Special Recognition/ Torch Awards Handbook

Special Recognition/ Torch Awards Handbook Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 1

Special Recognition/ Torch Awards Handbook Table of Contents Special Recognition Awards Program Program Guidelines... 5 Airforce Recruiting Salute Award... 6 American Red Cross Award... 7 Business Professionals of America Promotion... 9 Chapter Activities Award of Excellence... 10 Chapter Media... 16 Community Action.... 18 Entrepreneurship Exploration... 19 Hall of Fame and Outstanding Service Award... 22 Membership Recruitment... 24 Merit Scholar... 25 National Center Capital Improvements Campaign... 26 Safety Awareness... 27 Special Olympics... 29 Sponsor/Charter/Re-Activate A Chapter... 31 The Professional Cup... 32 Torch Awards Program Program Rules... 33 Activity/Points Descriptions... 35 Sample Resume... 40 Non-Discrimination Policy It is the policy of Business Professionals of America that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 3

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Special Recognition Awards Program Guidelines An active Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter is considered an involved chapter. Business Professionals of America recommends chapters become involved in one or more of the Special Recognition awards it offers. Through this program, Business Professionals of America offers something for everyone. Participation in this program means that members are engaging in worthwhile projects while having the opportunity to receive recognition from the national organization. It is also a way to receive positive public relations for the chapter and school in the community. The Special Recognition Awards available are: Air Force Recruiting Salute Award (Secondary and Associate chapters only) American Red Cross Award Business Professionals of America Promotion Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Chapter Media Community Action Entrepreneurship Exploration Hall of Fame and Outstanding Service Award Membership Recruitment Merit Scholar National Center Capital Improvements Campaign Safety Awareness (including Drug Awareness/Anti-Violence Awareness) Special Olympics (Business Professionals of America s national service project) Sponsor/Charter/Re-Activate A Chapter The Professional Cup The following guidelines apply to all recognition awards: All materials for each Special Recognition Award must be submitted in a letter-size manila file folder. If award application documentation consists of many pages, materials may be submitted in some type of binder. Do not use a three-ring binder. The only exception is the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence application, which requires the use of a black or blue 1-inch three-ring binder. The application form, typewritten/keyed report, and support material MUST BE SHIPPED/POSTMARKED BY MARCH 15 th each year. No materials postmarked after that date will be accepted. The application form pages in this booklet should be kept as master copies. Copy them as needed. This booklet can also be found on the BPA Web site at www.bpa.org. Submit all materials to Special Recognition Awards, Business Professionals of America, 5454 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus OH 43231-4021. Chapters wishing verification of receipt of materials at the National Center are encouraged to use certified mail, UPS, or a similar method. All materials submitted become the property of Business Professionals of America and may be used as the National Center sees fit. Chapters submitting qualifying applications will receive a certificate of accomplishment and will be recognized at the National Leadership Conference. However, it is not necessary for a chapter to attend the National Leadership Conference to participate in the program and receive the award. Outstanding Achievement Awards will be presented to no more than five Secondary or Associate chapters and one Postsecondary chapter in the following award categories: Business Professionals of America Promotion, Chapter Media, Community Action, Entrepreneurship Exploration, Membership Recruitment, Safety Awareness, and Special Olympics. DO NOT SEND ANY AWARD APPLICATIONS INSIDE OR AS PART OF ANOTHER APPLICATION SUCH AS THE CHAPTER ACTIVITIES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE OR THE AIR FORCE RECRUITING SALUTE AWARD. EACH AWARD MUST BE APPLIED FOR SEPARATELY. Special guidelines for participation are on the following pages. Application must be made for all Special Recognition Awards unless otherwise indicated. It is the only way the National Center knows of your involvement. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION FORM MUST BE SHIPPED/POSTMARKED BY MARCH 15 th for all recognition awards. Be sure to keep a copy of the completed form for your files. The National Center would like to be able to present at least one certificate to each chapter this year. You will have earned it why not apply for the award and receive the recognition you deserve? Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 5

