lions young ambassadors of the 21st century...

Lions Young Ambassadorsof the 21st Century AwardLions Young Ambassadorsof the 21st Century Award

Today’s Youth,Tomorrow’s Leaders

L I O N S C L U B S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

A Guide for Lions Districts and Multiple Districts

The Lions Young Ambassadors of the 21st Century Award

program is part of the Lions Opportunities for Youth

initiative. The mission of Lions Opportunities for Youth is:

To provide the young people of the world with opportunities

for achievement, learning, contribution and service,

individually and collectively, through sponsorship of activities

identified as best practices in the field of youth development.

LIONS OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

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LIONS YOUNG AMBASSADORS OF THE 21ST CENTURY AWARD

By example and throughencouragement, Lions play animportant role in fosteringleadership qualities andcommunity service commitment inyoung people. The Lions YoungAmbassadors of the 21st CenturyAward program expands Lionsopportunities to inspire andrecognize outstanding youth.

The award recognizes young people(suggested ages 15-19) for theiroutstanding community serviceinvolvement, leadershipaccomplishments, public speakingskills and scholastic achievement.Recommended for the district,multiple district and constitutionalarea levels, the award provides youthwith an incentive to excel in serviceand leadership.

At the same time, the award programenables a Lions district/multipledistrict to challenge young peopleand provide resulting benefits foryouth and Lions.

Benefits for YouthThe Lions Young AmbassadorsAward offers youth these benefits:

• Encourages them to seek experiencein community involvement,leadership and public speaking

• Broadens awareness of communityservice opportunities andorganizations

• Sharpens interview andcommunication skills

• Recognizes the value of theirachievements.

Benefits for LionsThe Young Ambassadors Awardoffers Lions these benefits:

• Furthers the Lions motto, “WeServe,” by encouraging youngpeople to pursue communityservice involvement

• Renews Lions members’enthusiasm and commitment toyouth and service, throughexposure to committed,enthusiastic young leaders

• Strengthens public awareness ofLions and their youth and serviceinitiatives

• Introduces young people to futureservice and leadership opportunities.

Getting Started at theDistrict LevelThe first requirement for involvementwith the Lions Young Ambassadors ofthe 21st Century Award is a decisionby the district cabinet to sponsor theaward program. The award may becombined with other existing youthaward programs. The districtgovernor should appoint a chairmanresponsible for coordinating theaward program. It is recommendedthat this Lion be part of the district’sLions Opportunities for Youthcommittee.

This guide contains suggestions for creating and administering a Lions Young Ambassadors of the 21stCentury Award program at the district, multiple district or constitutional area level. For ease ofpresentation, the suggestions are written for the district-level award chairman. Please interpret thewording as needed to apply to your level, whether district, multiple district or constitutional area.

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PROGRAMOVERVIEW

STEPS TO ESTABLISH AND ADMINISTER ASUCCESSFUL AWARD PROGRAM

Candidate Selection: LocalLions clubs each select one candidatefor district-level participation. Thisyoung person (suggested ages 15-19)may be an outstanding recipient ofthe Lions Young Leaders in ServiceAward; a participant in other localLions youth initiatives, includingLeo clubs; or other youth in thecommunity. The club’s LionsOpportunities for Youth Chairmanoversees administration of the YoungAmbassadors of the 21st CenturyAward program.

Written Application: Thecandidate and the club LionsOpportunities for Youth Chairmanprepare a written application andsubmit it to the district before anestablished deadline date. Districtsmay want to consider conductingpreliminary judging and interviewsat the zone or region levels, withselected candidates advancing to thedistrict level.

Evaluations and Interviews:The Lions district conducts anevaluation and interview process toselect its Young Ambassador of the21st Century. Selection is based onachievements (as reflected on thewritten application), an interviewwith a panel of judges andpresentation of a five-minute speech.

Public Recognition: Thedistrict Young Ambassador of the21st Century is recognized at adistrict-level event and throughpress releases. The district maypresent the recipient with amonetary award to be used for anacademic scholarship or to furtherthe recipient’s community serviceinvolvement.

Next Level: The YoungAmbassador of the 21st Century mayadvance to an award program at themultiple district level, if such exists.

