Member Recognition FAQ's
Listed here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions of the Member Recognition Committee.
I was a Club [insert position] last year; can I still apply for distinguished this year?Unfortunately, no. Awards are only available for the CURRENT key club year, not the past.
What is the difference between Outstanding Officers and Distinguished Officers?
An Outstanding Officer is one who completes their job (i.e. basic officer tasks) as an officer
at the end of the year. They did good, but not great. Therefore all they have to do is complete
a simple Outstanding Officer Checklist that serves as proof that they have done their job.
Distinguished Officers are those who go above their call of duty. They not only do their job
but they do it well and put their whole heart into Key Club. They have to complete BOTH
an Outstanding Officer Checklist and a portfolio of supporting documentation.
What is supporting documentation?
Supporting documentation is physical proof of what you have done throughout the year as an officer.
It can be agendas, emails, flyers, MRFs, financial records, achievement (explanations of planned
events, awards, etc.) and anything else that will show the judges what you have done to help your club.
This helps us get to know YOU as an officer.
How many recommendation letters should I get?
You can have 1 to 3. It would be best to mix up the variety of people you select from.
Do I get docked points for not going green?
No. Although it is recommended that you try to go green and email your submission in, or at least
mail it on a CD, you can still mail in paper-based awards. Submissions will be judged exactly the same.
Who is allowed to apply to the Sandy Nininger? Can club officers apply?
Everyone! Everyone who is a dues-paid Key Clubber (by March 4th) that is. Officers are eligible
to apply as well even if they are applying for distinguished/outstanding award.
Should I include all of my work when applying?
Nope. Hundreds of officers apply for distinguished each year and we want to make sure each
submission gets its full 15 minutes of fame. For this reason and also as a part of going green
submissions are limited to only include your BEST work.
What is your best work?
That is up to you, just make sure you stay within the page limits set for each section in the guidelines.
Who judges all submissions?
The members! Contrary to beliefs, the MR Committee does not judge submissions, that would be
a little biased right? We are the ones who came up with the rules in the first place. The MR
Committee organizes and supervises Key Clubbers and Kiwanis who come from the District
and makes any executive decisions (if needed) but the people who judge submissions are Key
Clubbers just like you!
When is everything due?
Everything is due on March 4, 2011.
When sending it in, does this mean post marked by 3/4/11?
NO! The District Office must receive the contest materials by March 4, 2011.
This is NOT a postmarked date.
Am I asking too many questions?
Never