Air Force Recruiting Salute Award (Community Service, Free Enterprise, and Achievement) Purpose Eligibility Qualifications To encourage and recognize outstanding citizenship, compassionate community service, leadership and achievement, and support for American free enterprise. Secondary and Associate Division chapters participating in Business Professionals of America Promotion, Community Action, Entrepreneurship Exploration, Safety Awareness, Special Olympics, and the Torch Awards Program, are eligible to apply for the Air Force Recruiting Salute Award. 1. The completed Air Force Recruiting Salute Award application form. 2. A typewritten/keyed statement explaining the chapter s involvement in the Torch Awards Program. 3. A typewritten/keyed statement explaining how the chapter s annual program of activities was developed and carried out. 4. A typewritten/keyed statement describing chapter activities not covered in the Business Professionals of America Promotion, Community Action, Entrepreneurship Exploration, Safety Awareness, Special Olympics, and the Torch Awards Program statement. 5. A list of student entries in the Entrepreneurship Exploration award. (The chapter s entries in Business Professionals of America Promotion, Community Action, Entrepreneurship Exploration, Safety Awareness, and Special Olympics will automatically become a part of the documentation for the Air Force Recruiting Salute Award application.) The judges will evaluate participation in all programs and activities to determine the recipient of the award. Recognition The chapter named to receive the Air Force Recruiting Salute Award will be announced by the U.S. Air Force during the National Leadership Conference. Deadline March 15 Air Force Recruiting Salute Award Application Form A. Please indicate the total number of members in your chapter for the current school year: B. Will your chapter be attending the National Leadership Conference? Yes No C. Check that each of the following award applications have been submitted to the National Center by March 15: Business Professionals of America Promotion Community Action Entrepreneurship Exploration Safety Awareness Special Olympics D. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder: This completed, signed application form A typewritten/keyed statement explaining the chapter s involvement in the Torch Awards Program A typewritten/keyed statement explaining how the chapter s annual program of activities was developed and carried out A typewritten/keyed statement describing additional activities not covered in the Special Recognition Award entries A list of student entries in the Entrepreneurship Exploration Special Recognition Award E. Advisor Name F. School Name G. School Address City State Zip H. School Phone (Please include the area code first) I. Local President Signature J. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. 6 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

American Red Cross Purposes Eligibility Qualifications The purposes of this award are to encourage BPA chapters to provide volunteer services, to assist with disaster services, to provide health and safety community education, to participate in American Red Cross blood drives, and/or to raise and donate monetary support for the American Red Cross. All chapters having at least one community or school service activity are eligible for the American Red Cross award. Activities may include the following: Chapter Volunteers - Review current volunteer opportunities in over 100 communities listed at the American Red Cross VolunteerMatch Web site: http://redcross.volunteermatch.org. Chapter members can be trained in Disaster Service and Health. Chapter members can be trained in Safety and Community Service. Chapter members can become involved with local disaster relief units, assisting with local disasters by providing volunteers as are needed and can be made available. Chapter members can become volunteers in a wide range of Red Cross programs and services. Blood Drives - Get information about local American Red Cross blood drives at the American Red Cross VolunteerMatch Web site: http://redcross.volunteermatch.org. Chapter sponsors or helps sponsor a school and/or community Red Cross blood drive. Chapter members volunteer to help conduct a Red Cross blood drive. Chapter members participate in a Red Cross blood drive by donating blood. Fund-raising/Donating Monetary Support - Chapters can conduct fund-raising activities and donate collected funds in a variety of ways. Mail a check to the local American Red Cross Chapter. Make the check out to the American Red Cross, then go to www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html and enter local ZIP code in the box provided and press search to get the address of the nearest American Red Cross chapter. Send a check to benefit disaster victims. Make the check out to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and mail to: American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013. Send a check to help those affected by international crises. Make the check out to the American Red Cross International Response Fund and mail to: American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C. 20013. Entries Recognition Type out a description of the chapter activity(s). The description should be accompanied by any available documentation. Examples follow: Volunteer Activities - If chapter members receive American Red Cross training, provide photocopies of earned certificates of training. If volunteer events are covered by local media, provide any available documentation from the local media. Blood Drives - With activity description, provide a list of members that participated in the blood drive(s) in any capacity. Fund-raising/Donating Monetary Support - With description of fund-raising activity, provide a photo-copy of the check used for the donation (account numbers can be blotted out on the check copy). For all activities - Provide the total number of hours of member involvement with community or school service activities. Determine this number by estimating the number of member hours involved for each different activity. Total the hours of the individual activities. Example: 2 members received volunteer Disaster Service training = 8 hours 5 members received Safety and Community Service Training 5 members x 3 hours each = 15 hours 26 members contributed to and participated in Friday lunch-time bake sale fund-raising activities hours reported ranged from 1 to 5 each = 78 hours The total hours reported would be 101 hours. Chapters submitting approved applications will receive a certificate. Up to five Secondary Division Chapters, one Post-secondary Division chapter, and one Middle Level Division chapter may receive Outstanding Achievement Award recognition and be called on stage to receive a plaque at the National Leadership Conference. Deadline March 15 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 7

