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:
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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?
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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.Also 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 ?
Comments on recognition of
achievement - Jack
·
must be fair i.e.
all those deserving should be recognized
·
can be subjective
i.e. one mans winner is not anothers winner
·
however not being
recognized for achievement is demotivating
·
one way is
recognizing all who meet certain criteria-Presidents award, Governors Award
·
should be a
process within the club
·
whatever you do
should meet the four way test(fair to all concerned, beneficial to all
concerned, the truth)
·
different levels
of achievement i.e some who reliably do things time after time others who do
massive projects with large
impact. both needed both should be recognized
However we should have some concerns, look at this article in
the NY Times
In clubs
In District
District Awards
Abe Gordon-chosen by Governor
Charles Pettengill-large club
-speak at District Conference
Don Adams-Outstanding
Rotarian, chosen by 5 most recent recipients
Ed Osterman-small club, less
then 45
Significant Club Achievement
Community Service-at District conference
International Service-at District conference
Club Service
Vocational Service
Youth Service
by RI
Citation for Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service
Award, Service Above Self
Alumni Service Award.
Summary of my thoughts
1. Process must be beneficial to all District Rotarians and
for me that means providing information about the club, their achievements and best
practices.Part of this is recognition of the club and part of this is providing
information/help to others.
2. All clubs are eligible to provide information to other
clubs and thus be recognized.
3. Choosing a winner is not beneficial to all concerned, it
is beneficial to the winner.
