The SAMMI Award Foundation has revamped its nomination and recognition processes for the new SAMMI season, eliminating the individual winners from future ceremonies and reducing the number of categories from 10 categories down to five, (not including the Founders' Award).
SAMMI Award Foundation Executive Director Kristina Williams said the foundation aims to recognize all who contribute so much to the community, and move away from selecting one winner from multiple nominees in each category. In the past, she said, some of the nominees, especially youths, who didn't win, have expressed the view that they "lost," and the foundation prefers to uplift all those deserving of recognition for their service.
The board also decided to make the nomination process more streamlined to encourage the community to participate, with fewer questions on the form. Once the nominations are received (the deadline to nominate someone for a SAMMI is Dec. 1, 2012) they will be reviewed by a nomination qualification committee, to ensure they meet the criteria set forth. They then will be considered qualified nominees, and recognized at the annual awards ceremony.
The revamp eliminates the separate business, arts, Trevor Price, learning promotion, and youth advocate awards, and introduces a new category called "Circle of Service."
2013 SAMMI Categories
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CIRCLE OF SERVICE: a person who displays, through years of service, a longstanding commitment to volunteerism and community involvement, inspiring others to give back, completing the Circle of Service.
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COMMUNITY SPIRIT: a person (18 yrs. or older) who displays the highest level of volunteer commitment to the community by selflessly giving of their time and talents.
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COURAGE: a person who overcomes obstacles, goes beyond expectations and displays acts of selflessness in their service to others in our community.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: a person who volunteers their resources and/or time advocating or working to protect our natural environment.
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YOUTH SPIRIT: a youth (17 yrs. or younger) who shows a passion for helping others, volunteering in our community and setting a positive example.
From the SAMMI Foundation:
The SAMMI Awards Foundation is excited to increase the number of local volunteers being recognized! The yearly celebration of volunteers will move from a competition-based event to an expansive recognition event, in line with the Foundation’s mission of celebrating and promoting community involvement. In addition, a cross-section of SAMMI volunteer stories within each category will be shared during the onstage production. The stories highlighted at the event on March 15, 2013, at Eastridge Church will represent a range of volunteer service and will be a surprise to all those in attendance!
For over a decade, the Foundation has been gathering the community and sharing stories of inspiration through the hard work of volunteer committees and with the generous sponsorship by individuals, businesses and community partners. The Board of Directors wishes to thank all those who have volunteered over the years and have provided ongoing feedback on the relevance of the organization and improving its structure and process. The Foundation is honored to return to its roots of - Sammamish Acknowledging Magnificent Moments of Inspiration.
Who has inspired you? Who has made a difference in the quality of life in Sammamish? To thank them for their inspiration and contributions, nominate them for a SAMMI today at www.sammiawards.org
SAMMI nominations are due by Dec. 1, 2012. You can nominate a "SAMMI" online at the SAMMI Awards Foundation Website here.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include additional information from the SAMMI Award Foundation.