American Red Cross Award Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Post-Secondary Associate Middle Level B. Please indicate the total number of members in your chapter for the current school year: C. Please indicate total member involvement hours for American Red Cross activities: D. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder: This completed, signed application form A typewritten report describing the chapter s involvement in American Red Cross activities; this includes a brief paragraph for each Available documentation suggested for each type of activity and/or pictures or other items of a non-bulky nature that may assist in E. Advisor Name F. School Name G. School Address City State Zip H. School Phone (Please include the area code first) I. Local President Signature J. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. 8 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Business Professionals of America Promotion Purposes Eligibility Qualifications Entries Deadline March 15 To inform the public of the meaning and objectives of Business Professionals of America. To strengthen the knowledge and appreciation that members and advisors have of their organization and its activities. To promote the image of Business Professionals of America members. To promote career/technical education. All chapters completing the required and optional activities are eligible for the Business Professionals of America Promotion award. Activities include a combination of required and optional activities. Documentation must be included. Five (5) different activities must take place prior to March 15: 1. Publicity. The chapter must have received publicity in the form of a published newspaper article, radio or television coverage, or some other method. Documentation must include the actual printed article (including the paper and date published), written verification from the radio or television station, or a photograph, etc. 2. Promotion of career/technical education and/or Business Professionals of America. Just the fact that the words career/technical or Business Professionals of America appear in an article does not meet the qualifications. Business Professionals of America must be explained or promoted. 3. Alumni or graduate activity. The chapter must utilize alumni (or program graduates) in some manner. 4. Optional activities. Provide documentation of two (2) additional activities held to promote Business Professionals of America. Provide the total number of hours of member involvement with Business Professionals of America Promotion activities on the application form. Determine this number by estimating the number of member hours involved for each different activity. Total the hours of the individual activities. Examples: Member prepared news release and delivered to radio station (35 hours each) 10 members served on planning committee for employer banquet hours reported ranged from 1 to 6 (35 hours each) Business Professionals of America Promotion Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Postsecondary Associate B. Please indicate the total number of members in your chapter for the current school year: C. Please indicate total member involvement hours for promotion activities: D. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder: This completed, signed application form A typewritten/keyed report describing the chapter s involvement in Business Professionals of America Promotion activities. This includes a brief paragraph for each separate activity, giving dates, times, number of members involved, etc. Five (5) different activities must be included and documented; identify these activities and the documentation provided. Activity Documentation Publicity Promotion Alumni Optional Optional (Optional) Pictures or other items of a non-bulky nature that may assist in describing the activity are attached securely as part of the descriptive report. E. Advisor Name F. School Name G. School Address City State Zip H. School Phone (Please include the area code first) I. Local President Signature J. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 9

Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Purposes Eligibility Qualifications Entries The purpose of the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence is to recognize local chapters for their outstanding activities and program of work and to motivate all local chapters to strive for an outstanding program of activities. Any chapter in any division may strive to earn the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence. It is not necessary for a chapter to attend the National Leadership Conference to be eligible for the award. This award is not to be considered a competitive event in any manner. It is not intended to be a contest reflecting typing and display skills. Any chapter reaching the goals that are established for this award is eligible to receive the award. The evaluation criteria are as follows: 1. All entries must be submitted in a black or blue one-inch 3-ring notebook with no alterations or additions to the front or back of the cover. 2. All descriptive paragraphs must be typewritten/keyed (single and/or double spaced). 3. The order of the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence outline must be followed in preparing the notebook to facilitate verification of documentation. The chapter may include more than the required minimum number of activities. 4. Each notebook must have a title page containing the chapter name, the school name, the city and state, the current school year, and the division (secondary, postsecondary, associate). 5. Some activities may apply to more than one category; however, each activity of the local chapter may be included in only one of the specified categories. 6. All activities included in the notebook must begin after the closing of the previous school year; the only exceptions may be the initiation of new members and the election of new officers. 7. All entries must abide by official graphic standards. The Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Application Form and the required notebook must be shipped/postmarked to the National Center by March 15. Notebooks will be on display at the National Leadership Conference and may be picked up by the chapter there. For those not attending the National Leadership Conference, and if requested, notebooks will be returned following the conference if a mailing label is provided (you will be billed for shipping charges, as well). 10 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Outline I. Professional activities A. Local chapter meetings 1. Business meetings (7) 2. Career development meetings (4) 3. Special meetings (4) B. Leadership 1. Business Professionals of America orientation 2. Installation of officers 3. Local officer training 4. Parliamentary procedure 5. Leadership conference representation C. Business Professionals of America Special Recognition Awards Program and Torch Awards program (a minimum of four (4) must be included) 1. Business Professionals of America Promotion 2. Chapter Media 3. Community Action 4. Entrepreneurship Exploration 5. Membership Recruitment 6. National Center Capital Improvements Campaign 7. Safety Awareness (includes Drug Awareness/Anti-Violence Awareness) 8. Sponsor/Charter/Re-Activate A Chapter 9. Special Olympics 10. Torch Awards Program

