April next year Recognition of Excellence recipient photos along with chapter award photos will appear on the AYP web site.
CHAPTER AWARDS
Chapter recognition of its members is one of AYP's long-standing traditions. Though many include similar categories in their recognition program, some chapters have created special awards which are unique and meaningful only to their own members. The AYP program model does not in any way seek to replace any of these practices. Instead, it provides standards and management guidelines to enhance their quality.
Essential Elements of Chapter Recognition Programs
A Recognition Committee is commissioned to implement and manage the program.
Chapters should have a recognition committee of at least three members, including a chair who is member of the chapter board. Committee functions include the promotion and management of the chapter awards and recognition of excellence during the current triennium.
- Set specific criteria for each award and recognition.
Each award should have a written description and set of selection criteria that are distributed to all members. Such information should be included in any member education program or promotional efforts about chapter recognition opportunities.
NOTE: Every nominee should be a current AYP member.
- Opportunities for recognition by nomination are provided.
By having annual chapter awards and national recognitions of excellence, this essential element will be present in a chapter's recognition program.
- Evaluation of the program is conducted on a timely and effective basis.
Recognition program is evaluated regularly to provide continued opportunities for growth and recognition of its members. It is recommended, as a minimum, that chapters evaluate their recognition programs of at the start of each triennium.
- Ongoing process of member education for program.
The opportunities for and importance of recognition should be promoted with chapter members throughout the year. Promotion during chapter and board meetings, newsletters, special mailings, new member orientations should all be utilized.
- Award and promotional materials are of high quality and reflect AYP logo.
All award plaques & certificates should bear the AYP logo, which is available from the AYP National office.
- Recipients recognized at chapter meetings
Chapter recognition announcements and presentations should always be made in the venue that provides the recipients with the greatest exposure to the rest of the membership. An annual recognition event, usually conducted in the spring or fall, is ideal for this purpose.
- A permanent record of recognition recipients is maintained annually.
Such information helps build a chapter's history and tradition
Chapter Award Categories
Chapter awards involve a process of nomination, review of the nominations and selection by the Recognitions Committee, and a presentation of an appropriate memento to the recipient.
Chapters may develop as many categories of awards that they so desire. The important consideration should be that each one has special meaning to a chapter's own members.
The AYP member recognitions program does not include a pre-determined set of approved categories. However, there are four awards which are most frequently presented in AYP chapters:
Presented to a current member for outstanding service to AYP, the YMCA, and the community
Presented to a current member for outstanding and effective leadership in the chapter.
Presented to a current member for continuing innovation in program, financial, or volunteer leadership development in he YMCA. (Note: Chapters often set a minimum number of years of continuous YMCA employment as one criteria for selection.)
Presented to a current member (with less than 2 years, but more than 6 months, of continuous YMCA employment) for outstanding on-the-job achievements.
Nomination Process
The Chapter’s Recognition Committee should develop a broad-based process of nominations for chapter awards. This can best be accomplished by inviting nominations from all members; and not just a select-few. There is a direct correlation between the number of nominations received from the general membership and the amount of time spent on its education about the recognitions program during the preceding months. The more members value the chapter's recognition program, the greater their support for it and participation in the nominating process.
Keep nominations by members as simple as possible. As an example, one generic nominating form can be designed for use with any chapter award. The more user-friendly the actual nomination form is, the greater the likelihood of a member's participation in the process. Once a nomination is received, the Recognition Committee can always seek additional information through follow-up contact with the nominator.
Annual Recognition Event
Chapters are encouraged to plan and conduct their annual recognitions as a stand-alone event or in conjunction with one of their already scheduled meetings. The important thing is to make the presentations special and held at the same time each year. IMPORTANT: Recognition chairs are urged to notify all recipients, including Recognition of Excellence National Award recipients that they have been selected for an award to assure their attendance at these annual meetings.
