RRCA National Grassroots Running Awards

The RRCA is accepting nominations for the 2008 RRCA National Grassroots Running Awards. Since 1971, the Road Runners Club of America has been honoring dedicated individuals for their service to the running community. Information about the award categories along with selection criteria and the NEW ONLINE nomination form can be found here. To complete the form, simply click on the "Awards Nomination Form" link, select the award category and complete the form. Be sure to include an essay (500 words or less) about the nominee in the text box provided on the form. Email or mail newsletter copies as instructed on the form. The RRCA will provide a small travel stipend and one complementary ticket to the 2009 RRCA Annual Banquet and National Grassroots Running Awards Ceremony to each winner.

Nominations will be collected for all categories, and the nominations should be submitted to the National Office by 5:00 PM Eastern on November 1, 2008 (NOTE: the deadline for website nominations is January 1st). The period of performance for the individual being nominated should be September 1, 2007 through August 31, 2008. All nominations will be forwarded to the appropriate selection panels tasked with selecting the final award recipients. Individuals interested in serving on one of the award selection panels should contact Jessica Sleight at office@rrca.org by September 30, 2008.

I hope the RMEC members will consider submitting some nominations. Below are a few examples of the awards they will give. Please take a minute to click on the link above and submit a person, race, club, or volunteer that you think is worthy.

BROWNING ROSS SPIRIT OF THE RRCA AWARD
The Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award was created to honor the memory of the RRCA’s founder, Browning Ross, who died in April 1998. The award honors a club member who is an unsung hero. These are the people who champion the RRCA tirelessly and enthusiastically, but prefer to stay in the background, letting others bask in the spotlight, just as Browning did.

RRCA JERRY LITTLE EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM
(Three categories: Club Newsletter - 2 print categories, Electronic Newsletter, and Club Writer)

Club/Event E-Newsletter:
Established in 2006, this award recognizes use of technology when communicating with members. It is open to any size club or event. The e-newsletter can be emailed to members or clearly posted on a website and should be in PDF, HTML, or another format such as Constant Contact e-newsletter. The e-newsletter should look like a newsletter and not simply be a page on a club website or a text email. When printed, it should look like a newsletter suitable for mailing. For an example, review the RRCA e-magazine, FOOTNOTES.

ROD STEELE OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD
Rod Steele was a DC Road Runner Club President in 1974 until a plane crash took his life. This award is in memory of his contribution to the sport of running and as a volunteer and supporter of the RRCA. This award is given to recognize the outstanding volunteer (excluding the president) of a local club or event. Please send the nomination form and one page essay including as much information as possible about the contributions of the nominee.

RRCA ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR AWARD
In 2006, the RRCA launched the Road Race of the Year to acknowledge RRCA nonprofit member races that provide safe, well designed and enjoyable races which promote grassroots running and the mission of the RRCA.

WEBSITE AWARD - NOMINATION PERIOD IS DECEMBER 1, 2008 - JANUARY 1, 2009
This award is to honor and recognize those who have brought technology into their clubs as a means of communication and done so in an organized, efficient and technological manner. The website will be judged by the first impression, layout and graphic design, ease of navigation, use of technology, depth of content, up-to-date information, uniqueness, personality and contribution to the RRCA. Awards will be given to small (250 and fewer) and large (over 250) club websites. A top Website will be chosen from the finalists. Additional details will be posted in December.