II. Financial activities A. Budget B. Meeting financial obligations III. Civic and/or service activities (a minimum of 5 must be included) IV. Social activities (a minimum of 5 must be included) V. Promotional activities (a minimum of 5 must be included) Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Details I. Professional Activities A. Local Chapter Meetings 1. Business Meetings. In order to earn the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must have held seven (7) regular business meetings. Write a one-paragraph summary of each meeting containing the date held, number of members attending, and major points covered. 2. Career Development Meetings. In order to earn the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must have held four (4) career development meetings (speaker, field trip, film, etc.). Write a one-paragraph summary of each meeting containing the date held, number of members attending, and the nature of the program. 3. Special Meetings. In order to earn the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must have held four (4) special meetings (employer/employee function, installation, advisory committee, awards ceremony, initiation, alumni activity, etc.). Write a one-paragraph summary of each meeting containing the date held, number of members attending, and the nature of the program. B. Leadership In order to earn the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must present evidence of having completed the following: 1. Business Professionals of America Orientation. Write one paragraph describing the methods used to acquaint members with Business Professionals of America. 2. Installation of Officers. In one paragraph, describe your procedure for election and installation of officers. 3. Local Officer Training. Describe in one paragraph how local officers were trained. 4. Parliamentary Procedure. Describe in one paragraph the techniques used to acquaint all Business Professionals of America chapter members with correct parliamentary procedure. 5. Leadership Conference Representation. The chapter must be represented at a leadership conference. Describe in one paragraph where the conference was held, the number of chapter members attending, and the major activities of the conference. C. Business Professionals of America Special Recognition and Torch Awards Program In order to earn the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must participate in at least four (4) of the following programs. (A discussion about the award during a class or chapter meeting does NOT meet the qualifications.) Note: Neither the descriptions of Special Recognition Award activities in this application nor any Special Recognition Award application copies that you might put in the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence application notebook will be considered a legitimate application for any other Special Recognition Award. All Special Recognition Awards must be applied for separately according to the guidelines listed on page 5. 1. Business Professionals of America Promotion. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement with the Business Professionals of America Promotion award. 2. Chapter Media. Include a copy of the three newsletters submitted or printouts of Web site pages. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 11

3. Community Action. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement in citizenship activities. 4. Entrepreneurship Exploration. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement with entrepreneurship exploration. 5. Membership Recruitment. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s recruitment week activities. 6. National Center Capital Improvements Campaign. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement in the National Center Capital improvements Campaign. 7. Safety Awareness. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement in safety or drug awareness. 8. Sponsor/Charter/Re-Activate A Chapter. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement in sponsoring, chartering, and/or re-activating a chapter. 9. Special Olympics. Write a paragraph describing the chapter s involvement in Special Olympics. 10. Torch Awards Program. Write a paragraph describing how chapter members were encouraged to participate. II. Financial Activities and Projects A. Budget. Submit a copy of the local chapter budget. It must include anticipated revenue and anticipated expenses. B. Describe in one paragraph methods used to meet financial obligations. III. Civic and/or Service Activities Civic/service activities are conducted by chapters to serve the school and the community. These activities are frequently conducted in cooperation with local business organizations, school, or civic groups. Service activities emphasize the need for sharing with others. In order to qualify for the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must have participated in a minimum of five (5) civic and/or service activities. Do NOT include in this category any activity already documented in the Special Recognition Awards Program section. Write a paragraph describing each activity. IV. Social Activities In order to qualify for the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must have participated in a minimum of five (5) social activities. Write a paragraph describing each activity. V. Promotional Activities Promotional activities may include, but are not limited to, such activities as bulletin boards, displays, marquees, billboards, published newspaper and magazine articles, television and radio spots, pamphlets and brochures, and presentations. In order to qualify for the Chapter Activities Award of Excellence, the chapter must have carried out a minimum of five (5) such activities. Write one paragraph describing each of the activities. Do NOT include in this category activities already documented in Section I-C-6 (Business Professionals of America Promotion) of the Business Professionals of America Special Recognition Awards Program and Torch Awards Program sections of the Policies and Procedures Manual. Recognition Notebooks will be on display at the National Leadership Conference and may be picked up by the chapter there; if indicated, they will be returned to those chapters not attending the National Leadership Conference provided that a return label is included (you will be billed for any shipping charges). A wall plaque will be presented to each qualifying chapter. Deadline March 15 Note: This application form should be sent at the same time as the required notebook. 12 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Postsecondary Associate B. Check that each of the following items is enclosed: This completed, signed application form The required notebook (Optional for chapters not attending the National Leadership Conference) A typed, self-addressed label that is affixed to the inside front cover of the notebook so the National Center can return the entry. C. Advisor Name D. School Name E. School Address City State Zip F. School Phone (Please include the area code first) G. Local President Signature H. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 13

