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2008
Winners (pdf) | Prior Years' Winners | Eligibility | Judging
and Awards | Why Enter?
Categories | Call
for Entries | How
to Enter/Fees | Register
to Attend
CalSPRA Excellence in Communication Awards
The Excellence
in Communication Awards program recognizes outstanding achievement
in communication and public relations for K-16 educational
professionals and institutions. The 2009 contest brochure is here.
Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that this year’s Excellence in Communication
Conference in San Diego has been cancelled due to the on-going fiscal
crisis gripping California. With tough budget restraints, the CalSPRA
Board did not feel it was in the best interest of our members (many of
whose conference budgets have been frozen) to hold this conference.
However, it is important to recognize the valuable work fellow public
relations professionals are doing. We are moving forward with the
Excellence in
Communication Awards. Instead of presenting awards at the May Conference a
CalSPRA Board Member will present the California Gold and
Award of Excellence in person at a Board of Trustees meeting of the
winning entrant. In the coming months CalSPRA will continue to identifyways for our members to access professional development opportunities
through our organization that are cost-effective and accessible to our
members, no matter what the financial circumstances of your district.
Eligibility
Any public or private K-16 educational
institution or person with public relations, communications,
and/or publications responsibilities in K-16 education
may submit entries for consideration in the CalSPRA Excellence
in Communication Awards. Entries must have been created
and published, broadcast, displayed or used between a date range TBD for the 2009 contest
Judging
and Awards:
Entries are evaluated individually
against specific criteria reflecting the four-step PR
process, as well as quality standards for each category,
by a team of school public relations professionals outside
of California. The highest designation for qualified entries
in each category is the Award of Excellence, followed
by the Award of Merit. Judges will select as many winners
as meet the contest criteria. Award winners and their
superintendents will be notified by email and US mail in April, 2009.
Entries
are judged by NSPRA members from another state. Entrants
will receive written evaluation sheets from the judges
for each of their entries at the CalSPRA Conference in May 2009.
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Why
Enter?
The CalSPRA Excellence in Communication
Awards program is designed to provide recognition for creative
and effective work, as well as valuable feedback from fellow
school public relations professionals. This awards program
allows you to benchmark the quality of your communications
program and projects. Statewide recognition of your efforts
and abilities can increase your credentials within your
organization, reinforce the value of the public relations
function, and build your own self esteem.
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Overview
of Contest Categories
- Assessment –
Describe the need or problem and identify measurable project
goals.
- Planning –
Identify target audiences, involvement of others in the
planning, and variety of communication channels considered
and used.
- Communication –
Include timelines for execution of planned activities,
and communication techniques used.
- Evaluation –
Show evidence of planned, objective evaluation of success
in reaching stated goals and evaluation of communication
techniques used, as well as changes, if any, to be made
if project is repeated.
In addition, include appropriate supporting
materials that were part of your campaign, program or event:
brochures, publications, news releases, clippings, photos,
etc.
-
Annual Report
Publications produced once a year to highlight accomplishments
and programs.
-
Brochure
Brochures for individual schools, special programs,
special events, “Fast Facts”, etc.
-
Community Newsletter
External newsletters published periodically, either
printed or electronic.
-
General Information Publication
School booklet, handbook, calendar, catalog, SARCs –
any publication that provides general information about
your schools.
-
Internet/Intranet Web Sites
Submit a paper copy of your home page (first page of
your site only) and include the address for your web
site on your entry form.
Logo Design
Logo design used on stationery, publications, and
business cards; or special designs for anniversaries,
programs, theme events and celebrations. Submit
logo design along with samples of use (or photos).
-
Multi-Media Communication
Video, DVD, CD, PowerPoint, webcast presentations, etc.
-
Photograph
Color or black and white photograph. Include a brief
description of how the photo enhanced your communication
efforts.
-
Poster
Minimum size 11” x 17”.
-
Promotion / Awareness Package
Media kits, relocation packets, identity packages, recruitment
materials, etc.
-
Special Event or Program
This category is for special events and the publications
that go along with them that may not fall within the
California Gold category.
-
Special Purpose Publication
This category encompasses anything that does not fall
within one of the other categories.
-
Staff Newsletter
Publications for employees published periodically, either
printed or electronic.
-
Writing
Op. ed. pieces, editorials, speeches, or individual
articles from newspapers or newsletters. Entries are
judged for clear, concise, vibrant writing only; graphic
elements are not a factor in this category. Please submit
tearsheets (originals or copies) of published pieces.
For speeches, identify audience and date speech was
given.
Non-judged categories (no entry
fee required)
- Bright Idea Award
Here’s where we recognize quick, easy-to-use creative
ideas – simple but effective public relations
and communications projects. Describe the activity,
program or event in 300 words or less. Be sure to describe
the outcome and send sample materials
if appropriate.
- Teachable Moment
A lighthearted acknowledgement of the mistakes we all
make. If you can laugh about it now, tell us about your
“oops” moment in 150 words or less. Be prepared
to share your story with your CalSPRA colleagues at
the meeting in San Diego.
How
to Enter:
- You may enter as many times as you wish
in any category.
- For each entry, submit four packets which
must each include:
a. A copy of completed Official
Entry Form. This is the 2009 Entry Form.
b. A written summary of your entry (see details below)
c. A copy of the item entered (publication, tearsheet,
video, etc.)
NOTE: For Internet entries, submit a paper copy
of your site’s home page and include the Web site
address on your entry form.
- Written Summary
Your written summary should clearly and concisely address
the following questions:
a. What was the purpose of your entry?
b. How did you use research and planning to develop the
project?
c. What was the target audience or audiences?
d. What measurable goals were set?
e. What did the project accomplish and how did you evaluate
its effectiveness in meeting stated goals?
- Entry Fees:
The entry fee for each item (except California Gold) )is $40 for CalSPRA members
and $50 for non-members. Entry fee for Clifornia Gold is $5 for CalSPRA members and $55 for non-members.
Make checks payable to CalSPRA. Purchase orders cannot
be accepted, but if you check the box on the entry form
requesting a receipt, one will be provided.
- Mail your entry postmarked no later than
March 18, 2009, to:
Beth Flory, CalSPRA Contest Chairs
Sacramento County Office of Education
P.O. Box 269003 Sacramento, CA 95826-9003
Mather, CA 95655
If using UPS or FedEx mail to: 10150 Missle Way, Mather, CA 95655
- Questions? Contact Beth Flory (916) 228-2417 or
e-mail bflory@scoe.net
To
Attend:
Check back for registration information
for the 2008 event, or go to the events page here.
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