Step 1: Gather InformationBecome familiar with the YoungAmbassadors of the 21st CenturyAward program and consider itsrole in your Lions Opportunitiesfor Youth initiatives. As you beginto plan the program, consider:

• Ways in which the YoungAmbassadors program cancomplement the district’s otheryouth initiatives

• Existing programs and events, suchas a district conference orconvention, that might serve as asource of candidates or anopportunity to conduct judging

• Criteria for eligibility and for judging

• Procedures for involving Lionsclubs, selecting a recipient andrecognizing the annual YoungAmbassador of the 21st Century

• Budget, including operational costsand awards for the candidates andwinner.

Step 2: Assign DutiesRecruit a committee to set up theaward program. Individualcommittee members might accept thefollowing responsibilities (please notethat these roles may be combined):

Lions Opportunities for YouthCommittee Chairman• Ensure that the Lions Opportunities

for Youth committee understandsand supports the program.

• Request regular updates from theYoung Ambassadors Chairman.

• Oversee budget.

Event ChairmanThis Lion would be responsible forarranging and managing one or moreevents for application judging, interviews,

speeches and recognition. Detailedsuggestions are provided in Step 8.

Public Relations ChairmanThis Lion, who may be the districtPublic Relations Chairman, would beresponsible for creating and distributingpress releases and serving as a liaisonwith the news media. Detailedsuggestions are provided in Step 9.

Checklist for the YoungAmbassadors AwardChairman❏ Set up a committee to

establish criteria andprocedures for the YoungAmbassadors program.

❏ Publicize the award programto Lions clubs and solicitnominations.

❏ Prepare and distributeapplication materials.

❏ Recruit and instruct ajudging panel. Prepare andprovide judging materials.

❏ Work with the Award Eventand Public RelationsChairmen.

❏ Obtain recognition items(such as certificates, plaquesand trophies) and awardchecks, as appropriate.

❏ After the contest, sendthank-you letters to alljudges, sponsoring Lionsclubs and volunteers.

❏ Send a congratulatory letterto your Young Ambassadorof the 21st Century.Coordinate the youngperson’s involvement infuture Lions events, asappropriate.

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Step 3: Establish CriteriaUse the following chart to set criteria for your Young Ambassadors Award program.

To be determined: Suggestions: Other considerations: Notes & ideas:

Who will be eligible? Young people ages 15-19. Do you want to includeyounger or older youth?

Do you want to establisha specific date on whichcandidates fall within theeligible ages?

What are thefactors on whichcandidates will beevaluated? Whatweighting will begiven to eachfactor?

• Community serviceinvolvement - 50 points

• Leadership accomplishments -25 points

• Scholastic achievement - 5 points

• Interview - 10 points• Five-minute speech - 10 points

Are there other factorsyou wish to include?

Do you want to alter theweighting amongfactors?

What will be thejudging process?

Judging panel will evaluate:• Written application• Personal interview with judges• Five-minute speech before

judges and audience

If additional factors areincluded, what will bethe process forevaluating them?

What are thecriteria for judgingcandidates’applications?

• Evidence of communityservice involvement

• Time and effort devoted tocommunity service

• Initiative in communityservice

• Results of service• Expression of lessons learned

through service• Evidence of leadership

accomplishments• Scholastic achievement

Are there other criteriathat are important toyour district?

What are the criteriafor judgingcandidates’ interviews?

• Content of responses toquestions

• Verbal presentation style• Nonverbal presentation style


What are the criteriafor judging candidates’speeches?

• Content of speech• Presentation style• Visual aids• Content of responses to

questions


LIONS YOUNG AMBASSADORS OF THE 21ST CENTURY AWARD PROGRAM

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How will Lionsclubs be informedabout the program?

• Mailed flyer or letter• Presentations at district and

club meetings• Information in district

newsletter and Web site

What otheropportunities do youhave to inform andencourage localparticipation?

How will Lions clubsinform youngpeople?

• Contact Leo club membersand youth who havereceived other Lions awards

• Provide promotionalmaterials to schools andyouth groups

• Announce awards in localnewspapers

What materials andsupport will the districtprovide for club’s effortsto inform young people?

What will beincluded on thedistrict youthcandidate awardapplication?

• Personal information• Community service

involvement and results• Lessons learned through service• Leadership accomplishments• Scholastic achievement

How can applicationquestions be wordedto collect informationthat appropriatelyreflects the awardcriteria? Will thedistrict request lettersof recommendation?

