Nomination Details

Women of Distinction Awards:
Call for Nominations will open on January 16, 2012

Please Note: We will be changing some of the Award categories and their criteria. This will assist you in identifying the best category for your nominee. Please check back after December 15 for updates.

Values Statement
The YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards encourages nominations that showcase individuals who are driving positive change for women and girls, either directly or by example. Activities and achievements of all potential nominees must align with the YWCA’s values. The candidate’s participation in employment, recreation or special interests encapsulate the spirit of women’s equality as outlined in YWCA Metro Vancouver’s mission and vision.

Eligible nominees must:
a. Live and work (individuals) or operate (businesses and organizations) within the Metro Vancouver region bounded by and including Hope, Pemberton, Sunshine Coast and the United States border
b. Satisfy each of the seven Nomination Criteria for their award category as listed below
c. Consent, in writing, to the nomination and the publication of her/their name, photo and information.
d. Attend the photo shoot on either Wednesday, April 4 or Thursday, April 5
e. Be available to attend the Awards reception and dinner on Thursday, May 24
f. For the Young Woman of Distinction category, be 18-25 years of age as of March 5, 2012
g. Satisfy the YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Values Statement (above)
h. Participate in the Connecting the Community Award (individuals only)

Nomination Criteria – Businesses & Organizations
Innovative Workplace supports the wellness and diverse needs of its employees by:

1. Being a leader and role model in workplace practices
2. Being progressive and responsive to employee needs, including work/life balance
3. Supporting employee volunteerism and community initiatives
4. Promoting healthy lifestyles for employees
5. Providing fair compensation
6. Fostering professional development and mentorship
7. Supporting the advancement and success of women

Nomination Criteria – Individuals
A Woman of Distinction inspires others. She has achieved outstanding success in her field by:

1. Being a leader and role model
2. Breaking new ground or old barriers
3. Participating actively as a volunteer
4. Guiding, supporting and encouraging the development of others
5. Showing vision, creativity and initiative
6. Making a sustained commitment and significant difference
7. Being respected by her community for her contributions

How do I make a nomination?
Complete all steps on the nomination form, including:

Step 1: Nominee and Nominator information
Step 2: Summary of Nomination (120 words maximum)
Step 3: Nomination Criteria (300 words maximum for each of the seven criteria)
Step 4: Letters of support (3 letters maximum)
Step 5: Supplemental materials (optional – 3 pages maximum)
Step 6: Submit the Nomination Form and all additional material by Monday, March 5 at 5:30pm

How are the nominees and recipients chosen?
The Nominations Committee reviews all submissions for completeness and eligibility. All accepted nominations are forwarded to an independent Judging Panel. The Nominations Committee and Judging Panel reserve the right to withhold an award in any category. The YWCA reserves the right to move nominees into another category if it is deemed suitable. All nominees will be advised in writing of the eligibility of their application by April 1.

How are the nominees recognized?
Nominees and award recipients will be honoured at the Awards reception and dinner held at The Westin Bayshore in Vancouver on May 24. Award recipients are announced at the dinner. Tickets for guests will be available April 3 from YWCA Metro Vancouver.

Connecting the Community Award (individuals only)

All individual nominees are eligible for the Connecting the Community Award. It is the only Award determined by an online vote.

Each nominee will choose one of the following YWCA program areas to support:

• Early learning and care for children
• Reducing child poverty
• Safe and affordable housing
• Healthy choices for youth
• Preventing violence against women

The online vote will be open April 24 – May 22. Nominees are encouraged to use social media to promote their nomination and votes. The nominee with the most votes will receive the Connecting the Community Award and Scotiabank will donate $10,000 to the YWCA program area of her choice. www.ywcavan.org/vote

For further information:
email distinction@ywcavan.org or call 604 895 5768