nominate a woman of distinction

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nominate a woman of distinction

In 2009, the YWCA will honour seven women leaders, one an exceptional young woman under the age of 25*, for their outstanding contributions to improving the lives of women and girls in their community.

* The Young Woman of Distinction Award includes a $3,000 grant from the Julia M. Ruby Fund at YWCA Toronto.

Nomination deadline: November 1, 2008
Nomination submissions: YWCA Toronto Attn: WOD Selection Committee 80 Woodlawn Ave. E. Toronto, ON M4T 1C1
For additional information contact: Kathleen O'Gorman, Event Specialist 416.961.8101 Ext. 318 website: www.womenofdistinction.ca email: kogorman [at] ywcatoronto.org or by fax to 416.961.7739 Nominate a Woman of Distinction who has improved the lives of other women and girls through contributions in areas such as:
Arts & Culture Business Communications Community Action Corporate Achievement Diversity Education Entrepreneurship Global Action Health & Welfare Leadership	National Leadership Philanthropy Professions Public Service Religion Science & Technology Social Justice Sports Volunteerism Women’s Rights

eligibility requirements

First and foremost, nominees must demonstrate a commitment to and advocacy for improving the lives of women and/or girls.
Nominees must live and /or work within the GTA but may have made their contributions to women and girls either within or beyond these boundaries.
Young Women of Distinction nominees must be 17-24 years of age as of November 1, 2007.
Current YWCA staff members are not eligible to be nominated for the award.
Nominations not submitted as per the Nomination Submission Guidelines may be disqualified.
Women currently holding a position in political office are not eligible for a Woman of Distinction Award nomination.

nomination submission guidelines:

Nominations must be submitted with a completed Nomination Form
Nominators may include a one-page letter of introduction and a maximum of two additional letters of support (one-page each).
Nominators must answer each of the five criteria questions and keep within the specified word counts. Young Woman of Distinction nominees must answer an additional sixth question.
All nomination material should be submitted on 8.5" x 11" white paper suitable for photocopying.
Please do not use staples, binders, protector sheets or page dividers.
No videos, books, CDs or other materials may be submitted.

selection process

The Selection Committee reviews all nominations and is comprised of Women of Distinction alumnae, members of YWCA Toronto and community representatives. Nominations are rated against the nomination criteria and the committee may contact nominees, nominators and supporters to confirm information. Selections are made in consideration of equity and balanced representation from various sectors. Award recipients must be able to attend the awards ceremony, and participate in pre-event media and promotion of the Awards.

The recommended slate of Award recipients is approved by YWCA Toronto's Board of Directors. All nominees and their nominators will be contacted no later than January 31, 2009. Nominations not selected in the given year are kept on file for consideration the following year.

The annual Women of Distinction Awards is YWCA Toronto’s largest fundraising event. Proceeds support the more than 30 programs and services provided by YWCA Toronto across the GTA.