And the Winner Is ...

The excitement builds at Conference as descriptions of the best service projects and leaders in District Nine are read at Saturday’s awards luncheon, and yet some of our members still feel like their project should have been up there as well. Why isn’t it? Awards entries are a snap if you just follow the instructions and a few tips. The district board is asked a lot of questions about filing these awards, and the answers are readily available. Here are some frequently asked questions, along with simple answers, from the current Club President’s Handbook, published by the International Leadership Committee.
 
Where do I get the information concerning awards?
The award applications from Altrusa International Inc. will be sent directly to the president in the Awards Packet included in the January club president’s mailing along with the Club Annual Report. Watch for this very important packet! Every attendee at the 2012 District Nine Conference received a CD with this awards packet included.

Who is responsible for filling out the application?
Generally, a group of members who have worked closely with the project completes the application, or the president may appoint a member or a committee.

When are the entries due?
Dates vary by District. Your District Governor has probably given you a yearly calendar. Check to see if the due dates are included in it. Another source of information on due dates is your local District Service Bulletin. Most awards are due either on May 31 or June 1. You still have time!

How do I know the criteria?
Award criteria information comes with your awards packet. Follow the criteria closely, and make sure you cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s to ensure your entries are qualified.

May we enter the same project for the Mamie L. Bass (MLB), Letha H. Brown (LHB) and the Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun (NFC) Awards?
No! Your club will have to decide which award to apply for if your project fits the criteria for all the awards.

May we enter more than one Letha H. Brown, Mamie L. Bass, or Nina Fay Calhoun entry in a given year?
No! You may make only one Letha H. Brown, Mamie L. Bass and Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun application in any one year.

Are projects that are primarily fund-raising for club use eligible?
No! MLB and LHB awards are meant to show service to the community. The Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun is an International Relations Award.

Who judges the entries?
MLB, LHB and NFC awards are first judged in the District by non-Altrusa judges. The annual first place winners at the District level go to International where they are judged by three non-Altrusan judges.

You will have a much better understanding of the awards program if you read the awards applications, instructions, and criteria in the awards packet.

Good luck in your club’s efforts to achieve these very coveted awards.