Taking Photographs
The AYP web site will feature group photographs of chapter award recipients as well as individual photographs for the Recognition of Excellence awards. With 36 chapters throughout the country, it is only possible to have ONE group photograph per chapter. The Chapter chair or member of Recognition Committee is responsible for seeing that the group's photo is taken and submitted for publication.
Here is a list of photographic requirements and planning suggestions:
- Plan to take photo at the chapter annual recognitions event. IMPORTANT: only one group photo allowed per chapter - prior notification of recipients is critical
- Recent color photograph against a neutral background
-
- Highest resolution possible (dpi) in a tif format; if jpeg is used do not reduce photo prior to sending
-
- Individual should be a head and shoulder shot; group photos should be as close to subjects as possible while including all. Arrange recipients in rows if necessary.
-
- Horizontal orientation
-
- Award recipients only holding plaques or awards if possible.
- Left to right identification with all of the following information: Name, Award, YMCA they represent, State
-
- Please submit photos to the AYP office by January 31st of the following year.
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Introduction – The new AYP Recognition of Excellence Awards consist of four YMCA career tenure categories, each with an “administration” and “program” sub-category component. The “administration” sub-category is for specialized corporate staff such as HR, IT, Finance, Financial Development, Facility Management as well as Branch/Associate Executives, Vice Presidents, and CEOs.
The eight awards will be presented annually at the discretion of the AYP Member Services Committee. In addition to the individual selection criteria, all of the awards have the following nomination requirements:
- Nominees must be a current AYP member
- Nominees must be a present/past chapter award recipient
- All nominations must be submitted by the respective AYP Chapters
- The deadline for submission of nominations is December 31 st
- Nomination forms must be filled out completely
- A supervisor’s signature is required on all nomination forms
John Wanamaker Award – less than 3 years of YMCA service
This award honors John Wanamaker, the first full-time YMCA employee who went on to become one of the most successful businessmen of the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries.
The award recognizes YMCA professionals who have achieved administrative or program excellence early in their YMCA career. Their achievements serve as a model for professionals beginning their YMCA work.
- Exemplifies YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
- Strong advocate of the YMCA Mission
- Outstanding on-the-job achievements
- Recognized as a “rising star” among their peers
William A. Hunton Award – 3-10 years of YMCA service
This award honors William Hunton, the first black secretary of the colored men’s department of the YMCA International Committee. Hunton, the son of a slave who had purchased his own freedom, was born and educated in Canada . The award recognizes YMCA professionals that have demonstrated significant success and innovation in administrative or program achievement, financial management, volunteer development and/or mission impact within the YMCA.
- 3+ years of continuous AYP membership
- Member of AYP Chapter Board or committee
- YMCA Director certification
- Exemplifies YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
- Strong advocate of the YMCA Mission
- Notable excellence in administrative or program development, implementation and management
- Presence has made a positive impact on the local Y and it’s members
Ellen Brown Award – 10-24 years of YMCA service
This award honors Ellen Brown; the first female YMCA staff employee was hired in 1886 as the boy’s work secretary at the Buffalo , New York YMCA. The award recognizes YMCA professionals that have demonstrated significant success and innovation in administrative or program achievement, financial management, volunteer development and/or mission impact within the YMCA or their local community.
- 10+ years of continuous AYP membership
- Leadership position(s) on AYP Chapter and/or National Board
- YMCA Senior Director certification
- Exemplifies YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
- Strong advocate of the YMCA Mission
- Significant administrative or program development, implementation, and management resulting in a major positive impact on the Association, local community and/or YMCA peers
- Recognized as a leader in the community
J. Robert Knight Award – 25+ years of YMCA service
This award honors J. Robert Knight, former AYP ( AOS ) National Board President, and former President of the North American Fellowship of YMCA Retirees (NAFYR), first full-time AYP ( APD ) National Executive, and a member of the YMCA Hall of Fame. The award recognizes YMCA professionals that have demonstrated, throughout their YMCA career, a significant contribution in the professional development of others as a teacher, coach or mentor while exhibiting a legacy of noteworthy success in administrative or program operations, financial management, volunteer development and/or mission impact within the YMCA or their local community.
