Since 1985, the Kiwanis International Foundation has annually sought to honor an individual, organization, or agency that contributes to or enhances the quality of life for a significant number of people in a significant way. In the past, honorees of the Kiwanis World Service Medal, one of the pre-eminent recognitions of its kind by any service organization, have included Mother Teresa, who ministered to the sick, the orphaned and dying children of the world; Nancy Reagan, who battled drug abuse; and Rosalynn Carter, for her work with Every Child by Two.
Around the world, there are many individuals, organizations and agencies doing wonderful work that warrants recognition, so it is time again to ask your help to identify those whose dedication to serving the needs of children is deserving of the prestigious international award.
The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2008, so, please, act quickly. Please review the following procedures and criteria governing the Kiwanis World Service Medal, and then provide the information requested and attach supporting materials, exhibits, and endorsements that might help demonstrate why you believe your nominee should receive the Kiwanis World Service Medal.
Candidates may be nominated by a:
- Kiwanis club
- Past medal recipient
- Service agency or organization with the endorsement of a Kiwanis club.
The Kiwanis International Board makes final selection and no more than one recipient per year will be honored, though a medal is not necessarily awarded every year.
The Kiwanis World Service Medal is presented at the Kiwanis International Convention, which will be in Nashville, Tennessee, in June 2009. Travel expenses are paid by Kiwanis International. No fixed monetary award is attached to the medal; however, each year the Kiwanis International Foundation has chosen to award the medal and a $10,000 grant to assist the honoree in continuing their service work.
The Medal may be awarded to an individual or to an organization when no one person can be identified as primarily responsible for the service activity being honored. The medal honors service that enhances the quality of life and potential of young children or youth and benefits a significant number in a substantial way. Priority will be given to service activities that are international in scope.
The recipient's service involvement should provide an inspiring example to others, and the service itself must be actual, not merely the espousal of a position or philosophy. The recipient may be involved in service as a volunteer, or may be exercising professional skills to benefit others in ways that sacrifice personal gain and exemplify outstanding dedication beyond ordinary requirements of employment or professional duty.
Please send nominations to:
WORLD SERVICE MEDAL, KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
3636 WOODVIEW TRACE, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46268 U.S.A.
ATTENTION: JOEDY ISERT
For more information, please visit kif.kiwanis.org/grants/wsm.asp, or call 317-217-6171 for additional information or guidance.
Posted
Nov 18 2008, 03:41 PM
by
Curtis Billue