See Sample YouthCandidate AwardApplication in thisguide.

How will Lionsclubs submitnominations?

• Mail completedapplication

Will there be anapplication fee, paid bysponsoring Lions clubs?

Step 4: Establish ProceduresUse the following chart to set procedures for your Young Ambassadors Award program.


How will Lions clubsselect their candidate?

Districts may want to establishspecific criteria and guidelinesfor clubs to follow when makingtheir selections. The applicationfor district-level candidates mayalso be used for club-levelcandidates.

Or, the selection of candidatesat the club level may be at thediscretion of the club, providedcandidates meet therequirements of the districtcompetition.

How will the districtcommunicatecandidate selectioninformation to clubs?


(continued)

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Is there a need for azone or regioncompetition, basedon the number ofanticipatedcandidates?

To assure consistency incandidate selection, the samecriteria and proceduresestablished for the district levelshould be used for zone- andregion-level competitions.

How will the districtassist and support zone-and region-levelcompetitions?

What will be thedeadline for clubnominations to thedistrict?

• Coordinate the award programyear with the Lions year andrelated events

Is candidates’participation likely to beaffected by factors intheir life such as goingaway to school? Shoulddeadlines be adjusted toaccommodate this?

How many and whatkinds of awards willbe presented?

• Club-level award to bedetermined by Lions club

• Certificates and mementoor small monetary award forall candidates

• Trophy or plaque andmonetary award for yourYoung Ambassador of the21st Century

• Sponsorship for YoungAmbassador to participatein Lions youth events andconferences

Do you wish torecognize otheroutstanding candidates(who are not selected asthe YoungAmbassador)? How?

Are appropriate awarditems available throughthe Lions ClubSupplies Catalog orClub Supplies Online(www.lionsclubs.org)?

Does your districthave a foundation thatmay provide fundingfor the award?

Can you obtainoutside sponsorshipfor the award?


Will you define theways candidates mayuse monetaryawards?

• Award to be used to furthercandidate’s communityservice work

or• Award to be used to fund

training that will buildcandidates’ service andleadership skills

or• Award to be used for an

academic scholarship

Will monetary awardsbe administered by thesponsoring Lions clubor given directly to thecandidate?

Do you wish to furtherdefine appropriate usesof the funds (such asdonation to designatedcharities)?


(continued)

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How will judges berecruited andselected? When,where and how willthey be prepared fortheir role?

• Award program chairmanrecruits five judges amongprominent leaders who arenot Lions

• Chairman informs judges ofprogram details via mail

• Chairman meets withjudging panel for training,prior to evaluations

What specificqualifications will youseek in judges?

How can you recruiteminent individuals asjudges?

When, where andhow will judging takeplace?

• Judges score writtenapplications in advanceof judging event

• Judges lead interviewsand observe speechesduring a judging event

What judgingprocedures need to beestablished?

Will candidates’ andjudges’ travelexpenses bereimbursed? What arethe guidelines forreimbursement?

• Reimbursement ofjudges’ expenses inaccordance with thedistrict’s reimbursementguidelines

• Lions clubs pay forcandidate travel expenses

Can the district payfor candidates’ travelexpenses?

Who will accompanycandidates to theawards competition?

• Lions Opportunities forYouth Chairman fromthe sponsoring Lionsclub

• Parents/guardians andother family members

What release forms arenecessary to arrangefor Lions toaccompany youth?


See Step 6 for additionalinformation.

See Step 6 for additionalinformation.

When, where andhow will thecandidates andwinner be recognized?

• Award ceremony atconclusion of judgingevent

• Press releases

What additionalopportunities exist torecognize programparticipants?

What, if anything,will the winner beasked to do duringthe year followingselection as YoungAmbassador of the21st Century?

• Speak to other youth toencourage theircommunity serviceinvolvement

Would it beappropriate for theYoung Ambassador to:• serve as a Lions

youth spokespersonto the press?

• participate in otherLions events?

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Step 5: Publicize andPromotePromote the program to Lionsclubs and solicit nominations.Prepare and distribute applicationmaterials. Inform all Lions clubsabout the Young Ambassadors of the21st Century Award program andencourage their participation.Distribute information aboutprocedures and deadlines. Provideapplication forms and contactinformation.

Use every available means ofcommunication to reach local clubs.

