This document provides guidance on nominating individuals for awards and recognition. It emphasizes selecting the appropriate award based on the nominee's qualifications, answering all questions thoroughly to showcase why the nominee deserves recognition, and using concise and descriptive language to make the nominee stand out. Key details about the nominee like their impact, achievements, and duration of service should be highlighted while keeping the nomination brief, clear, and focused. Feedback from others can help strengthen the nomination.

1. And the award goes to. . . Making your nominations count! Presentation for the Howard County Association of Community Services HOT TOPICS December 1, 2008

2. Strategy Know the schedule of awards and when nominations are due Select awards/recognition appropriate to the nominee Read through the whole application before starting to write Understand the requirements Letters of support Word/character limit Format

3. Strategy continued Be objective Be timely Be strategic Be flexible

4. The Questions Who? Who would you like to nominate? Is the award appropriate for the nominee? Why? Why did you think of nominating this person? Why do they deserve this recognition?

5. The Questions continued What? What makes them unique in their service? What exactly have they done? How? Have they had a significant impact on the goals of the organization? How? Discuss impact – how and why are the nominee’s achievements noteworthy?

6. The Questions continued When & Where? When and where do they serve? Duration of service is important, but don’t forget depth of service Include other service as appropriate

7. Writing Style Plan your approach Be strategic Select appropriate writing style Brief anecdotes, if possible, make nominee stand out Be clear and concise Keep it simple, direct and focused Don’t stretch the truth

8. Writing Style continued Word Choice Use carefully selected action verbs and descriptive words Don’t be flowery Be concise and direct Don’t include EVERYTHING and make the judges decide what is important

9. Choosing Your Words Accomplished Talented Self reliant Respectful Resourceful Creative Consistent Dependable Conscientious Logical Objective Perceptive Diplomatic Enthusiastic Sense of humor Tactful Energetic Fair Optimistic Sincere Sophisticated Efficient Imaginative Disciplined Constructive Practical

10. Reminders Plan your approach Be clear and concise Duration and depth of service are both important Don’t assume that the judges know your nominee Be professional

11. Final Thoughts If you get stuck, pretend you are speaking to someone and trying to convince them that your nominee deserves this recognition. Have someone who does NOT know the nominee read your nomination and ask for their feedback.

12. Thank you Questions? Contact info: Mickey Gomez, Executive Director Volunteer Center Serving Howard County www.volunteerhoward.org 410.715.3176 [email_address]