Overview
The Community Award celebrates British Columbians who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others. It honours individuals who devote their time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, healthy and inclusive.
Categories
The nominee’s contributions must have taken place in British Columbia either through volunteer or professional work in areas including, but not limited to:
- Arts and Culture
- Business Innovation
- Civic Duty/Public Service
- Communications/Media
- Education
- Environment/Conservation
- Healthcare
- Multiculturalism
- Science & Technology
- Sports and Recreation
- Volunteer Service
- Youth or Seniors' Leadership
Why Nominate
The Award program provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the transformative efforts of individuals who raise the quality and character of their community and, in doing so, inspire others to do the same.
Who is Eligible
- Any current or former long-term resident of British Columbia is eligible
- Posthumous or self-nominations are not eligible
- Elected representatives are not eligible for nominations while they hold office
- Nominations of groups (three or more people) or organizations are not eligible
Selection of Awardees
An independent jury panel of community leaders from throughout British Columbia reviews the nominations and selects the awardees. The decision of the independent jury is final.
Recognition of Awardees
Awardees are recognized at a formal ceremony in the spring at Government House in Victoria. The Lieutenant Governor and a representative of the BC Achievement Foundation are invited to present the awardees with the Community Award Medallion, designed by Robert Davidson, along with a certificate, lapel pin and letter from the Premier of BC recognizing their achievements.
Dates to Remember:
- October 1, 2019 – Nominations OPEN
- January 31, 2020 – Nominations CLOSE
All nominations must be submitted online by January 31, 2020 (all materials must be received by 11:59 pm).
Complete the online Nomination form and submit the following information:
A Nomination Letter from the nominator detailing the contributions of the nominee and reasons for the nomination (500 word maximum).
- A brief ‘Biography’ statement about the nominee (500 word maximum); it should include an outline/summary of the nominee’s background information as it relates to the nomination; or a copy of the nominee’s resume).
- Two Letters of Support for the nominee from other individuals or organizations that describe the value and impact of the nominee’s contributions.
- Optional: include up to a maximum of five additional documents about the nominee (i.e. letters, awards, newspaper clippings, YouTube & website links, etc.).
Visit Resources (*create a link to Resources page) to download the guide for the Community Award program, “Tips for a Compelling Nomination”
Please note:
- All nominations are valid for three years including the first year of nomination and two subsequent years and should be updated annually throughout the process.
- Nominations are kept confidential between the nominator and BC Achievement.
- Nominees are notified only if selected for an award.
1. What should be said in a Nomination Letter?
The Nomination Letter should be expansive about the contributions of the nominee; the length of time the nominee has contributed; and how important the contribution is to the community. Please visit our Resources page for additional tips.
2. To whom should Nomination and Letters of Support be addressed?
Letters should be addressed to the Selection Committee.
3. What should a letter of support contain?
A letter of support should indicate: the relationship between the author and the nominee and the length of the relationship; details about the nominator’s knowledge of the nominee’s contribution and their impact on the community.
4. Can more than two letters of support be submitted?
The nominator has the option to submit additional documents (up to a maximum of five).
5. Are congratulatory letters from other programs accepted in the nomination package?
Other congratulatory letters may be included as additional material but they may not serve as letters of support. Letters of support must be current and be specific to the nomination for the Community Award.
6. Is a nomination package considered for more than one year?
Yes. Submitted nomination packages begin a three-year program, during which time the information can be reviewed by up to three juries. Nominators are given the opportunity to update their nomination each year prior to review by the independent jury panel.
7. Are contributions that occur outside of British Columbia recognized?
The Community Award is designed for contributions made in British Columbia.
8. Should the nominator tell the nominee about the nomination?
Generally, the nominee is not told of the nomination though in some cases it happens when the nominator requires biographical information, for example, from the nominee.
9. When are awardees notified and where are the names of the awardees published?
Awardees are notified by mid-September. Their names are published on BC Achievement’s website and social media channels.
10. Is it possible to nominate a group or organization?
These awards are designed to recognize individuals or two-person partnerships. Nominations of groups (3+ people) are not eligible.
