Australian Young BPW Award Candidate Application

Transcription

1 Candidate Application The is awarded at the BPW Australia Conference. It is the cornerstone of the Young BPW program within Australia. The Young BPW Award is part of a personal and professional development program aimed at assisting young women to reach their potential through mentoring and other developmental opportunities. The Award is worth striving for. It recognises a member s contribution to BPW, her career success to date and her potential. It also provides public speaking and promotional opportunities for BPW. Additionally, the award candidate increases their confidence and networks through both personal and professional development, and implementation of programs and activities to encourage other young women in their career and professional growth. PURPOSE The Award acknowledges a young woman for both her BPW and career achievements, as well as recognising her potential in both arenas. It is an award that recognises a good all-rounder, a woman who is both achieving success in her career and committed to raising the status of women through her work with BPW. Career success certainly does not mean she has reached the top of the tree, but that she is progressing well for her age. ELIGIBILITY To be nominated for the, the candidate must: be a current financial member of BPW be a Young BPW Australia member at the time of the conference and during the 12 months leading up to the conference have been a member of BPW for at least 12 months at the time of national conference and have made a contribution to BPW at local and state/territory level be employed, or have been employed, in a business or profession in the public, private or non-government sector for at least one year Each Club can nominate only one candidate for the Young BPW Award. Individuals cannot nominate themselves. A member may be nominated for an Award more than once. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Objectives for the Young BPW program are to: encourage younger BPW members to participate fully in BPW activities and decisionmaking processes encourage and assist younger BPW members in their career pursuits develop mentor relationships between BPW members facilitate communication between younger BPW members through the BPW International Young BPW newsletter and through activities within Australia provide opportunities for as many Young BPW members as possible to attend BPW events nationally and internationally

2 encourage clubs to seek out more younger women as members. AWARD SELECTION CRITERIA Nominees will be judged according to the following criteria: Understanding of and interest in women s issues (BPW core issues) Demonstrated commitment and contribution to BPW Communication skills, including public speaking skills Leadership skills Career achievements (in relation to age) Diversity of non-career interests and achievements Potential as a BPW Australia ambassador SELECTION PROCESS The selection process requires candidates to complete a nomination form, an application form, a 750 word essay and a face-to-face interview with the selection panel, and deliver a four minute speech at the conference. The application form, essay and speech topics are included below. The completed application form and essay must be submitted to the BPW Australia President at president@bpw.com by 19 August Nominees must be available to attend the Conference. Further details will be provided closer to the time. RESPONSIBILITIES OF AWARD WINNER It is emphasised that the Award is a part of a much broader program, and that the Recipient of the Award has a particular responsibility to assist with the implementation of all aspects of the Young BPW program over the next term. Awardees are expected to: participate in projects and activities to raise the profile of the Young BPW program undertake public speaking engagements and workshops to promote BPW and the Young BPW program. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUNG BPW AUSTRALIA AWARD RECIPIENT In line with the objective to make the Young BPW program a more comprehensive development opportunity, the award winner will have many opportunities for self-development throughout her term. Award nominees can expect to be involved in publicity and public speaking engagements secured by BPW, using these opportunities to increase the exposure of BPW and the Young BPW Program. The skills and knowledge gained from being the winner cannot be underestimated. The award holder will gain considerable experience in public speaking, writing and editing, project development and networking. 2

3 RESOURCING IMPLICATIONS Clubs are expected to provide practical and financial support for their candidate for the national award, including assisting with expenses of attending National Conference. Clubs are also strongly encouraged to seriously consider ways of helping to fund their candidate to attend an international BPW event, regardless of her success with the national Award. Nominees are required to meet part of the costs of attending conference/congress, if required. Nominees also need to be prepared to allocate time to their Young BPW activities. FURTHER INFORMATION Enquiries about the Young BPW Program, including the Award, can be directed to Janis Shaw, President BPW Australia or Perla Soberon-Brittle, Director Membership, or to your Club President or State Representative. Contact: Phone: APPLICATION PROCESS Note that entries received after the due date will not be taken into consideration in the selection process. Application Form Candidates are required to submit an Application Form (see Page 4). Essay and speech topic Candidates are required to submit a short essay of no more than 750 words and prepare a four minute speech summarizing their essay, to be presented at the Young BPW Celebration Reception at the 2016 National Conference in Geelong, on 14 October The topic to be addressed this year is: Women in leadership: Describe the style of your ideal woman leader, and tell us how you think that women will evolve into more significant leadership roles in the future, how they will make a difference as leaders. Please note that the four-minute time limit will be strictly adhered to, so please prepare well and aim to (just) beat the bell! Interview Candidates will be invited to sit an interview (approximately 15 minutes) with a selection panel of three judges. Nominees will be advised closer to the date of their interview time and the selection panel members. 3

4 APPLICATION FORM (Candidate to complete, no more than 6 lines per question/dot point form acceptable) I consider that the major current issues for Young Business and Professional Women in Australia are: I see BPW s role in relation to these issues as: My achievements (career and non-career) to date include: My future career plans are: My vision for the Young BPW Program is to: 4

5 APPLICATION FORM (Club President to complete, no more than 6 lines per question/dot point form acceptable) The nominee has been a member of BPW since (month/ year): She has held the following positions (please include dates): She attends BPW meetings and functions (how often?) At Club/state/national level she has: Please comment on the nominee s communication skills: 5