Fill Out Your Service Above Self Award Form

What is the Service Above Self Award?

The Service Above Self Award is Rotary's highest honor, recognizing Rotarians who exemplify the motto "Service Above Self" through their volunteer efforts. This prestigious award is granted globally to no more than 150 Rotarians each year, ensuring that only the most dedicated individuals are acknowledged for their commitment to service.

Who can nominate someone for the award?

Nominations can only be submitted by specific leaders within Rotary, including current district governors, immediate past district governors, RI directors, and past RI directors. This structured process helps ensure that only the most deserving candidates are put forth for consideration.

How many nominees can I submit?

A nominator may submit as many as three separate nominations. It is crucial to use a separate nomination form for each individual you wish to nominate, as this allows each candidate's contributions to be evaluated independently.

What information is required on the nomination form?

The nomination form requires detailed information about both the nominee and the nominator. For the nominee, you will need to fill in their last name, first name, classification, Rotary club, district, country, member ID, and the number of years of Rotary membership. As a nominator, your role must be indicated, and you will provide your contact information such as address, phone number, and email.

What criteria must a nominee meet to be considered for the award?

To be eligible for the Service Above Self Award, a nominee must have demonstrated a consistent commitment to humanitarian service through Rotary. It's important to note that the award is not based solely on performance in Rotary positions or financial contributions to the Foundation. Emphasis is placed on hands-on service and a genuine desire to help others.

Are there any restrictions on who can be nominated?

Yes, there are specific restrictions. You cannot nominate yourself or close family members, such as your spouse, child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent. Additionally, certain Rotarians targeted for leadership positions, such as district governors or RI directors, are ineligible for nomination.

When is the nomination form due?

The completed nomination form must be submitted to Rotary International by the close of business on October 1st. It can be sent via email to riawards@rotary.org or mailed to the dedicated mailing address for Service Support and Awards at Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois.

The Service Above Self Award form is critical for recognizing the exceptional contributions of Rotarians. Several common mistakes can lead to the form being improperly filled out, which may hinder a deserving nominee's chance of receiving this prestigious honor. It is important to be aware of these pitfalls.

First, a frequent error involves failing to comprehend the eligibility criteria. Many nominators overlook the specified exclusions, such as nominating oneself or family members. Nominees must be active Rotarians in good standing, and understanding this upfront is essential. Ignoring these guidelines can result in automatic disqualification.

Second, nominators sometimes neglect to use a separate form for each nominee. If multiple nominees are put on a single form, it may lead to confusion and likely result in processing delays. Each nomination requires its own documentation to ensure a clear and concise evaluation of each candidate.

Third, a common mistake is the omission of sufficient detail in the long-answer questions. The form specifically requests that the case for nomination is made through thoughtful and thorough responses. Failing to elaborate on the nominee's qualifications may not adequately demonstrate their contributions, leaving the nomination weak and potentially rejected.

Fourth, nominators often forget to include their own contact information or provide illegible details. This omission can hinder communication between Rotary International and the nominator if further information is required. Clear and accurate contact information is essential for maintaining a smooth nomination process.

Fifth, many nominators do not adhere to the submission deadline. The nomination must be submitted by the close of business on October 1. Missing this deadline can completely eliminate the nominee’s chances of recognition, so timely submission is critical.

Finally, attaching additional materials or supporting documents is a mistake. The nomination form explicitly states not to include any extra documents. Reliance on supplemental materials can detract from the main submission, as the focus should remain on the responses provided in the designated areas of the form.

In summary, understanding eligibility criteria, utilizing separate forms for each nominee, providing detailed responses, ensuring accurate contact information, adhering to submission deadlines, and avoiding attachments are crucial for a successful nomination process. By avoiding these mistakes, nominators can better advocate for their candidates deserving of the Service Above Self Award.

The Service Above Self Award is a prestigious recognition within the Rotary community, honoring Rotarians who exemplify the spirit of service. When submitting a nomination, it’s often necessary to accompany this form with additional documentation that supports the nomination process. Below are some essential forms and documents that are frequently used in conjunction with the Service Above Self Award form.

• Rotarian Profile Form: This document provides a detailed account of the nominee's Rotary involvement, including positions held, service projects participated in, and contributions made to enhance the community through Rotary.
• General Biography Template: A brief summary that captures the nominee’s personal and professional background. This template helps highlight achievements and experiences in a concise manner.
• Nomination Letter: A formal letter written by the nominator, expressing the reasons for the nominee's consideration. This letter should outline specific examples of the nominee’s service and contributions to Rotary and the community.
• Endorsement Letters: Letters from other Rotary members, community leaders, or organizations can strengthen the nomination. These letters should affirm the nominee's contributions and align with the values of the Service Above Self Award.

