NALC Above and Beyond Award 2009
Deadline extended to January 15th.
Network and affinity groups – also known as Employee/Business Resource Groups - are carving an increasingly prominent space in Corporate America's business framework in the ways they assist companies in recruitment, retention, representation, community relations, marketing and communications. These forward thinking and information rich groups help companies achieve their diversity visions by improving performance feedback, employee development and retention, diversity marketing, and by offering an "insider" perspective on company projects and policies to promote targeted business growth. Best practice companies take an active interest in their network and affinity groups, and the heads of these groups play an instrumental role in leading all employees toward better cultural understanding.
The 2009 Above-and-Beyond Award, presented by Diversity Best Practices and Working Mother Media, will be recognizing two categories of individuals who work in best-in-class network and affinity group leadership:
- Executive Sponsors/Champions - individuals who provide a lifeline to their organizations network/affinity groups
- Network/Affinity Group Leaders – non-diversity professionals whose grit and determination have led to the creation, success and/or turn-around of their network/affinity group.
The award recipients of each category will be individuals who, in addition to their "day jobs," work tirelessly to increase employee participation, nurture future leaders, and advocate on behalf of the diversity represented by their members. Bringing groups together for the benefit of mutual support, these champions ultimately work across corporate and community borders for their affinity group's – and their organization's – success.
The honorees of the 2009 Above-and-Beyond Award – as nominated by network and affinity group peers, diversity professionals and executive leaders – will be recognized on February 25th in New York City at one of Diversity Best Practices' premiere annual events –the Network & Affinity Leadership Congress (NALC).
Selection Criteria
The Above-and-Beyond award will recognize in each category (Category 1: Executive Sponsor/Champion & Category 2: Network/Affinity Group Leader) those individuals who have served their network/affinity group, ERG or BRG by:
- Acting as a formal or informal mentor within the group
- Participating in activities and events that foster the recruitment and retention of employees
- Actively engaging with humans resources, business sponsors and other corporate managers on behalf of the group
- Embracing, and helping others to embrace, the company culture
- Participating as a leader in volunteer activities within the community
- Advocating for the group's programs and activities that promote personal and professional of company members
- Promoting group activities and events that furthers employee knowledge and understanding of the affinity/community represented by the group
Forms need to be signed and completed jointly by three (3) representatives who are either:
- A member of the nominee's ERG, BRG or network/affinity group; or
- A manager of the group who oversees the BRG, ERG or Network and Affinity Group program for the company (i.e., Chief Diversity Officer, SVP of Diversity, Network Program Head) *If nominating an individual for the Network/Affinity Leader category you may use your Executive Sponsor/Champion as a representative
Submissions should include:
- Nomination Form – with question responses
- Nominators Information Sheet – signed by three nominators
- Nominee Biography – 200 words in length
- Supporting documents, such as newsletters, mission statements, etc.
Eligibility Requirements
Above-and-Beyond Award nominees must be employee leaders of their respective ERG, BRG or network/affinity group. Nominees do not need to be a member of Diversity Best Practices (DBP) and/or Working Mother Media. Nominators can submit the completed form and supporting materials to janet.wigfield@workingmother.com or fax to 212 351-6487 (ATTN: Janet Wigfield). We will accept electronic submissions. The nomination deadline has been extended to Dec. 31 to Jan. 15, 2008.
