Member Awards—Recognizing volunteerism within OSSTF/FEESO

One of the amazing ways that OSSTF/FEESO recognizes the contributions of its members in their District offices, in their communities and in their worksites, are the OSSTF/FEESO awards for members. Often, the voluntary commitments of our members exceed 10 hours per week. When you’re balancing family, work and leisure obligations, that’s a huge commitment of time given selflessly to your union. 

While awards criteria are publicized and available on our website, there are times when do not get many nominations. That is unfortunate because we know that there are many members who give their all, day after day to the union and members. 

The nomination process is available on our provincial website. Most nominations require an endorsement by your District or Bargaining Unit through a short motion, and there are deadlines that you need to know. As well, there are nomination forms online, but for some awards, such as the Communication Award, examples of the communications must accompany the nomination for evaluation. 

Here is a list of the member awards and a summary of criteria:

• André Lécuyer Award—For outstanding contributions in the area of professional development. Presented at AMPA.
  Deadline—January 31

• Award of Merit—For outstanding service at District and Bargaining Unit level as well as provincial level. 
  No fixed deadline

• Bob Brooks Award—For a member, school staff or federation group, endorsed by the District for excellence in community relations.
  Deadline—April 1

• Comité des services en langue française Award—For distinguished involvement in the growth and promotion of French language in OSSTF/FEESO.
  Deadline—January 31 

• Communication Award—For Districts, Bargaining Units or individuals to recognize and celebrate efforts in communications.
  Deadline – January 31

• Environmental Award—For a member, Districts or Bargaining Units to celebrate the dedication to environmental activism. 
  Deadline—April 15

• Honorary Membership—Awarded on request from the District or Bargaining Unit to retiring members. 
  No fixed deadline

• James Forster Human Rights Award—For exemplary dedication and promotion of human rights locally, provincially, or internationally. 
  Deadline – January 31

• Jennifer MacLean Health and Safety Award—For certified health and safety activists on Joint Health and Safety Committees. 
  Deadline—January 31

• John McNeil Award—For outstanding achievement in the area of collective bargaining.
  Deadline—January 31
  
  
• Kelly Ann McKenzie Award—For a member making substantive contributions to the professional growth and development of education worker members. 
  Deadline—January 31 

• Nancy Warrener Award—For a member who demonstrates a high level of energy, positive outlook, commitment to the professional development needs of members, assistance to new members and involvement at both District and provincial levels.
  Deadline—January 31
  
  
• Norm Snyder Award—Presented to a volunteer on a District or Bargaining Unit committee or executive for outstanding service both provincially and locally.
  Deadline—January 31

• Political Action Award in honour of Wendell Fulton and Larry French—For a member showing outstanding leadership in political action with the federation or with political parties, other unions or labour councils. 
  Deadline—January 31 

• Provincial Executive Award—For exceptional members, rendering meritorious and outstanding services to OSSTF/FEESO at the provincial and local level, upon their retirement. 
  Deadline—May 1

• Liz Barkley Status of Women Award—For a member recognizing activism and leadership by an OSSTF/FEESO member in advocating and building awareness on women’s economic and equality issues. 
  Deadline—January 31