Chapter Activities Award of Excellence Evaluation Form School Name Division City State INSTRUCTIONS TO AWARD EVALUATOR: To qualify for this award, ALL of the specifications listed here must be met. Place a checkmark by all specifications met. Submitted in black or blue 1-inch, three-ring binder style notebook All descriptive paragraph material is typewritten/keyed Followed designated order of outline Title page is included 14 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Place a check mark on the line to indicate that the documentation is included in the submitted notebook. I. Professional Activities A. Local Chapter Meetings A minimum of seven (7) business meetings A minimum of four (4) career development meetings A minimum of four (4) special meetings B. Leadership Business Professionals of America orientation Installation of officers Local officer training Parliamentary procedure Leadership conference representation C. Business Professionals of America Special Recognition Awards Program and Torch Awards Program (a minimum of four (4) awards must be included) Business Professionals of America Promotion Chapter Media Community Action Entrepreneurship Exploration Membership Recruitment National Center Capital Improvements Campaign Safety Awareness (includes Drug Awareness/Anti-Violence Awareness) Sponsor/Charter/Re-Activate A Chapter Special Olympics Torch Awards Program Includes a minimum of four (4) awards listed above II. Financial Obligations Budget included Paragraph on meeting financial obligations included III. Civic and/or Service Activities Includes a minimum of five (5) separate activities IV. Social Activities Includes a minimum of five (5) separate activities V. Promotional Activities Includes a minimum of five (5) separate activities Approved for award: Not approved for award: Date Evaluator Date Evaluator Save this page as a master copy to use annually. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 15

