YPN AWARDS

YPN Chapter 27 seeks to recognize members within the chapter for their individual accomplishments and leadership that strengthens the YMCA movement and our YPN chapter. We would ask that you please take the time to nominate one or more deserving individuals for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the YMCA and YPN in the past year.

This year’s recognition awards will be presented at our Conference on December 5-6, 2024. 

Nomination Process

Please pay attention to any criteria for award categories (time in service, YPN membership, etc). 

Nomination Form

Return the completed nomination form along with a brief narrative (100-200 words) detailing the individual’s accomplishments in the nominated category with consideration to factors such as:

• Exceeding Expectations 
• Staff & Volunteer Impact 
• Community Impact 
• Outcomes

The deadline for nominations is October 25, 2024.

The narratives are very important and are reviewed by the selection committee to determine award winners in each category.

VOLUNTEER FOR the Recognition Committee

Selection Process

• The President of YPN Chapter 27 appoints the Recognition Chair. The Chair appoints the selection committee to represent YPN members.  Members include board and non-board members, with a minimum of 5 members.
• Any current member of YPN can nominate any individual (including themselves) for awards for which they meet the criteria.
• The committee receives nominations, reviews the criteria and determines each award recipient. Direct supervisor and CEO for nominees are contacted prior to finalization of awards.
• Nominees may be selected for awards by the committee other than those nominated for, if they meet the criteria.
• All nominees will be notified by the Recognition Chair via phone call and email.
• Award recipients will be recognized during our 2024 Conference, December 5-6^th.
• The award recipient’s nominating member, direct supervisor and Association CEO/COO will also be notified of selection and invited to recognition event as a guest (if not already attending conference). Reservations are required for all attendees.
• The award recipient may invite up to 2 guests to attend the awards event as a guest of YPN Chapter Reservations are required.

Award Descriptions

• Cause Driven Leader - Healthy Living

Purpose: To recognize YMCA professionals who have inspired and mobilized staff, volunteers, members, and community partners to strengthen communities for all. 

Criteria: The nominee must have demonstrated a significant, measurable impact on healthy living within their Y community. Any full-time staff member is eligible regardless of time in service.

• Cause Driven Leader – Social Responsibility

Purpose: To recognize YMCA professionals who have inspired and mobilized staff, volunteers, members, and community partners to strengthen communities for all. 

Criteria: The nominee must have demonstrated a significant, measurable impact in social responsibility within their Y community. Any full-time staff member is eligible regardless of time in service.

• Cause Driven Leader – Youth Development 

Purpose: To recognize YMCA professionals who have inspired and mobilized staff, volunteers, members, and community partners to strengthen communities for all. 

Criteria: The nominee must have demonstrated a significant, measurable impact on youth development within their Y community. Any full-time staff member is eligible regardless of time in service.

• Rising Star (formerly Emerging Leader)

Purpose: To recognize new emerging leaders in the Y movement within their first 2 years of employment. 

Criteria: The nominee must be a new full-time employee of the YMCA for at least 6 months but no longer than 24 months. 

• Service Award 

Purpose: To recognize outstanding service to YPN on a local, regional, or national level.

Criteria: The nominee must have served in a leadership or support role in YPN.  Examples include participation in the YPN Board, Peer Communities, Employee Resource Groups, and other chapter committees.

• Legacy Award

Purpose: To recognize a YMCA professional who has chosen the YMCA as a lifetime career and has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field.

Criteria: The nominee must either be a current YPN member or have held YPN/AYP membership during their career. The nominee must have at least 20 years of YMCA service.  The nominee must either be employed by a YMCA or have tenure in good standing.

* This award is not awarded yearly, only as highly qualified nominations are submitted.

2023 Winners

Cause-Driven Leader 

Outstanding New Director

Outstanding Director 

Developing Others Award

Service Award

Rising Star Award (Formerly Emerging Leader Award)

Legacy Award