-4 points)

2. Community Impact and Service (25 points)

• Criteria: Contributions to community service and impact on the local community or targeted causes. Quality and effectiveness of service projects or initiatives.
• Scoring:
  • Outstanding Community Impact (20-25 points)
  • Considerable Community Impact (10-19 points)
  • Some Community Impact (5-9 points)
  • Minimal Community Impact (0-4 points)

3. Leadership Development and Training (20 points)

• Criteria: Efforts in developing leadership skills among members. Quality of leadership training programs and opportunities for member advancement.
• Scoring:
  • Excellent Leadership Development (16-20 points)
  • Good Leadership Development (9-15 points)
  • Adequate Leadership Development (3-8 points)
  • Limited Leadership Development (0-2 points)

4. Contribution to Organization’s Mission (20 points)

• Criteria: Alignment of chapter activities with the organization’s overall mission and goals. Contributions to the broader objectives of the organization.
• Scoring:
  • Highly Aligned and Contributive (16-20 points)
  • Moderately Aligned and Contributive (9-15 points)
  • Somewhat Aligned and Contributive (3-8 points)
  • Limited Alignment and Contribution (0-2 points)

5. Innovation and Creativity (10 points)

• Criteria: Creativity in programming and initiatives. Innovative approaches to chapter management and problem-solving.
• Scoring:
  • Highly Innovative and Creative (8-10 points)
  • Moderately Innovative and Creative (4-7 points)
  • Somewhat Innovative and Creative (1-3 points)
  • Not Innovative or Creative (0 points)

Total Score: 100 points

Appendix C: Example Reference Request Template

For individuals requested to submit a reference via an online form, here are five questions that can effectively gather insights about the nominee:

Relationship and Duration:

• “Please describe your relationship with the nominee, including how long you have known them. What capacity have you interacted with or observed their work?”

Notable Qualities and Strengths:

• “What are the most notable qualities or strengths of the nominee that stand out to you? Can you provide a specific example where these qualities positively impacted a project, team, or objective?”

Contributions to the Field or Community:

• “In your view, what significant contributions has the nominee made to their field or community? How have these contributions made a difference?”

Leadership and Collaboration:

• “How does the nominee demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills? Please provide an instance where they effectively led a team or project, or significantly contributed to a collaborative effort.”

Personal Growth and Potential:

• “Have you observed any significant personal growth in the nominee over the time you have known them? Based on your experience, what potential do you see in them for future endeavors or contributions?”