Chapter Media Purposes Eligibility Qualifications Deadline March 15 To encourage the creation of attractive and informative media promotions for local Business Professionals of America chapters and their activities. To encourage state associations and local chapters to become actively involved in media relations. To encourage state associations and local chapters to develop unique ways of involving their members in their chapter newsletters or Web site. All entrants completing the required and optional activities are eligible for the Chapter Media award. It is not necessary for an entrant to attend the National Leadership Conference to participate in the program and receive the award. Activities include a combination of required and optional activities. All activities must be submitted in a file folder, documented, and labeled. Newsletters and Web sites must use the appropriate graphic standards found in the chapter handbook, It s A New Year ; a sample masthead is shown below. If producing newsletters, three (3) different newsletters must be produced per school year (September 1- June 1). Newsletters/Web sites must include the following at some point during the school year (September 1- June 1): 1. Newsletters/Web sites must include the required number of articles in each of the following areas: a. Business Professionals of America Promotion. Publish one article highlighting emphasis or activities. b. Special Recognition Awards Program. Publish two articles written on the Special Recognition Awards Program categories such as civic or community service, Special Olympics involvement, or a safety project. c. Leadership. Two articles written on leadership topics such as: election or installation of officers, local officer training, parliamentary procedure, or leadership conference representation. d. Business/Industry. Publish one article written about member and business/industry interaction, highlighting a cooperative employer, advisory committee member, guest speaker, or competitive events judge. Must be written in the form of an interview. e. Annual Theme. Publish one article written about the annual theme with the use of the theme s graphic. f. Alumni or Graduate Activity. Publish one article written about an alumni or graduate activity. g. Fund-Raising Project or Family Activity. Publish one article written about a fund-raising project or family activity, an event which reaches parents, siblings, spouses, etc. (i.e., state newsletter entries may highlight National Center Capital Improvements Campaign.) 2. Distribution of chapter newsletters must reach the following audiences: chapter members and family, other faculty, administration, state advisors, and appropriate business and industry contacts. Provide one distribution/mailing label listing indicating audiences. For chapter Web sites, documentation must be provided showing promotion of the chapter Web site. 3. Chapters/state associations may want to include coverage of activities in addition to the required list above this is acceptable. 4. Layout design should be an attractive format that promotes the image of Business Professionals of America. You may use sample masthead or original design but it must include: date, logo and tagline, issue. 5. Although quality of graphics and layout will be considered, approval is based on professional reporting of required activities plus any additional activities and the distribution (newsletter) or promotion (Web site) of the media piece to the audiences indicated. Business Professionals of America, Chapter month, day, year issue number 16 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Chapter Media Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Postsecondary Associate B. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder: This completed, signed application form A copy of each newsletter or Web site address and printouts of Web pages containing the nine (9) assigned articles, identified by issue and headline Any additional information (optional) Topic Issue/Date Headline Business Professionals of America Promotion Special Recognition Awards Program Special Recognition Awards Program Leadership Leadership Business/Industry Annual Theme Alumni or Graduate Activity Fund-Raising or Family Activity Distribution/mailing label listing audiences indicated Documentation of promotion of Web site to audiences indicated C. Advisor Name D. School Name E. School Address City State Zip F. School Phone (Please include the area code first) G. Local President Signature H. Local or State Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 17

Community Action Purposes Eligibility Qualifications Entries To encourage local chapters to become actively involved in community betterment, school improvement, election-year activities, and energy-related activities. To encourage local chapters to develop ways of involving their members in these kinds of activities. To recognize chapters for their involvement in citizenship-type activities. All chapters having at least one community or school service activity are eligible for the Community Action award. Activities may include community and school service projects, election-year projects, energy-related activities, and other unique good-citizen type activities. Provide the total number of hours of member involvement with community or school service activities. Determine this number by estimating the number of member hours involved for each different activity. Total the hours of the individual activities. Deadline March 15 Example: 12 members voted in school mock election (only several minutes required for each) = 1 hour 5 members provided transportation for elderly to voting polls 5 members x 3 hours each = 15 hours 26 members collected, sorted, and distributed food baskets at Thanksgiving hours reported ranged from 1 to 5 each = 78 hours The total hours reported would be 94 hours. Community Action Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Postsecondary Associate B. Please indicate the total number of members in your chapter for the current school year: C. Please indicate total member involvement hours for Community Action activities: D. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder: This completed, signed application form A typewritten/keyed report describing the chapter s involvement in Community Action activities; this includes a brief paragraph for each separate activity, giving dates, times, number of members involved, etc. (Optional) Pictures or other items of a non-bulky nature that may assist in describing the activity are attached securely as part of the descriptive report E. Advisor Name F. School Name G. School Address City State Zip H. School Phone (Please include the area code first) I. Local President Signature J. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. 18 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Entrepreneurship Exploration Purposes Eligibility Qualifications Entries To encourage all members to have a better understanding of the American free enterprise system, what it means to their future, and to communicate this understanding to others. To encourage all members to study the role of an entrepreneur and small business management. To serve as a study method in preparation for entering the Business Professionals of America entrepreneurship contests. All members completing the required activities are eligible for the individual Entrepreneurship Exploration award. 1. Material must be typewritten/keyed, double-spaced, with footnotes, etc. If direct references are used, credit must be given to resource material. 2. Provide for some distinction in your material for the various sections (dividers, chapter titles, etc.); these pages will not count in the page limitations. 3. Sheet protectors may be used. 4. Do not use a three-ring binder for page binding. Other types of binders are acceptable. 5. Supportive material of a non-bulky nature (photos, news clippings, brochures, etc.) may be included if securely attached; these must be included in the appendix. 6. Drawings, illustrations, and graphic presentations will be judged for clarity, not artistic value. 7. You must include at least two forms of written communication with the company: (a) a letter from the company on company stationery acknowledging your visit (you may want to design a form for the person to sign), and (b) a copy of your thank you letter(s) to the company. 8. You may NOT use a previous year s Entrepreneurship Exploration entry for the current year s entry. Prepare a typewritten/keyed report on each of the following topics. Do not exceed the page limitations specified. 1. Read about the types of business organization. Explain (in your own words) basic terms such entrepreneur, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc. Identify your reading source(s). (3-page limit) 2. Make an appointment with an entrepreneur in your community. Outline items to discuss so you use the person s time wisely. Your report should contain the following sections: a. Identify the business/company; explain what its service or products are, where it is located, and its method of operation. Include how and when the company was organized, how much operating capital was necessary and how it was obtained, etc. Why was this business selected? (3-page limit) b. Explain the company s marketing strategy; include consumer needs and wants. (3- page limit) c. Identify the major staff (by job title) needed to operate the business; include qualifications and education required, what salary is based on, etc. What equipment and inventory are needed for operation? (3-page limit) d. Indicate how the annual budget is developed. Where are the biggest expenses? If possible, include sample figures; if not, include percentages of the total budget (i.e., 60% of sales must cover inventory purchases). (3-page limit) e. Explain the major business forms used by the company; explain the purpose of each form and how it was developed. (3-page limit) 3. Explain an oral presentation you made to a group (class, civic club, educational group, professional group, church-related organization, youth group, etc.) about your visit to the business/company, questions you asked during your visit, how you prepared your report, and a summary of what you learned. (3-page limit) 4. OPTIONAL. You may include an appendix that contains information such as an organizational structure chart, business forms used, budgets, photos, news clippings, explanatory brochures, etc. (12-page limit) Note: All required sections must be included to receive the recognition award. The evaluation form is shown on page 22. Deadline March 15 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 19

