METNY Region USY
“Chapter of the Year” Awards 2013-2014
OBJECTIVES:
● An opportunity to showcase and recognize excellent programming in our METNY USY and Kadima chapters.
● Highlight award-winning entries in the form of a program index that will serve as a resource to METNY chapters.
● Provide a framework in which chapters seek to establish and/or maintain a well-rounded youth program consisting of the fundamental goals and standards of USY.
● Offer incentive for chapters to increase membership and Tikun Olam.
WHO MAY APPLY FOR CHAPTER OF THE YEAR?
Every affiliated USY chapter is strongly encouraged to submit programs in at least one category. Use this opportunity to showcase your uniqueness! The METNY “Chapter of the Year” will also become eligible to apply for International Chapter of the Year.
WHAT IS A CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE?
A chapter will be considered if they meet all of the following criteria:
● The judges have determined that the chapter has outstanding programs in at least eight categories.
● Current dues records indicate that chapter membership has increased over the previous year.
● Chapter dues have been submitted at least two times in the calendar year.
● A minimum Tikun Olam contribution of either $500 or at least $20 per capita is submitted by March 31, 2014
● Sufficient proof is shown of your communication efforts within the chapter, as evidenced by your efforts to publicize what you do on a chapter, synagogue and/or community level. Be sure to include examples of newsletters, printed samples of web pages, bulletin and newspaper articles, etc.
● The chapter has no outstanding monies owed to the division or region.
● The chapter has met the deadline for submission, without exception.
The following factors will be among those considered:
● Participation in chapter, divisional and regional events
● Evidence of peer-led programming
● Adherence to regional policies and practices on a consistent basis
● Whether your chapter evaluates its programming on an ongoing basis. If so, please explain this process.
PROGRAM CATEGORIES:
Include a maximum of three programs per category. (Applicants will not be penalized for submitting only one program in a given category)
1. SHABBAT: Any program that fosters the enhancement and observance of Shabbat.
2. RELIGION: Any program that involves ritual, religious services, etc. (other than Shabbat)
3. EDUCATION: Emphasis on programs containing Jewish content and/or Jewish values.
4. SOCIAL ACTION/COMMUNITY SERVICE: Programming with the explicit purpose of making the world a better place.
5. TIKUN OLAM FUNDRAISING: Any program that generates money via USY’s Tikun Olam Program to help others in need. Programs that raised money for other funds do not qualify in this category.
6. LEADERSHIP TRAINING: Any program that involves training of USYers on a board or chapter level to be better leaders in their chapter, synagogue and/or community.
7. MEMBERSHIP: Any program whose primary purpose is to increase chapter membership, welcome newcomers, keep current members involved, etc.
8. KADIMA/USY JOINT PROGRAMS: Any program that involves interaction between both youth groups.
9. ISRAEL PROGRAMS: Any program that promotes Israel awareness, the importance of Israel in the Jewish Community, or USY Israel program recruitment.
10. HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Any program focusing on a particular Jewish holiday.
11. SOCIAL PROGRAMS: Any unique program implemented by the chapter that brings Jewish teenagers together purely for social opportunities.
12. MISCELLANEOUS: This category may include up to three of the categories listed or another program that you feel is worthy of recognition in an area not specified above.
ENTRIES THAT DO NOT QUALIFY:
● An event hosted by the chapter, but run by the region or division. Separate recognition awards are presented for that purpose. However, if the chapter developed a specific program or activity within the event, then that program may be submitted under the appropriate category.
● Synagogue or community-wide programs, unless sponsored or co-sponsored by the USY chapter, AND ONLY IF USY had a specific role in the program.
● Any program submitted in more than one category.
● A category in which more than three programs were submitted.
● A program that has not yet taken place.
GUIDELINES:
● Applications should be sent by e-mail only as a Word Document or PDF. Any other file types will not be accepted. Please e-mail the application to Rachelle Grossman at .
● The judges will be focusing on the substance. Pictures are encouraged but not needed as they will not be judged.
● It is recommended that you use one cover sheet at the beginning of the document for chapter information. It is therefore not necessary to include your name and chapter information with each program explanation.
● Completed applications must include endorsement (a letter or signature) from all of the following individuals:
1. USY Chapter President
2. Youth Director or USY Advisor
3. Youth Commission Chairman
4. Rabbi
● Use dividers to delineate between program categories.
● Please make sure the categories are bound in the same order as specified above.
● For each entry, be sure to describe the program(s) or project(s) in detail, including:
1. Date(s)
2. Goal of program(s)
3. Preparation/Implementation
4. Results
5. Number of participants
6. Copies of any flyers or other publicity
7. Program notes that will help other chapters plan similar activities.
● You may include programs from the previous year if they took place after March 15th.
● Design your time to reflect the outstanding programs and content you developed. There is no judgment for the cover; do not waste your efforts on making an extravagant package.
JUDGING PROCESS:
The ten members of the METNY USY Regional Board will judge the materials on an individual basis and private online basis. Scores will be tallied by the METNY USY President, METNY Director of Youth Activities. No judge will evaluate entries submitted by their home chapter. Announcement of awards will take place at Regional Convention.
DEADLINE to Submit Entries: March 31, 2014
1