Ten Tips for a Top Notch Award Program Entry

You'll soon be preparing your entry for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award program, the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action, or the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award and you're probably wondering how to submit an award-winning record of your credit union's accomplishments.

On the state level, your entry competes with others in your asset group. At the national level, CUNA’s Awards Committee members will review more than 160 entries for both programs.  Here are ten ways you can help judges get a clear picture of your program:

1. Clearly state what your goals are and how you set out to accomplish them.
2. Set aside a specific file for all your program documents -- you'll need those photos, thank-you notes, and newspaper clippings when you actually put your entry together.
3. Plan to track your program's progress from the beginning.  Document the project's activities and events, funds raised and distributed or number of people served, and letters and media coverage received. 
4. Keep in touch with the agencies or groups you're working with for any information they can provide on the impact your involvement is having on those they serve.
5. Get your awards packet from the league and review it carefully. Call William Wille at 630-983-3216 with any questions.
6. Follow the format of the entry form and answer all questions when describing your project. The Awards Committee carefully considers the answers to questions on goals, implementation, results, coverage, etc., to help them judge your entry.
7. Include those items you've been saving that will bring your entry to life for the judges.  Photos, thank-you letters, articles, etc., all help the judges get a better look at your program.
8. Keep in mind that quality, not quantity, is the key.  Choose the most representative items to include rather than everything associated with your program.
9. The more concise, clear and to the point your entry is, the easier time the judges will have doing their job.
10. Put yourself in the judge's shoes.  What would you look for in an entry?

Of course, only a limited number of entries can win at the state and national levels.  By heeding this advice, you can improve your chances of receiving recognition for your good works.