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

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

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. Follow Direction Submit before the deadline

10. 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

11. Who is the ideal recipient? Get as close to the ideal as possible

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

16. Ask For Help Provide them with previous successes

17. http://www.texasesp.org

21. Nominee Input Give them time and timeline for response

22. 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

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

24. Language Used Words should be understood

29. Language Used Words should capture the essence of the nominee

32. Language Used Don’t exaggerate

36. Language Used Keep it interesting

40. Creative writing generally indicates smoke and mirrors

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

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

43. 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

44. Send a completed copy for review, approval, and their files

45. 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

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

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