• Mail a personalized letter and flyerto each club’s president, and followup with a phone call.

• Speak at zone, region and districtmeetings.

• Ask the district governor to promotethe program during club visits.

• Include information in districtpublications (newsletters, updates,etc.) and on its Web site.

• Send e-mail messages to clubs.

• Promote club participation inYoung Ambassadors program bymaking it a criterion for districtawards and contests that recognizelocal clubs.

Suggested Sources of CandidatesLions clubs may find awardcandidates via:

• Leo clubs

• Schools

• Other youth organizations

• Recipients of the Lions YoungLeaders in Service award

• Prior year’s candidates (if still age-eligible)

• Places where young peoplevolunteer

• Faith communities

• Community agencies that addressservice or youth

• Personal friends and family

• Professional contacts.

Support Participating ClubsContinue to communicate with clubLions Opportunities for YouthChairmen throughout the periodthey are involved with the YoungAmbassadors program. Providematerials, be available to answerquestions, keep them informed andcheck their progress. Mostimportant, personally and publiclyacknowledge the role they play in theprogram’s success.

Sample Club PacketDevelop a packet that providesinformation for Lions clubs. Thepacket might be mailed to allclubs or distributed to clubs’Lions Opportunities for YouthChairmen at a district-levelevent. Here are some items toinclude:

• Personalized letter thatdetails the program’s benefitsand asks the club toparticipate

• Document with completeprogram guidelines, includingeligibility and judgingcriteria, awards, dates andclub responsibilities

• Youth candidate applicationform

• Judges’ rating sheet (forreference in preparing thecandidate)


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Step 6: Organize JudgingRecruit and instruct a judgingpanel. Prepare and provide judgingmaterials.

Determine which of the followingpotential responsibilities will be givento judges:

• Review and rate candidates’ writtenapplications (options: in advance ofjudging event or at judging event)

• Prepare questions for candidateinterviews

• Ask candidates questions duringface-to-face interviews and ratetheir responses and presentation

• Observe and rate candidates’speeches

• Ask candidates related questionsfollowing their speeches, and ratetheir responses

• Interact with candidates during areception, meal or other activity aspart of the judging event

• Provide written and/or oralfeedback to candidates

• Participate in the awardspresentation.

Recruit JudgesTo ensure objectivity, the judgingpanel should consist of three to fiveprominent leaders who are neitherLions members nor associated withthe youth candidates in any way.Also recruit a reserve judge, whoagrees to serve if another judgewithdraws.

The judging panel should represent across-section of the geographic regionserved by your Lions district. Judgesshould relate well with young peopleand represent a variety of respectedorganizations, institutions, businessesand agencies. It is also recommendedthat the panel represent the district’sdiversity of cultures, ages and genders.Sources of judges might include:

• Government officials

• Youth-related government agencies

• Educational institutions andorganizations

• Businesses

• Faith-based groups

• Media

• Youth-serving organizations

• Young people who have receivedother service awards.

Contact each prospective judgepersonally, as early as possible,starting with the individuals youwould most like to recruit. If youknow of a Lions member who isacquainted with the prospectivejudge, ask the Lion to help with yourinitial contact.

Immediately after a judge agrees toserve, mail a thank-you letter thatalso confirms information about theprogram and the judging event.Indicate when you will supplyfurther details and materials.

Prepare Judging MaterialsThe criteria and process to be usedfor judging candidates are essentialinformation for sponsoring Lionsclubs, candidates and judges. Prepareand distribute materials that clearlydefine what weight or value will begiven to each criterion. Create arating sheet or other documentjudges can use to record theirevaluations, and send it to them inadvance. Also make enough copies soeach judge has one document percandidate during the judging event.A Sample Judge’s Rating Sheet isincluded in this guide.


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Inform JudgesHelp judges prepare for the judgingevent by sending them, in advance:

• Overview and goals of the LionsYoung Ambassadors for the 21stCentury Award program

• Outline of the award applicationand selection process

• Details of the date, time andlocation when judging will occur

• Judging panel guidelines andresponsibilities

• Specific requests for information toprovide or responsibilities to fulfillin advance of the judging event

• Copy of the youth candidateapplication form

• Copy of the judging materials(such as a rating sheet)

• Expense reimbursement policies,procedures and forms (ifappropriate)

• Your complete contact information.

