1. 1 Celebrate Excellence! Geissler Baker & Christine Smith Extension Agents NC Cooperative Extension NC State University NEAFCS Awards Be A Winner

2. 2 Why Are You Here? Goals for Session: –Motivate and or encourage qualified agents to apply for awards –Provide strategies for creating award winning applications –Provide opportunity for districts to begin the award application process EARLY.

3. 3 Use the NEAFCS Website http://www.neafcs.org/content.asp?pageID=3 – Contains many resources – Use the awards manual for general and specific requirements and formats – Review the criteria for specific awards – Review award-winning samples

4. 4 Use the Website

5. 5 Stop, Plan and Ponder Complete application ahead of deadline. – –Plan dates to work on your applications – –Select awards that are most meaningful to you – –Complete an on-line awards application – –Make sure applications are complete – –Review judging forms DSA and CE are judged by the affiliate only and based on association membership

6. 6 Expressing Yourself Measurable impacts matter Review judging sheets and take heed Know the eligibility of the award you want to prepare Follow the requirements – –Judges look beyond the cover Save the 30 word description until last

7. 7 Proof Your Work Ask someone to read your application Know the deadlines for submitting Work with your association VP –she is your coach Seek out help from past winners Label and secure your pieces well

8. 8 What programs won this year? Innovative Issues driven programs Measurable impacts and evaluations Communications that matter to public – clear and well written/records

9. 9 Eligibility Requirements Dues paid by February 1 st. Award members must be active and or life members. Team leader/members must be NEAFCS members. Non-NEAFCS team members are not eligible for eligible for monetary awards Individuals and/or teams may receive only one national award or fellowship in the same year, but may submit applications in more than one category

10. 10 Packaging Follow the requirements Clear covers (folder or view binder) Application as first piece or as cover Label everything Name, award category, affiliate Attach pieces securely Sign the application

11. 11 You Cannot Win if You Do Not Apply!