Entrepreneurship Exploration Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Postsecondary Associate B. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder. This completed, signed application form; this appears as the first page A typewritten/keyed report and required documentation as outlined; all required sections must be included to be eligible for recognition; all pictures and other non-bulky items are securely attached as part of the descriptive report. C. Student Name D. Advisor Name E. School Name F. School Address City State Zip G. School Phone (Please include the area code first) H. Local President Signature I. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. 20 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Entrepreneurship Exploration Evaluation Form Name Division School Name City State Specification Requirements: To qualify for this award, ALL of the specifications listed here must be met. Place a check mark by all specifications met. Submitted in a letter-sized manila file folder Application form included as first page Section divider method utilized Material is typewritten/keyed Acknowledgement letter/form from business/company is included Copy of thank you letter to company is included Descriptive Report Requirements: To qualify this award, ALL of the required topics must be included. Place a check mark by all topics included. Definitions (3-page limit) Company identification and operation (3-page limit) Company s marketing strategy (3-page limit) Major staff, equipment, and inventory (3-page limit) Budget (3-page limit) Business forms (3-page limit) Explanation of oral presentation; report preparation; learning experiences (3-page limit) Appendix (optional) (12 page limit) Approved for award: Date Evaluator Not approved for award: Date Evaluator Save this page as a master copy to use annually. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 21

Hall of Fame Purposes Eligibility Entries Procedures Selection To recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to the history of Business Professionals of America, formerly the Office Education Association (OEA), or have benefited greatly through involvement in the organization. Individuals who have contributed to or benefited from involvement in the national association. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame award the nominator must submit the following information about the nominee: 1. Narrative review of nominee s supportive contributions to or benefits from the Association 2. Three letters of support for the nominee 3. Resume for the nominee Nominations will be accepted every year from the following: National Officers Board of Trustees State Advisors/Supervisors National Staff National Business Advisory Council Classroom Educators Advisory Council Local Advisors Members All nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form as provided on the following page. Nominations must be submitted to the Awards Committee Chairperson and postmarked no later than February 1. Selections will be processed as indicated by the printed guidelines of the Awards and Special Recognition Committee. Recognition A maximum of three (3) individuals will be recognized with lifetime memberships and individual plaques at the National Leadership Conference for that year. Plaques will be hung at the National Center. The Board of Trustees presents this award. Outstanding Service Award Purpose Eligibility Entries Procedures To recognize those individuals who have dedicated time and effort to promote the objectives of career/technical student organizations/business Professionals of America or provided outstanding service to the association at the national level. Any individual supportive of career/technical student organizations/business Professionals of America. To be eligible for the Outstanding Service Award, the nominee must not have received this award within the last five years. The nominator must submit the following information about the nominee: 1. List of national activities and involvement 2. List of state and local activities and involvement 3. List of participation in other professional organizations and community service 4. List of any other pertinent information about the nominee that you believe will assist the Committee in making the selections Unlimited entries from any individual or audience. All nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form as provided on the following page. Nominations must be submitted to the Awards Committee Chairperson and postmarked no later than February 1. Selections will be processed as indicated by the printed guidelines of the Special Recognition and Awards Committee. Recognition A maximum of five (5) individuals will be recognized with each receiving a plaque at a special reception at the National Leadership Conference for that year. The Board of Trustees presents this award. 22 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Nomination Form Hall of Fame and Outstanding Service Award Name placed in nomination Title Address City State Zip Telephone (Please include the area code first): Home Business Nominated for (Please check one): Hall of Fame Award Outstanding Service Award Nominator s Signature Nominator s Name (Please print/type) Title Address City State Zip Telephone (Please include the area code first): Home Business This form, with required documentation, must be submitted and postmarked no later than February 1 to the following address: Programs Committee Business Professionals of America 5454 Cleveland Avenue Columbus, OH 43231-4021 Fax 614-895-1165 E-mail skimball@bpa.org Save this page as a master copy to use annually. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 23