After you have mailed thisinformation, call all judges toconfirm they have received it and toanswer their questions. Also callshortly before the judging event toconfirm details.

Meet with JudgesAt the start of the judging event,meet with the judging panel toreview procedures and expectations.You may wish to:

• Review the event’s agenda and thejudging process

• Explain how to use the judgingmaterials and guidelines

• Allow time for judges to discusshow they will work together,including which questions to ask,procedures and order forquestioning, use of time, etc.

Step 7: Plan the EventPlan one or more events forapplication judging, interviews,speeches and recognition. Workwith the Award Event Chairman toarrange for specific activities.

Make decisions about the manydetails of event preparation, thenensure someone is assignedresponsibility for each. Event-relatedlogistics might include:

• Date, taking into consideration:judges’ availability, candidates’availability, availability of facilityand other scheduled Lions events

• Location, taking into consideration:travel distances; availability ofappropriate facilities; availability ofhost Lions club; how location will


Checklist for the YoungAmbassadors AwardEvent Chairman

❏ Help determine event date(s)and location(s).

❏ Research and recommendfacility. Schedule event withfacility.

❏ Assign responsibilities for theevent’s logistics and activities.

❏ Coordinate with YoungAmbassadors AwardChairman and others.

❏ Determine room assignmentsand set-up for each activity.

❏ Confirm all arrangementsand responsibilities.

❏ Before the event begins,check that everything isready. Test all audiovisualequipment.

❏ During the event, beavailable to answer questionsand solve problems.

❏ After the event, check thatall bills are correct and arepaid on time.

❏ Thank everyone who helped.

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affect availability of judges, mediareporters, speakers, etc.

• Facility, taking into consideration:activities to be held/number ofmeeting rooms needed; ease ofaccess, parking, etc.; availability offood service; quality; cost

• Meals and menus (if any)

• Accommodation reservations/arrangements (if needed).

Share InformationInform judges, sponsoring Lionsclubs and candidates about the event.Send them advance informationabout the exact location, date, timesand agenda.

Set Up Facilities and SuppliesConsider room set-up and suppliesneeded for each activity that is partof the event. For example, your eventmight include:

• Food functions (meals, receptions,snack breaks, etc.)

• Judges’ orientation

• Candidates’ orientation

• Application review

• Interviews

• Candidate speeches (with audience)

• Waiting/informal times forcandidates and chaperones

• Displays of candidates’ communityservice projects

• Feedback session between judgesand candidates

• Feedback session for sponsoringLions clubs

• Award presentation ceremony.

Identify needed items such as chairs,tables, paper, pens, microphones,podiums, beverages, food, signs andprinted materials. Make suresomeone is in charge of providingand setting up each item.

Step 8: Publicize theAward ProgramPublicize the Young Ambassadorsprogram, candidates and recipient.Awareness will build both the qualityand quantity of award programparticipation. Consider developing:

• News release that announces theprogram’s launch

• Articles for club and districtpublications or Web sites

• “Talking points” about the awardfor district officers to use whenaddressing Lions clubs and thepublic

• Sample news release Lions clubscan use to announce the programand recruit candidates.

Recognize ResultsContinue to focus public attention asthe award process proceeds. Considerdeveloping:

Checklist for the PublicRelations Chairman

❏ Prepare and submit newsreleases announcing theaward program.

❏ Publicize the award programwithin the Lions district.

❏ Prepare and submit newsreleases announcing thecandidates.

❏ Invite media reporters toparticipate in the judgingevent and awardpresentation.

❏ Prepare and submit newsreleases announcing theYoung Ambassador of the21st Century.


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• News releases to announce thecandidates

• Sample news release a Lions clubcan use to announce its candidate

• Candidate profiles to appear indistrict publications or on Web site,or to send to media reporters

• Invitations for media reporters toattend the judging event and awardpresentations and view displays ofcandidates’ community serviceprojects

• News releases for judges to submitto their company or professionalnewsletters

• News release announcing andprofiling the young person chosenas your Young Ambassador of the21st Century, accompanied by aphotograph of the awardpresentation.

