by Nola Webb McKinney
It’s that time of year again: time to plan for the 2004 convention awards. This year it’s Nola Webb McKinney seeking all those great nominations for the four individual and two affiliate awards. So put aside those new year’s resolutions and start writing a nomination letter that will bring lasting feelings of pride and inspiration to all of us in ACB.
The Robert S. Bray Award is given in honor of the first director of what is now the National Library Service. This award is given periodically to a person who has made a contribution for improving NLS technology or a communication device or expanding access for blind people. It can be given to someone who makes opportunities through the mainstream media.
The George Card Award is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to work for blind people and making a real difference, someone whose leadership has improved the quality of life and has been a positive role model.
The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is given in recognition of a blind person who may or may not be a member of a blindness organization. This person spent his life integrating with the community.
The Distinguished Service Award is periodically given to individuals who have made important contributions which have advanced opportunities for the blind community. This award can be given to an individual or an organization.
The Affiliate Growth Award is based on the greatest increase in memberhip determined by the 2003-2004 membership reports.
The Affiliate Outreach Award is a special award based on a recommendation of a state president, usually to recognize a local chapter for a program. This program may not be a fund-raiser, but one that has been outstanding in their area, a program that has had a measurable outcome.
All of these awards are worthy of your attention, so please give them some serious thought. Submit your letters of nomination by March 15, 2004. Please send them to the national office marked “Attention: Awards Committee.” You know someone who is deserving of one of these awards. Your effort in nominating them will give us all lasting memories of appreciation. Give me and my committee lots of letters to choose from.