Membership Recruitment Purposes Eligibility Qualifications Entries To encourage/promote an organized nationwide campaign of local chapter efforts and activities for the purpose of recruiting new members for existing chapters and forming new chapters. All chapters completing the required and optional activities are eligible. Activities include a combination of required and optional activities. Documentation must be included. Five activities must take place prior to March 15: 1. Member Orientation Activity. This event should include business skill demonstrations, one official Business Professionals of America ceremony, and chapter member testimonies made to invited guests, which should include students from other pre-member business classes, chapter member parents, school faculty and administration, and community business owners/leaders. Document this activity with a typed description and a copy of your invitation distribution list. 2. Chapter Presentation. Chapter members visit a pre-member business class in their school or another school or visit a lower grade classroom with the purpose of presenting Business Professionals of America, its purpose, its activities, its benefits, what personal involvement means, and what the results of that involvement can be. Presentations can include speeches, multimedia, role playing/skits, business skill demonstrations, chapter members testimonies, etc. Document this activity with a typed description, indicating class visited and presentation agenda. 3. Personal Recruitment Drive. Conduct a drive where chapter members recruit pre-member students or business teachers in their school to join Business Professionals of America. Culminate drive with a social event where chapter members are awarded for their personal recruits. Document with a typed description and a listing of new recruits and chapter members that recruited them. 4. Recruiting Activities. Provide documentation of two (2) additional recruiting activities. Provide the total hours of member involvement with Membership Recruitment activities on the application form. Determine this number by estimating the number of member hours involved for each different activity. Total the hours of the individual activities. Deadline March 15 Membership Recruitment Application Form A. Please indicate division: Secondary Postsecondary Associate B. Please indicate the total number of members in your chapter for the current school year: C. Please indicate total member involvement hours for recruitment activities: D. Check that each of the following items is enclosed in the file folder: This completed, signed application form A typewritten/keyed report describing the chapter s involvement in Membership Recruitment activities. This includes a brief paragraph for each separate activity, giving dates, times, number of members involved, etc. Five (5) different activities must be included and documented. Identify these activities and the documentation provided. Activity Documentation Member Orientation Activity Chapter Presentation Personal Recruitment Drive Recruiting Activity Recruiting Activity (Optional) Pictures or other items of a non-bulky nature that may assist in describing the activity are attached securely as part of the descriptive report. E. Advisor Name F. School Name G. School Address City State Zip H. School Phone (Please include the area code first) I. Local President Signature J. Local Advisor Signature Save this page as a master copy to use annually. 24 Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook

Merit Scholar Purpose Eligibility The purpose of the Merit Scholar is to recognize individual members and advisors for their knowledge of Business Professionals of America and to motivate all members and advisors to learn as much as possible about the history, traditions, programs, and activities of the organization. Any paid national member or advisor attending the National Leadership Conference may earn the Merit Scholar award by achieving a minimum 85 percent on an objective test (true/false and multiple choice questions). This general contest is not part of the competitive events program; the Merit Scholar award is part of the Special Recognition Awards Program offered to members. The contest will be developed annually by the National Center. Resources used will be the Chapter Management Reference; the chapter handbook, It s A New Year, the Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook, constitutions; and current school year s issues of the COMMUNIQUE. Recognition Those participants achieving 85 percent or more on the test will receive a Merit Scholar Pin during the Awards Session at the National Leadership Conference. Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook 25