Archive for September, 2009

The “Others” award is an important way to give special recognition to those that give important service and assistance to your local Salvation Army.

It is important that your board develop specific criteria for determining worthy recipients, and you will be required to write up the application for ultimate approval at division and territory levels.

While you should carefully consider giving this award annually, there is no mandate to make this on a yearly basis, and in many cases you will want to only give it, as appropriate, and not simply because another year has passed since last awarded.

Suggested criteria might include:

*   Given in recognition of unique and meritorious local service to the Army

*   Create a committee of past award recipients to make recommendation

*   Ideally alternate between internal (board) and external (community)

*   Keep careful records as to past recipients  (never give it twice to the same person!)

*   Only one per year, and consider skipping years, as appropriate

Remember, this is a very significant award, and it should be determined with great care and thought.  Also, be sure to award this, if possible, at an event where the community is in attendance, to give the greatest exposure and recognition to the recipient and the services performed.

We also give lesser awards to deserving individuals which we call “Community Service Awards.”  We have special plaques engraved with suitable Salvation Army logos and identification of the award.  Thus we are able to give wider recognition to deserving community members than otherwise afforded by the once a year “Others” recognition.

Why I Serve The Salvation Army

I just returned from a meeting of the National Advisory Board meeting in Seattle.  I am always so inspired when I return from those meetings.  The board consists of civic, community and business leaders from around the country.  When I see the dedication and commitment these people have to the Army, I pause and reflect upon why it is that I have chosen to serve.

We had the opportunity to visit with the local Army officers and to hear from some people who have been helped by the Army.  We also enjoyed a fabulous musical program lead by Divisional Commanders Doug and Diane O’Brien.  A seventeen year old multi-talented musician told us that he has been called to serve and will enter Officer Training School when he completes his high school education.  He actually tried to enroll at the age of 13 but was told he would have to finish his high school education first.  He spends his free time at the Adult Rehabilitation Center “hanging out” when he is not in band practice.  Another member of the band is a retired teacher who just loves the music and being part of the group.

We heard from a man who had been a very successful businessman and possessed all of the toys of the rich.  He fell on hard times, lost all of his material possessions and more importantly he lost his family.  He began frequenting a Salvation Army café where he was fed and enjoyed fellowship with other homeless.  After totally reaching bottom, he sought help from The Salvation Army. Today he lives independently in his own apartment and has recently published a book about his life experiences.

This brings me to my point.  I have chosen to serve The Salvation Army because I have witnessed how they change lives of individuals who are the most needy.  They do this without regard for race, color, religion, gender or personal lifestyle preferences.  I always remember my mother saying to me – “but for the grace of God, there go I.”  The Salvation Army is truly DOING THE MOST GOOD!

Rob Pace, chairman of the National Advisory Board, introduced the idea of inviting experts to speak to the board, bringing additional perspective to  pressing issues, such as the economic downturn affecting the nation, which, in turn, impacts the Army’s fundraising and services.

The National Advisory Board invited Thomas J. Tierney, chairman and co-founder of the Bridgespan Group, an independent, nonprofit organization designed to provide general management consulting services to foundations and other nonprofits., to speak at the April 2009 NAB plenary session held in New York City.

Author and lecturer on nonprofit leadership, Tierney’s discussion with the NAB was based on articles published in the Harvard Business Review, “Delivering on the Promise of Nonprofits,” co-authored by Tierney, Jeffrey L. Bradach and Nan Stone; and The Bridgespan Group: Chapter 2 written by Allen Grossman, Naomi Greckol-Herlich, and Catherine Ross  http://www.hbsp.org

Tierney’s talk examined how leading non-profits navigate through turbulent times by hunkering down, keeping alert and innovative, and doing good with less.  Other stimulating points were addressed, giving way to a thought-provoking discussion with National Advisory Board members.

How is your board identifying fresh and new ideas to tackle today’s challenging economic times?