Awards

Dear Clubs and local Awards Chairs,Dear Clubs and local Awards Chairs,

This has been an exciting year for MGC clubs and the many projects, both new and continuing, they are involved in around the State. They have a great way to share their projects with others by applying for an award. In addition, others interested in such a project could seek out those winners and learn from their experiences.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE AWARDS

Whether it is National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC), Central Region (CR), Michigan Garden Clubs, Inc. (MGC), or Locally, Awards are a way to celebrate Garden Club excellence. Achievements are recognized as well as the people behind them. Awards present an opportunity to shine both among Members and the community.

1. History and Record Keeping — The Awards Application provides an outline for documentation of the beginning and completion dates, summary and project objectives, involvement of Club   Members and other organizations, etc., project expenses and means of funding, continuing involvement, follow-up and maintenance, photos and design plans.
2. Club Interaction — When seeking an award, a new or special project can generate creativity and talents among members from plans to completion. It can have a positive effect on morale and retention of Members. When Club Awards are received at an Annual or District Meeting, it enhances Club spirit.
3. Credibility — List Awards on all Club literature and advertising, on your website, facebook page, yearbooks and in your newsletters. Discuss them in presentations about your Club to show your accomplishments.
4. Networking — Projects often require partnerships with other organizations, businesses and professionals. Locals will want to do business or fundraising with your Club when they learn about your service to the community as you pursue award winning projects.
5. Publicity — Press coverage is free, gives people a reason to talk about your Club and news articles are considered more credible than advertising. Press coverage is an audience outside your own membership. Cite Awards on Educational Boards and Displays about your Club as well as providing Brochures including this information. This is a chance to reach possible New Members and attract new talent to your Club.
6. Social Media — Links will be established with your Club when Awards are announced.
7. Endorsement from NGC, Inc., MGC, Inc. and/or Central Region — Differentiate your Club from other organizations.
8. Reflection on your success — At the Club’s Annual Business Meeting celebrate the year’s accomplishments by highlighting the Awards achieved. Often Clubs are so busy they forget to stop and consider their strengths, areas for improvement and the direction to head In the future.