Going for the Goal How To Make Your

Going for the Goal! How To Make Your Awards Application Stand Out! Epsilon Sigma Phi Alpha Zeta Chapter–Texas

Recognition is not always a plaque or certificate -Face-to-Face Thank You -Thank You Note -Public Recognition -An Honorary Title -Comp Time -Gifts

Main Topics To Be Covered -Nominator(s) -Nominee -Filling out the application

You Have Earned It! • You have done the work • It is worthy of attention • Knowing about your program will help others if it is incorporated into theirs • Focus on the facts, exploit the differences • Don’t bore the award nomination reader

What Does It Take • Find those special someones • Among your associates are people who enjoy working on getting others recognized

There Are Some Benefits • Some Award Committee members are appointed; want someone in charge • Learn about successful programs • Opportunity to learn wording techniques • Member of a team that gets other co-workers recognized

Follow Direction • Don’t Take It For Granted…Read Through the Instructions Again

Follow Directions • Should be mechanically correct, – If it says one inch margin, then one inch it is – If it says Arial font, then use that font – Use the correct size font – Don’t exceed the word limit – Check spelling and grammar

Follow Direction • Submit before the deadline

Judging Criteria • • • If known, use to organize your nomination Should indicate what is important Follow the score sheet outline Maximize your score Don’t leave any points unclaimed

• Who is the ideal recipient? • Get as close to the ideal as possible

Ask For Help • No one knows the person(s) being nominated better than themselves

Ask For Help • Provide them with previous successes

http: //www. texasesp. org

http: //www. texasesp. org

http: //www. texasesp. org

http: //www. texasesp. org

Nominee Input • Give them time and timeline for response

Letters of Support • • • Give them time and timeline for response If you need 3 letters, arrange for 5 Let them know the focus on nomination Send an example letter Opportunity to pull usable quotes for the application • Keep a copy for your files

Language Used • Avoid umbrella words like superior, and outstanding. . . the meaning is too broad

Language Used • Words should be understood

Language Used • Words should capture the essence of the nominee

Language Used • Don’t exaggerate

Language Used • Keep it interesting

• Creative writing generally indicates smoke and mirrors

Is It All Diamonds And Gold? • Don’t waste space on the mundane

My Preference • • Eye appeal Balance of white space Prefer a good quality picture Self explanatory No spelling errors Impressive Positive support statement(s)

Prepare In Advance • Know the deadline and plan for it • Summarize and compile the information • Let the grammar expert have a shot at it • Ask someone else to read over the completed application

• Send a completed copy for review, approval, and their files

Spread it Around • Look at other association award applications to adapt to fit • You may have to add just a few parts to complete another application • Keep your copies • Look at past winning applications

• Don’t forget to thank everyone who helped (like the turtle on top of the post…it didn’t get there by itself).

Any Questions? If you need any assistance with your award applications for any association, please contact an ESP member in your district.