Awards of Excellence

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Each year the NN4Y for Youth recognizes and celebrates individual and agency members whose outstanding achievements have significantly advanced the field of youth work.  NN4Y members submit nominations, which are reviewed by a special committee of members made up of the Board, Medallion and Founders Association, and National Council on Youth Policy.  The categories are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Golden Pen Media Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Youth Worker of the Year Award
• Executive Leadership Award of Excellence
• Donna Valle Distinguished Networking Award
• Agency of the Year Award
• Youth Leadership Award

The Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at the Awards Reception on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 as part of the Symposium program.  The deadline for receiving nominations is December 4, 2009. Click here to download the award nomination application.

Important Note: NN4Y Board members, Policy Council members, and/or their family members are not eligible for awards during their term in service.  NNY staff is not eligible at any time.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual for his or her lifetime commitment and contribution to the field of youth work.  This is the highest honor bestowed by the NN4Y and is only given after careful consideration and deliberation by the Awards Committee.  In addition to the award, the recipient will receive a lifetime membership with the NN4Y as well as their name placed on a permanent plaque on display in the Washington, DC office.  Award may be given posthumously.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Candidates for this award must be NN4Y members in good standing for at least 10 years.
2. Candidates should have a minimum of 20 years of distinguished service in the field of youth work.

In addition to the nomination form, the following supporting materials must also be included: 

1. Resume or curriculum vitae of candidate summarizing education; work experience; awards received; service at the local, state, national, and international levels; publications; and service to the NN4Y or other professional organizations.
2. Letters of recommendation – 2 or more letters of recommendation must be included. Recommenders should describe their affiliation with the candidate and provide their name, title, organization, address and telephone number. Letters of recommendation should focus on the quality and distinction of the candidate’s lifetime achievement rather than a single contribution.

Golden Pen Media Award
The NN4Y for Youth sponsors an annual award to recognize and encourage excellence in nationalreporting on youth issues.  Eligible candidates include broadcast and print reporters, television and radio personalities, editors, and other media personnel who have worked to deliver positive coverage of youth issues.

Eligibility Criteria: This award is open to all media persons, inclusive of youth and adults.

Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual volunteer who has performed outstanding service in his/her community.  The NN4Y for Youth will choose one winner to receive an award recognizing service as well as a $200 honorarium and 1 free registration for Symposium 2011.  The nominating agency will receive a commemorative plaque.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The award is open to youth and adult volunteers.
2. Volunteer service must have been performed without pay and cannot be part of an individual’s course or curriculum requirements. Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, such as materials or travel, is not considered pay. Volunteer activities must have been conducted within the past 12 months. Activities conducted prior to this time will be considered as part of the candidate’s history only.

Youth Worker of the Year Award
This award recognizes an outstanding youth worker who regularly performs beyond expectations to make significant contributions to his or her agency, community, and the youth work profession.  Management and administrative staff, board members, and executive directors are not eligible for this award. In addition to an award, the recipient will receive a $500 honorarium. The award is open to youth and adult staff of member agencies of the NN4Y for Youth.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The candidate must be employed with a NN4Y agency member.
2. The member agency must be a member in good standing for at least 2 years.

Executive Leadership Award of Excellence
The Executive Leadership Award of Excellence recognizes Executive Directors/CEO’s and senior level managers/supervisors who have made significant contributions to the field of youth services consistent with the mission and guiding principles of the NN4Y.  This award was created to highlight the importance of leadership in an organization’s achievement of mission-related results. In addition to the award, the recipient will receive 1 free registration to Symposium 2011. The award is open to youth and adults.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Candidate’s agency must be a NN4Y member in good standing for at least 2 years.
2. The candidate must be employed by the agency for at least 1 year.

Donna Valle Distinguished Networking Award
The Donna Valle Distinguished Networking Award is presented to a NN4Y member (individual, coalition or organization) in recognition of exemplary leadership and participation in networking.  The Award recognizes collaboration, resource-sharing and partnership-building among NN4Y members in order to improve conditions for youth and their families.  In addition to the award, the recipient will receive 1 free registration to Symposium 2011. The Award is open to youth and adults.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Candidates for this award must be NN4Y members in good standing for at least 2 years.
2. The candidate has promoted networking, collaboration, coalition-building and resource sharing at the local, state, regional or national level for the past year.

Agency of the Year
The Agency of the Year Award is presented to a NN4Y member agency to honor the vital role that youth agencies play in the healthy development of youth, families and communities.  In addition to the award, the agency will receive NN4Y membership for 1 year (2010– 2011).

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Candidates for this award must be NN4Y members in good standing for at least 2 years.
2. A letter of recommendation from a sister agency in the local community is required. The letter should describe how the agency benefits youth, families and community.

Youth Leadership Award
This award recognizes the essential and vital role which youth leaders play and affirms the NN4Y’s commitment to strengthen youth voice, develop young leaders and nurture future citizens who contribute to a more just and equitable society.  In addition to the award, the recipient will receive a $200 honorarium.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Agency must be a member in good standing for at least 2 years.
2. The candidate has demonstrated leadership and involvement in school and community activities, as well as service to others.
3. The candidate has made significant contributions toward creating positive attitudes about active, participatory roles for youth at the local, state, regional or national levels.

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