AWARD CRITERIA

The purpose of the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. (JOCA) Heroes Day Banquet and Awards Gala is to celebrate individuals and businesses that lay the foundation of our community. It is also to inspire the rest of us to strive for a better country, as we believe it is the essence and the power of our community.

      The deadline for submitting nominations this year is September 17, 2010

ADULTS - CATEGORIES

Community Service Award

This award honours an individual who has given of him or herself to improve the lives of people and their community. Recipient of this award will have demonstrated exceptional community/volunteer service at home or abroad that has made a difference to the well being of others.

To qualify the individual (s) must be a member(s) in good standing with the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. for no less than (3) three-years

Volunteer of the Year Award

This award honours an individual who has made a long-term, outstanding commitment to their community. Recipient of this award will have an outstanding record of significant community involvement and service.

To qualify the individual must be a member in good standing with the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. for no less than (3) three-years.

Life Time Member Award

This is the award of highest distinction.  This award honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association and the community at large. This individual has displayed exceptional human values that are an inspiration to those with whom they come in contact.      

The individual must be a member in good standing with the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. for no less than (15) fifteen-years.

Arts and Entertainment Award

This award honours an individual who has achieved success in the field of arts and entertainment and contributes to the community.

Business Award

This award honours a business that is currently engaged. The business must demonstrate a commitment and record of giving back to the community.  To qualify a business must be operating for more than (1) one year.

Jamaican High Commission’s Award

Purpose:  

To recognize:

1. The personal commitment made by volunteers through their time, efforts, knowledge or resources, making valuable contributions to the quality of life in communities in Jamaica.
2. Those who make exceptional contributions.
3. Extraordinary leadership, innovation and creativity.
4. Highlight the contributions of volunteers and serve to inspire others by the positive examples they provide.

Each year one award will be given to a select individual, group, organization or business that has made meaningful contributions or provide significant support to volunteer activities of:  community and not-for-profit organizations or associations; co-operatives, boards; commissions; business; government ministries that directly recruit volunteers; art/education/correctional institutions and schools; municipalities; long-term care homes and hospitals to Jamaica through voluntary action.

Volunteers help in building diverse, vibrant communities that are safe, caring and are socially, culturally and economically strong places in which to live.

Selection:

An independent selection committee of three to five individuals reviews the nominations and selects one recipient.  The selection committee is made up of individuals from the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association and representation from the office of the Jamaican High Commission, and represents a variety of disciplines.

Presentation

This award will be presented together with the Jamaican Heroes Awards and the Chris Harris Award at the Heroes Gala in October of each year.

Chris Harris Community Award

This award is presented once per year to an individual of the community who is in good standing with The Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. for a minimum of 5 years.

His/her piers must recognize his/her work and has shown improvement in the community. He/she must show an interest to the continuance of his service to the community, in their efforts to improve our society through an incredible range of initiatives, actions and accomplishments. 

YOUTH

For recognition for the following award category, the youth must be a member of the Jamaican(Ottawa) Community Association Inc. or have at least one family member in good standing.

An award will also be given to an individual annually who although is not a member of the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community, has contributed significantly to the Ottawa Jamaican community. This award is limited to (1) one per year.

CATEGORIES

Education Award

This award honours a youth that has a history of outstanding academic achievement. The recipient of this award must still be in school and must be a member, in good standing of the Jamaican(Ottawa) Community Association Inc., or have at least one family member in good standing.

Sports Award

This award honours a youth that has demonstrated outstanding ability in sports.

Community Service Award

This award honours a youth who has made a long-term, outstanding commitment to their community. Recipient of this award will have an outstanding record of significant community involvement and service.

Entrepreneurship Award

This award honours a youth currently engaged in business as an owner/entrepreneur. They must show success in owning and/or managing a business.

Young Achiever Award

This award honours a youth that has demonstrated an ability to achieve through education. Recipient of this award must be a graduate of College or University.

NOMINATION PROCESS:

Nomination Form

1.         A completed nomination form

2.         A detail description of achievement and / or contributions

             (In 500 words or less)

3.         A brief Biography

            (One page or less)

4.         A letter of support.

Nomination Submission

There are two ways to submit a nomination:

1.         Mail :  

959 Wellington Street West Ottawa Ontario K1Y-2X5

2.         E-Mail: jrobinson3425@yahoo.ca or Jamaicanottawaassn@yahoo.com

Selection

An independent selection committee of three to five individuals reviews the nominations and selects one recipient. The selection committee is made up of individuals from the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc. and representation from the office of the Jamaican High Commissioner and represents a variety of disciplines.

Presentation

The award(s) will be presented together with the Jamaican Heroes awards and the Chris Harris award at the Heroes Gala in October of each year.

Invitation will be extended to the recipient and their nominator.

http://jamaicanottawaassn.org

959 Wellington Street West Ottawa Ontario K1Y-2X5

Corporation Number:  0766577 --- 613-523-9085

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