- 20+ years of continuous AYP membership
- Leadership position(s) on national AYP board and/or committee
- YMCA Senior Director certification
- Exemplifies YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
- Strong advocate of the YMCA Mission
- Outstanding career-long service/achievement in AYP, the YMCA and their community
- Legacy member of the YMCA profession – made contributions to the broader YMCA movement; had a positive influence on the next generation of YMCA leaders.
Forms can be downloaded at the AYP website: www.aypymca.org
- Questions regarding the recognition process may be directed to the AYP Executive Office, care of
- Donna DeGroff, (401) 604-0035 or donna@aypymca.org
National Awards
Introduction
As part of AYP’s member recognition program the Association presents three National Awards at each National Conference, which recognize individuals for their major and career-long contributions to AYP and/or the YMCA. The nominations and selection process for these awards is managed by the Leadership Development Committee of the AYP National Board. A fourth award, recognizing Meritorious Service, may be bestowed as well. Lastly, the Communications Committee of the AYP National Board also presents a Cameron Award for Excellence in Writing (Perspective) to a selected AYP active member. A description of each of these awards is in the following paragraphs.
National Award Descriptions
Kuenzli- Hall Award
The Kuenzli-Hall Award recognizes an AYP member's outstanding career and accomplishments as a YMCA professional, especially in the development of others. Recipients must have clearly demonstrated an interest in and contribution to the growth of colleagues; be known for achievements which are recognized as national in scope; and embody the qualities of excellence, leadership and professional maturity found in the lives and careers of G. Gary Kuenzli and Dr. Lawrence K. Hall.
G. Gary Kuenzli: Gary Kuenzli spent his entire career in the Los Angeles YMCA system, beginning as a program director in 1960 and retiring as the Metropolitan Vice-President/MRC Director in 1994. During his 34 years with the Y, he combined personal and professional skills as a trainer, writer, organizer and documentarian. His many articles in Perspective and other publications, monographs, manuals and training designs are still widely used in YMCAs throughout the country. His impact on the development of both individuals and organizations was well known and respected. Gary was an outstanding volunteer leader in AYP, serving as its National President for the 1988-90 triennium and as the Vice-President of the former national administration section. He is also the only member to ever chair two national AYP conferences (1983 and 1991).
Dr. Lawrence K. Hall: Lawrence K. Hall started his career in 1912 as a teacher and school superintendent for two years before becoming a YMCA professional. After completing a World Service tour in China , he was brought back to Springfield College as the Director of the Group Work Program and as the Director of the YMCA training program on campus, the latter position he held until 1943. Hall authored numerous books and articles in the profession, and was one of the outstanding and effective leaders in the early development of the Association of Professionals ( AOS ), a forerunner to AYP. In 1943, he was appointed Director of the Association Press, a position he held until he retired. Upon retirement in 1952, Hall was appointed as the first Executive Secretary of AOS on a part-time basis - a position he held until the autumn of 1957. His service to the YMCA as one of its key thinkers marks him as one of the true “greats” in the YMCA profession.
Roberts-Gulick Memorial Award
The Roberts-Gulick Memorial Award recognizes an AYP member’s distinguished leadership, service and noteworthy contribution to the field of YMCA Physical Education, Healthy Lifestyles and Youth Sports. Created in 1930 by the Physical Education Society, it was named in honor of Robert J. Roberts and Dr. Luther H. Gulick. Recipients must be known for achievements which are recognized as national in scope and impact; have clearly demonstrated a contribution to physical education, health, wellness, and youth sports program development; and embody the qualities of excellence, leadership and professional maturity found in the lives and careers of Robert J. Roberts and Dr. Luther H. Gulick.
Robert J.Roberts: In 1875, Robert J. Roberts was employed by the Boston YMCA and thereby became the first full-time YMCA Physical Director in the country. This "mighty mite" was renowned for his athletic prowess and feats of strength and coined the phrase "body-building." His major contributions to YMCA Physical Education included the organization of the first Leaders Club, a program concept that has endured for over one hundred years. In addition, Roberts was the initial proponent of the philosophy that a successful physical program must be safe, short, easy, beneficial and pleasing.
