Awards we give in Rotary

I don't know if this makes sense feedback is welcome.

Some thoughts on the Awards we give to clubs and individuals

Should meet the four way test.

The 4-Way Test

Of the things we think, say or do:

1.     Is it the TRUTH? 2.     Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3.     Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4.     Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

What is the purpose of awards given to Rotary clubs and individuals, usually at the District conference.

1. Recognize and reward outstanding achievement

2. Encourage all Rotarians to do more/better service

3. "Beneficial to all concerned"

1.So the process for choosing award winners must be "fair to all concerned" and the award winners chosen must be in truth: the most deserving.

Some of the difficulties in executing the above.

              In our District few clubs actually are interested in applying for and receiving awards.

              There is a big disparity between the capabilities of the large and small clubs

              It is very difficult and subjective to choose a "best" service project. Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder.

2. So how can we use the award process to "encourage all Rotarians to do more/better service".

             

             

3. Since there are few winners and many non-winners, any process which is "beneficial to all concerned" must also bring value to the non-winners, somehow.

So what are the possible benefits and motivational aspects for non-winners

1. The non-winners could be inspired by the story of the winner

2. The non-winners could be educated by aspects of the winners' story and success

3. The winners could be encouraged to involve non-winners in future projects.(Since the winners presumably have demonstrated high competence in an area, they could provide direct help in cooperative projects with non-winners.) (Use District Managed grant process to help with this)

4. The non-winners could do a project similar to the one executed by the winner.

Comments

1. The award must go into enough detail about the winners so the audience will understand what is done and how it was special, so that they can be inspired and/or educated.

2. Could have a District managed grant subprocess which allows winners to specially apply with non winners for a new grant.

3. Winner should provide an education sheet on their special project, approach or ?

4. Only give the awards when they are clearly special and have something to teach.
5. It is often said that "it is disappointing that so few clubs apply for awards. However there is a problem. Suppose all 60 clubs applied for an award. Now there are 59 non winners sll of whom have spent a few man hours preparing their submital for the award. Those are hours that could have been spent on projects or fundraising. It is clear that the winner is positively motivated but if the non-winners are not positively motivated then the award process is not bringing value to the clubs as a whole and to our District.