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nominate a woman of distinction

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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 16-30 years of age as of November 1, 2009.  
• 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, 2010. Nominations not selected in the given year are kept on file for consideration the following year.

The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards is the YWCA’s most critical fundraising event, supporting more than 40 YWCA programs across Toronto, helping women and girls achieve equality, economic sustainability and lives free from violence.

Please answer the following five criteria questions, in essay format within the word counts specified.

1. How does your nominee demonstrate her commitment to and advocacy for improving the lives of women and/or girls? 
   400 words maximum
   25 points
2. Why is your nominee recognized as a Door Opener and/or Role Model?
   A Door Opener helps women to achieve greater independence & success in traditional and non-traditional careers; a Role Model leads by example, mentoring and educating.
   150 words maximum
   20 points
3. What impact has the leadership of your nominee had on other women and/or girls?
   150 words maximum
   20 points
4. How has your nominee broken new ground or old barriers? How has she been an agent for change in a particular environment or has she made an impact in her chosen field of endeavour?
   150 words maximum
   20 points
5. Give examples of how your nominee is committed to equity across barriers including gender, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, etc.
   150 words maximum
   15 points
   
   ** Additional question for Young Woman of Distinction Nominee:
6. Should you be selected, how would you use the $3,000 grant?
   the $3,000 grant from the Julia M. Ruby Fund must be used towards educational pursuits or opportunities that will enhance your capacity
   for future leadership.
   150 words maximum

TOTAL WORDS: 1,000
TOTAL POINTS: 100

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sponsor the awards
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nominate a woman of distinction
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