Luther H. Gulick: Dr. Luther H. Gulick was the first Director of the Physical Training Department at the YMCA Training School at Springfield , MA . Among his many contributions was the design of the YMCA triangle and its representation of the Spirit, Mind, and Body. He also laid the foundation upon which present physical education programs are built; and was the first to develop a scientific approach to physical education. Truly a pioneer in the development of the early YMCA, Gulick's vast volume of work still impacts today’s Y.
A.G. Knebel Award
The A.G. Knebel Award recognizes an AYP member's distinguished leadership, service and noteworthy contribution to the field of YMCA program work. Created in 1979 by the National Program Section, the award was named in honor of Aaron G. Knebel, a well-known and influential YMCA Secretary in the early 1900's. Recipients must be known for active involvement and career-long achievements, related to the field of YMCA program services that are national in scope and impact; and recognized for direct or indirect contributions in the area of program development.
Aaron G. Knebel: Aaron G. Knebel had a long and varied YMCA career, which lasted forty-seven years. He began his work in Corsicana , TX in 1891 and later moved to Charleston , SC where he served as the General Secretary for five years. Knebel became the State Secretary of the Carolinas and served for three years until he joined the National YMCA staff in 1903. While at National, he was a Railroad Secretary, Personnel Executive during World War I, and Regional Executive after the war. In 1930, Knebel was named General Secretary for the Cleveland, OH YMCA, where he served until his death in 1938. He was a frequent contributor to Forum (forerunner to Perspective) and author of the book, Four Decades with Men and Boys.
Meritorious Service Award
Bestowed at the discretion of the AYP National Board, the Meritorious Service Award recognizes an AYP member or YMCA volunteer for dedicated service, leadership, and outstanding contributions to the Association or YMCA Movement. Because of its special nature, nominations may be made directly to the AYP National Board Chair at any time.
Selection process :
Nominations for the four awards listed above will be solicited through a variety of sources (National Board members, chapter presidents, and other AYP leaders — past and present).
The National Board’s Leadership Development Committee screens nominees and selects recipients for ratification by the Board. Special consideration will be given to individuals who have been active members of AYP throughout their YMCA career.
The recipients are announced and honored at the AYP National Conference and featured in the annual recognitions March “Book of Lists” issue of Perspective.
Cameron Award for Excellence in Writing
Presented during national conference years, the Cameron Award for Excellence in Writing recognizes the YMCA Professional whose Perspective article is judged to be the best of the year based on high-quality writing, impact on the profession and original, challenging thinking. Selection is made by the Communications Committee which includes Perspective's editor. The recipient is announced and honored at the AYP National Conference and featured in Perspective.
William E. Cameron: At the time of his retirement from the YMCA profession in 2003, Bill Cameron was a consultant on the staff of the YMCA of the USA serving Ys in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware . Previously, he was senior vice president and Management Resource Center director for the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity. Before joining the Philadelphia staff Bill was executive director of the Main Line YMCA in Ardmore , PA and executive director of the North Penn YMCA in Lansdale , PA. Bill could have been a professional writer; his style made reading a treat. But just as important as Bill’s style were his thoughts. It isn’t difficult to find excellent writers, but it is difficult to find great thinkers who happen to be excellent writers. Bill was the latter. He also had the special talent of sometimes dispensing bitter medicine to Perspective’s readers, yet making it easy to swallow. In 2000, he received AYP’s Kuenzli-Hall Award, which recognizes outstanding career and professional accomplishments, especially in the development of others.
Questions regarding the recognition process may be directed to the AYP Executive Office, care of
- Donna DeGroff, (401) 604-0035 or donna@aypymca.org
Recognition of Excellence - Click for Nomination forms pdf format
Click here for Word format Nomination forms
National Awards - Click link for forms
National Awards - Click link for list of award winners
