GSSDA Dance Leader Over & Above Award Program

Description

Anyone (Dancers, Dance Leaders, or the general public) may nominate a GSSDA Member Dance Leader for this award by submitting a written narrative describing why this Individual is deserving of recognition. This nomination is to be submitted to the GSSDA Board by the established deadline.

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Examples should be given about Dance Leader's voluntary participation in Community Festivals, Events, parades, etc. The narrative should describe how the Dance Leader increases the popularity and visibility of square dancing. The narrative should also explain how the Dance Leader goes over and above what is expected by participating in and supporting the community.

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A three-person committee, appointed by the GSSDA President and approved by the GSSDA Board, will select the winning GSSDA Member Dance Leader from among the nominations. This award is to be announced at the GSSDA Annual Convention. Only one award will be given per year. If the Committee does not receive enough nominations or determines that there are no deserving GSSDA Dance Leader Members, they (the Committee) may decide not to award the prize during that year. There is no requirement that the award be given every year.

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Nomination Deadline is 30 days prior to the GSSDA Annual Convention.

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Nomination narratives must be submitted to gssdapresident@gmail.com.

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Revised: 7/16/2024

FAQs

1. Where and when will the winner be announced?
   
   The Award recipient will be announced at the Annual GSSDA Convention. The name of the winner will remain confidential until the announcement at the convention. The winner will receive the award in person.
    

2. Is there a specific form for nominating a Dance Leader for this award?
   
   No, a simple narrative that points out why this specific Dance Leader is deserving of this award is all that is required.
    

3. Must I sign the award nomination, or can I remain anonymous?
   
   It is not necessary that the nomination narrative be signed but unless you specifically request anonymity your name may be announced and the document made public. If you specifically request anonymity the Committee will honor your request.
    

4. When is the deadline for nominations?
   
   The deadline for nominations is 30 days before the GSSDA Annual Convention.
    

5. How and where do I submit the narrative nomination?
   
   The nomination narrative must be emailed to gssdapresident@gmail.com on or before the deadline. The names of nominees will not be announced publicly until the annual convention.
    

6. I am not a square dancer or a member of a square dance club. Can I nominate a Dance Leader for this award?
   
   Anyone (Clubs, Dancers, Dance Leaders, or the general public) may nominate a Dance Leader for this award by submitting a written narrative describing why this Dance Leader is deserving of recognition.
    

7. Does the winner have to reside in GA?
   
   No! As long as the Dance Leader leads at least one dance in GA (per year) he/she is eligible to receive this award. However, it is difficult to envision how a dance leader that does not live in GA can be more involved in the GA community and outperform all the GA Dance Leaders in the other areas of consideration. Remember, this is not an evaluation of how good he/she is at their job.
    

8. What kinds of things should be included in the nominating narrative?
   
   Examples of questions that should be answered in a narrative include, but are not limited to, the following:
   
   - How often does the Dance Leader participate in and support the square dance community? (GSSDA Membership; volunteer at GSSDA Events; service on committees; visitation and actually dance at other Clubs, etc.)
   
   - How and how much does the Dance Leader participate in community events? (parades; festivals; fairs; celebrations, etc.)
   
   - How and how much does the Dance Leader support other community organizations? (feed the hungry; senior support programs; schools, etc.)
   
   - Does the Nominee project a positive image to the public, and how is this done? (demonstrations and entertainment at Civic Clubs; retirement communities; nursing homes; schools; speakers' bureau, etc.)
   
   - To what extent does the Nominee educate the community about the benefits of square dancing? (beginner lessons; youth programs; media coverage; speaker and/or presenter at local groups, etc.)
   
   - To what other organizations does the nominee belong and what committees and/or leadership roles does he/she serve?
   
   - What certifications, memberships, and other recognitions has the Nominee received? (Chamber of Commerce; Civic Clubs; Business Associations; Churches, etc.)

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Revised: 8/13/24

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