Division VII, under the leadership of Bill Dennis, has crafted a new policy regarding how the Rotary Club of Albuquerque bestows its highest honors upon recipients.

A Brief History
The highest honor our club has given for twenty-five years is the Living Legend Award, founded by Woody Woodward. Since the program was initiated by Woody during his Presidential and Board tenures, a tradition evolved whereby nominees were presented by Woody to RCA Board for approval and presentation to the membership.  Those distinguished recipients are listed permanently in our RCA Directory.  We recognize you, Woody, and applaud you with acclamation for your contributions to this program and to this club.

The New Policy
The major policy change is future nominees will come from the membership at large and presented to a new Awards Committee.  This committee consists of the past three presidents, the current president and the president elect (vice president), with the option for the current president to appoint other non-voting members to support the program.

The new policy also adds a second award, the Lifetime Service Achievement Award.  The distinction between the two equal awards lies essentially in the nominee’s form of service, either within Rotary or outside of Rotary as a member of Rotary.  Both awards are considered equal in achievement and recognition.

Much time, discussion and thought went into this new policy. All committee members, as well as all the Past Presidents who contributed to its development, are profoundly thanked for their dedication in completing this task.

Request for Nominations
The Awards Committee will convene their first meeting in the spring. RCA members are encouraged to participate in this important nomination process by submitting candidates for review by this new Awards Committee. Such nominations require the originator’s justification for the award and three written endorsements (not signatures). This process entails a significant measure of effort, not unreasonable for the prestige inherent in the awards presented.

The Award Policy containing procedures and suggested criteria for consideration is available from the Rotary Office or by email request to the Executive Director.

Awarded to:
 A distinguished member of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque, in good standing, who has provided continuous time, talent and resources in support of the ideals of Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Albuquerque:

• Consideration of “Service above self” to the Rotary Club of Albuquerque and the community that is far “above and beyond” what would normally be expected of an active member of the RCA
• Consideration of Rotary Members of an esteemed career, position within a company or position within the community who have, because of their position, provided talent, resources or other assistance to further the ideals of Rotary or the vision, goals and objectives of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque above and beyond what would normally be expected of a Rotarian in this position
• A member of RCA may be considered for award after accumulating a total of 85 credits consisting of the cumulative value of a person’s age and RCA years of membership (minimum tenure 5 years)

Criteria for nominees of these prestigious awards  may include, but not be limited to or constrained by the following considerations:

• Constant distinguished service “above and beyond” the normal expectancies (attendance, dues paying, routine participation on committees/events) of a  member of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque
• Past awards as Rotarian of the Month, Quarter or Year
• Special Recognitions through Presidential Citations and Service Above Self Awards
• Club Leadership/Offices held (e.g.: President/Board of Directors)
• Committee Participation and Chairs of Committees
• Leadership in Fundraising and Special Events
• Participation in/Leadership of ad hoc special groups for special projects
• Continuous Sponsorship/Mentorship of new members
• Contributions of resources to Rotary International (Annual Foundation Sustaining Member, Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, Major Donor, Bequest Society, etc)
• Contributions of resources to the Albuquerque Rotary Charitable Foundation (Clinton P Anderson Fellow, Guardian Society Member, etc)
• Participation in events beyond the local club (District, International)
• District Leadership (Offices held/assistance provided)
• International Service and Leadership/Offices held/assistance provided
• Direct Community Involvement in significant areas as a member of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque
• Participation in rotary community projects or fundraising activity that contributes to Rotary ideals
• Continuous assistance to the RCA through position in the business, non-profit or political community to assist in accomplishing the vision, goals and objectives of the RCA.
• Positions on Community/Business Boards of Directors as a member of the Rotary Club of Albuquerque
• Other criteria as deemed appropriate, but subjectively, each possible candidate is so unique that further quantifying criteria are not feasible
• There are no minimum or maximum criteria to warrant nomination

Procedures:

• Determination of the Award of Living Legend or Lifetime Service Achievement will be by the RCA Award Committee
• The Committee membership will consist of the immediate three Past Presidents, President, and President Elect.  The current President may appoint other non-voting members as deemed necessary to assist or advise
• The Rotary Awards Committee will be chaired by the senior Past President (seniority determined by the most years of membership in the RCA).  
• The preferred method for nominating award candidates is from a RCA Club Member in good standing using the maximum of the criteria stated for this award and building the best support for nomination. 
• Endorsements from three other Rotarians are required.
• The nominee may be living or deceased
• The Award Committee will present the nominee for the particular award to the Board of Directors for approval, citing the criteria used to distinguish the Rotarian and attaching CV, other supporting documentation and endorsements for consideration.
• The Awards Committee will normally convene once a year to discuss eligible candidates for nomination. 
• Concerning the presentation of Awards, there are no defined minimum, maximum or occurrence requirements for nominees/recipients.
• Appropriate award ceremonies will be planned to integrate either within normal meetings or at special functions
• Suggested changes to this policy should be submitted through the Awards Committee
• This policy may be amended at any time by the RCA Award Committee as approved by the Board of Directors
• The Award Committee will be organized within the Special Projects Division of the Board of Directors for administrative purposes

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE RCA OFFICE IS MARCH 31, 2008

SUBMIT TO:
THE RCA OFFICE
PO Box 3807
ABQ, NM  87190

BEFORE March 31, 2008