The Unsung Hero
“Unsung Heroes” are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things and whose contributions within “social profit organizations,” (otherwise known as non-profits) deserve to be better known,
more fully appreciated and publicly applauded – because they will inspire the rest of us.
The Unsung Hero Award
This annual award acknowledges and celebrates the work of one of many deserving citizens
within BC’s Capital Region whose impact in the community over time reflects the common values
and principles of the sponsoring organizations - the First Unitarian Church of Victoria and the Community Council - which are listed on the next page.
The Celebration
The Unsung Hero Award will be presented at a celebration dinner in March 2010 to a person within BC’s Capital Region whose unusual service over time within a social profit setting reflects these values. Funds raised through the sale of 100 tickets at $50 each are given to the social profit organization designated by the Unsung Hero.
The Selection Process
Anyone living in BC’s Capital Region may be nominated for this award but no one can propose themselves. Each nominee will have a record of active involvement within a social profit organization; that organization will provide evidence in support of the nominee. Each nominee needs at least three letters of support (including one from the designated organization) detailing the achievements that supporters believe qualifies the nominee for the award.
A selection panel will choose the award recipient through a review process based on the shared values.
When the 2010 Unsung Hero is selected, representatives from his/her designated organization will join the celebration Planning Committee (see page 2).
Principles and Values
The First Unitarian Church and Community Council are partners in the annual presentation and celebration of this award because of their common values. These values are demonstrated by
Unsung Heroes.
Unitarian
· The inherent worth and dignity of every person
· Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
· Acceptance of one another
· A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
· The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process
· The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
· Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
Community Council
· Cooperation - working with others to build community capacity
· Understanding - addressing underlying problems and opportunities
· Participation - seeking input and involvement from the variety of voices in our community
· Inclusion - including those who experience the issues, such as living in poverty, first hand
· Sharing - sharing power, information, resources and leadership
· Action - developing practical, effective solutions
The Nominations Package includes:
1. From the nominator:
- a one-page statement by the nominator describing how the nominee is an “Unsung Hero” (as described above)
- nominator contact information (contact person, phone, email, mailing address)
- three letters of support from local agencies, institutions or businesses indicating how the nominee meets the criteria of an “Unsung Hero”. One of these letters can be from the designated agency
2. From the nominee:
- A signed statement acknowledging the nomination and naming the designated agency
3. From the designated agency:
- A letter stating willingness to participate in the Planning Committee if their nominee is chosen for the “Unsung Heroes” award. The degree and manner of participation will be negotiated with the Planning Committee which is composed of representatives from the Community Council, the Unitarian Church and previous Unsung Heroes.
Please submit nominations packages by September 30th, 2009 to:
Unsung Heroes Planning Committee
c/o Community Council
2 - 3948 Quadra St, Victoria BC, V8X 1J6
or email to info@communitycouncil.ca