Step 9: Follow UpFinish up details and keep recordsto ensure an even better awardprogram in the future. Thank allsupporters in person and with awritten thank-you note. Send lettersto all candidates and sponsoring

Lions clubs. Congratulate them ontheir participation, and thank themfor their efforts. Have your YoungAmbassador and several Lions leaderssend thank-you letters to judges fortheir time and their expertinvolvement. If appropriate, write abrief article for your districtpublications, thanking key volunteers.

If you were pleased with the servicesprovided by the host facility or othervendors, send them a thank-youletter, also.

EvaluateReview what went well and whatcould be improved in the future. Askothers for their feedback andsuggestions. Write a report, includingspecific details about procedures. Listsuggestions for improving the awardprogram.

Involve Your Young AmbassadorServing as your Lions YoungAmbassador of the 21st Centurymight entail some futureinvolvement by the selected youth.Consider whether your YoungAmbassador may have a role as:

• Speaker to other youth,encouraging community serviceinvolvement

• Lions youth spokesperson to thepress

• Delegate to Lions events in yourdistrict

• Participant in Lions multipledistrict and constitutional areaopportunities for youth.

If such roles are anticipated, makesure a Lions leader has responsibilityfor informing and directing theYoung Ambassador’s involvement.

AcknowledgmentsThe suggestions presented inthis guide are based in part onyouth award programs inMultiple District 105 (BritishIsles and Ireland) and MultipleDistrict 201 (Australia andPapua New Guinea).


YOUTH CANDIDATE AWARDSAMPLE APPLICATIONThe Lions Young Ambassadors of the21st Century Award recognizes youngpeople for their outstanding communityservice involvement, leadershipaccomplishments, public speaking skillsand scholastic achievement. The awardsencourage young people to seekexperience in these areas and recognizethe value of their achievements.

EligibilityThe Young Ambassadors of the 21stCentury Award district competitionis for young people, ages 15 to 19,whose candidacy is sponsored by aLions club. Contact your Lions clubfor information on its candidateselection process.

Award ProcessEach Lions club may sponsor onecandidate to the [name of district]Young Ambassadors of the 21stCentury Award competition. Theclub’s Young Ambassadors awardchairman and candidate worktogether to complete and submit thefinal Youth Candidate Application.

[If appropriate, add informationabout award process steps at the zoneor region level.]

Lions club candidates and adistinguished panel of judges willcome together for the district-leveljudging event. At this time, eachcandidate participates in aninterview with the judging panel andpresents a five-minute speech to the

judges and an audience.

Award RecognitionLions club-sponsored candidates forthe [name of district] YoungAmbassadors of the 21st CenturyAward will be recognized during anawards ceremony at the end of thejudging event. Candidates will bepresented a recognition certificate[add information about anyadditional award items or monetaryprizes for candidates].

The young person selected as [nameof district] Young Ambassador of the21st Century will receive arecognition certificate, [addinformation about any additional

award items or monetary prizes. Givecredit to sponsors, if any. Alsoprovide information about any otherways the Young Ambassador will berecognized.]

[If appropriate, add informationabout progression to awards events atthe multiple district andconstitutional area levels.]

Award CriteriaYoung Ambassadors of the 21stCentury Award candidates at thedistrict level are evaluated on thebasis of their:

• community service involvement(50%)

• leadership accomplishments (25%)

• scholastic achievement (5%)

• interview performance (10%)

• public speaking presentation (10%)


(Lions districts may adapt this sample application for use by Lions clubs to select a candidate for district-level competition.)

Lions District Application Deadline ____________________________Date for District Judging Event ________________________________Location of District Judging Event _____________________________

How to Apply

1. Read the information in this application.2. Contact the Lions club’s Young Ambassadors award chairman to learn

about requirements and selection process.3. If you meet all eligibility criteria, complete this form, providing all the

information requested. Additional pages may be attached as needed.Submit the signed application form to the Lions club award chairmannamed below.

Lions Club Deadline____________________________________

Return to:

LIONS CLUB YOUNG AMBASSADORS AWARD CHAIRMAN

LIONS CLUB NAME

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE E-MAIL

APPLICATION FORMCandidate Information

FIRST (GIVEN) NAME LAST (FAMILY) NAME

STREET ADDRESS

CITY STATE/PROVINCE POSTAL CODE

TELEPHONE E-MAIL

AGE

AgreementWe certify that all information contained in this application is true and factual. We also agree that if the applicant is selectedas a candidate for the Young Ambassadors of the 21st Century Award, he or she will attend and participate in the [name ofdistrict] judging event on [date] and accept the authority and direction of the Lions club representatives and event organizers.

APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE DATE

In addition to the above agreement, I hereby consent to my son/daughter/ward participating in the Young Ambassadors of the21st Century Award and related activities.

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE

Community Service (50 points)List specific community service activities, projects and events in which you have been involved during the past three (3)years.

Activity/Project/Event People/Institution That Benefitted from Service Estimated Hours of Service

In the past three years, how many total hours did you spend on community service activities, projects and events?Estimated Number of Hours: _________________________

Describe how you demonstrated leadership skills and showed initiative for two to three major community serviceactivities, projects or events during the past three (3) years.

❏ Male ❏ Female


What specific results were achieved through your community service? (i.e., number of people served, goals reached,services created, funds raised, etc.)

Explain what you have learned and how you have benefitted by being involved in community service.

Check if appropriate: I have received the Lions Young Leaders in Service

❏ Silver Award (for 50 hours of community service) ❏ Gold Award (for 100 hours of community service)

Leadership Accomplishments (25 points)List the leadership roles you have filled in the past three (3) years.

Dates Leadership Role Organization/Group

Explain what your leadership has accomplished for yourself and for the organizations/groups you helped lead.

Scholastic Achievement (5 points)Please attach a copy of a school transcript that reflects courses completed and grades achieved over the past three (3) years.

List any honors, awards or scholarships you have received as a result of your scholastic achievement.

Date Honor, Award or Scholarship Honor/Award/Scholarship Criteria

Interview (10 points)Each Lions Young Ambassadors of the 21st Century Award candidate will participate in an interview with a panel ofjudges. This interview will be evaluated on the basis of:

• content of responses to questions

• verbal presentation style (volume, grammar, pronunciation)

• nonverbal presentation style (gestures, grooming, eye contact).

[Explain how and when candidates will receive more detailed information regarding the interviews.]

Public Speaking (10 points)Each Lions Young Ambassadors of the 21st Century Award candidate will present a five-minute speech to a panel ofjudges and an audience. The candidate will then respond to related questions posed by the judges. The candidate’spublic speaking will be evaluated on the basis of:

• content of speech

• presentation style (verbal and nonverbal)

• visual aids (visibility, effectiveness, appropriateness)

• content of responses to questions.

[Explain how and when candidates will receive more detailed information regarding the public speaking topics, eventand guidelines.]

Instructions for Lions ClubAfter selecting your Young Ambassadors of the 21st Century Award candidate, forward the completed application formto the district Young Ambassadors award chairman. Include a cover letter signed by the Lions club president thatendorses your club’s candidate and recommends his or her selection as the district Young Ambassador of the 21stCentury.

DISTRICT YOUNG AMBASSADORS AWARD CHAIRMAN

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE FAX E-MAIL

Sample Judge’s Rating Sheet (District Level)

Criteria Possible Points Points Awarded

COMMUNITY SERVICE (Based on application)

Evidence of community service involvement 10

Time and effort devoted to community service 5

Initiative in community service 10

Results of service 10

Expression of lessons learned through service 15

SUBTOTAL: Community Service 50 total

LEADERSHIP (Based on application)

Extent of leadership roles 15

Expression of leadership accomplishments 10

SUBTOTAL: Leadership 25 total

SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT (Based on application)

Evidence of scholastic achievement 5

SUBTOTAL: Scholastic Achievement 5 total

INTERVIEW

Content of responses to questions 4

Verbal presentation style (volume, grammar, pronunciation) 3

Nonverbal presentation style (gestures, appearance, eye contact) 3

SUBTOTAL: Interview 10 total

SPEECH

Content of speech 3

Presentation style (verbal and nonverbal) 2

Visual aids (visibility, effectiveness, appropriateness) 2

Content of responses to questions 3

SUBTOTAL: Speech 10 total

TOTAL SCORE (add five subtotals) 100 total

Judge’s Initials_______________


LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALYouth Programs Department

300 W 22nd StreetOak Brook, IL 60523-8842, USA

Telephone: 630-571-5466, ext. 324Facsimile: 630-571-1692

E-mail: [email protected] site: www.lionsclubs.org

Official Publication of Lions Clubs International

IAD-137 Printed in USA

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