These documents collectively create a compelling case for the nominee, showcasing their dedication and service to the community. Preparing these materials thoughtfully can significantly enhance the nomination’s impact.

Below are five documents that share similarities with the Service Above Self Award form. Each document serves a distinct purpose, but they all involve nominations or recognitions in a structured format.

• Volunteer Recognition Nomination Form: This form allows individuals to nominate community volunteers for an award. Like the Service Above Self Award, it requires information about the nominee's contributions and impact, emphasizing volunteer work and community service.
• Employee of the Month Nomination Form: This document is used within organizations to recognize outstanding employees. Similar to the Service Above Self Award form, it asks for details about the nominee’s achievements and contributions within their role, stressing the importance of service and dedication.
• Academic Scholarship Application: This form is intended for students seeking financial assistance for education. It resembles the Service Above Self Award form in that it requires detailed personal and academic information, along with references and essays demonstrating the applicant's community involvement and service ethic.
• Award for Excellence in Education Nomination Form: Schools or educational organizations may use this form to highlight exceptional educators. Like the Service Above Self Award, it focuses on the nominee's impact on students and the community, requiring detailed descriptions of the nominee's service and teaching philosophy.
• Outstanding Leadership Award Nomination Form: This form is dedicated to recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their community or organization. It parallels the Service Above Self Award form by soliciting information on the nominee's leadership experiences and community contributions that embody the principle of serving others.

When filling out the Service Above Self Award form, there are crucial dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure that your nomination is effective and adheres to the award's requirements.

• Do provide clear and concise information about your nominee.
• Do focus on specific examples of your nominee's service activities.
• Do use a separate form for each nominee you wish to submit.
• Do ensure that the nomination is submitted by the specified deadline.
• Do explain how the nominee embodies the motto "Service Above Self."

• Don't attach any additional materials or supporting documents.
• Don't nominate yourself or any close family members.
• Don't exceed the maximum of three nominations.
• Don't rely solely on financial contributions to justify the nomination.
• Don't submit the nomination without your signature and date.

Many people may have misunderstandings about the Service Above Self Award nomination form. Here are four common misconceptions explained.

• Only high-ranking officials can nominate candidates. While nominations can only come from district governors and past officers, many individuals believe that only high-ranking members can submit. In reality, anyone in these specific roles can highlight the contributions of outstanding Rotarians.
• Financial contributions are a way to qualify nominees. Some may think that simply donating money to Rotary projects qualifies a Rotarian for this award. However, the nomination focuses on humanitarian service and actual volunteering efforts, not just financial support.
• You can nominate yourself or family members. There is a misconception that self-nominations are acceptable. In fact, you cannot nominate yourself or family members, including spouses, children, or grandparents. This rule ensures the integrity of the nomination process.
• The award can be received posthumously. Many people assume that even if a Rotarian passes away, they can still be recognized. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The Service Above Self Award cannot be awarded posthumously, emphasizing the importance of ongoing contributions during a nominee's lifetime.

The Service Above Self Award honors Rotarians who exemplify the spirit of volunteering and community service. Filling out the nomination form requires attention to detail and an understanding of the criteria involved. Here are some key takeaways to consider:

• Eligibility Criteria: Only certain individuals can nominate candidates, including district governors and past RI directors. Self-nominations or nominations of family members are not allowed.
• One Nominee per Form: Each credible nominee must be submitted using a separate nomination form. Do not combine nominees on the same submission.
• Highlight Humanitarian Service: Focus on the candidate’s ongoing humanitarian work. It's crucial to illustrate how they actively serve others through Rotary activities.
• Responses Over Attachments: Instead of extra documents or letters, your responses to the detailed questions on the form carry the most weight. Make your arguments compelling in the spaces provided.
• Submit on Time: Ensure all nominations are sent before the deadline of 1 October. Timely submissions can be via email or traditional mail.
• International Recognition: This award is competitive globally, with only up to 150 recipients each year. Your nominee will be part of an elite group if selected.
• Notification Process: Rotary International will inform the district governor of each nominated Rotarian, enhancing transparency throughout the selection process.
• No Financial Contributions Considered: Nominations that highlight financial donations alone will not be accepted. Active participation in humanitarian efforts is necessary.
• Understand the Award’s Focus: The award is not about the nominee's roles within Rotary but rather their passion for service and community support.
• Member ID Importance: Be sure to include the nominee's Rotary member ID number, as this detail aids in validating their membership and contributions.

Taking the time to carefully consider these points can make all the difference in the nomination process. Highlighting true dedication to the motto of Service Above Self is key to making a nomination stand out.