FAQ’s
1. Can I nominate my partner/spouse if she is my business partner?
Yes. You may nominate your partner or spouse even if you are not in business together.
2. Can I nominate a someone who was previously nominated?
Yes, if they were not selected as a recipient. Previous recipients are listed at or
3. Can I nominate myself?
Yes.
4. What does it mean to eliminate racism and empower women?
The YWCA of Alton believes in creating an equitable society for all.
Eliminating racism means taking a look at policies, practices, attitudes and actions and creating and participating in activities that changes these policies, attitudes and actions in order to produce equitable power, access, opportunities, treatment, impacts and outcomes for all. Racism operates historically, institutionally, and culturally to produce preferential treatment, privilege, and power for white people at the expense of people of color.
Empowering women means enhancing a women's ability to:
- make strategic choices at all life phases,
- obtain the career of her choice,
- improve the economic situation of women individually and collectively,and
- alter existing power structures that previously denied or underutilized women’s strengths.
The YWCA works towards these goals by:
- Advancing justice through race and gender equity programs that aim to eliminate racism, keep kids in school, and close the leadership gap,
- Helping people find and maintain employment by delivering job training and transportation, and
- Working to end homelessness by providing housing and shelter to ensure that families have a safe space in which to live and grow.
Women of Distinction Award recipients should support this vision and reflect that commitment in their achievements.Recipients actively advocate for policy changes that are intended to produce equitable outcomes for all. They serve as role models, mentors, and sponsors for other women and girls to help close the leadership gap.
5. What should I include in the nomination packet?
- Please fill out the nomination form. Please be clear and concise.
- You may include 2 to 3 letters of support (no more than 1 can be from an immediate family member). Please be clear and concise.
- Nomination formatting notes:
- Handwritten materials and faxes will not be accepted.
- Please no binders, laminations or paper clips. Staple only.
- Please do not submit additional materials other than those requested.Resumes and articles are not required.
- Submit an electronic copy of the nomination form and support forms by 5 p.m. on Monday February 6, 2017 to r submit ONE paper copy at 304 East Third Street, Alton, IL 62002
6. Can I include double-sided copies?
Yes. In an effort to minimize the use of paper, please double-sideyour materials.
7. Can I use bullet points to answer the nomination questions?
Yes. Using bullet points can help the committee evaluate the nominations more efficiently and can help you make your point in a clear and concise manner.
8. Should I focus on the nominee’s volunteer work or paid work?
Both. While individuals can make significant contributions to the community in their paid position, the selection committee expects to read a significant amount of information about the nominee’s volunteer work.
9. What information should the letter of support contain?
Letters of support should be filled out by people who are familiar with the nominee's contributions to the community. Letters of support shouldcomplement, but not repeat, information included in the nomination form's required information section. A maximum of 3 support letters will be accepted for each nominee. [NOTE: The support letter should not have the nominee’s name or the author of the letter in the body of the letter]
10. Why will the name of the supporter be removed from the support letter?
Thenames of individuals writing these letters will be removed from the nomination packet to ensure that the content of each nominee’s recommendations is given priority, rather than the name recognition of the person completing the recommendations. We request contact information in case there are any questions.
11. Should I include the nominee’s resume or articles written by or about the nominee?
No. Due to the quantity of information already submitted, the committee asks that you do not include supplementary materials.
12. Should I include a photo of the honoree?
No. If the honoree is selected, the YWCA will arrange to have publicity photos taken.
13. Should I spend time on the design of the nomination packet to make it more interesting for the committee?
No. There is no need to add color, borders or graphics to your nomination packet.
14. How long should the responses to the nomination questions be?
Please be specific and give concrete examples. For example, state "Nancy is the owner of ABC Products. She mentors three teenage students enrolled in X School. She serves on the board of A and K." etc. This response will be more helpful to our committee members than "Nancy is a wonderful woman who does so much for her community. She always thinks of other people before herself and is a shining example to everyone."
15. Who can I contact if I have questions about the nomination process?
Contact YWCA at 618 465-7774