Awards are more than recognition. They are reflections of an association’s values and, when thoughtfully designed, an award program can elevate underrepresented voices, strengthen community ties, and highlight the broad range of contributions members make. A recent effort to create a mid-career award for a global association offers a strong example of how inclusion can be embedded from the start.
Here are five takeaways from the process to consider as you design (or refresh) your award program.
Identify Recognition Gaps
The award was created in response to member feedback highlighting a missing piece in the association’s recognition structure. While early-career and lifetime achievement awards were already in place, there was no equivalent recognition for mid-career professionals. By addressing this gap, the overall value of the recognition program provided an opportunity to elevate the work of a group whose contributions are often overlooked.
Design Inclusive and Flexible Criteria
Instead of relying on rigid definitions tied to job titles or institutional roles, eligibility criteria were crafted to reflect diverse career paths and cultural expectations. For example, some national academic systems reward publishing while others place higher value on teaching and service. The focus for the new award was on impact across research, teaching, and service rather than on narrow benchmarks. This approach allowed for a broader group of nominees to be considered on the strength of their contributions within their own communities.
Prioritize Diverse and Fair Evaluation
One crucial element of the program’s development was the selection of the review committee to ensure the group was representative of the association’s membership. Members of the committee were chosen to represent different world regions and career perspectives. Before reviewing nominations, they participated in a discussion on inclusive practices, helping to reduce bias and improve consistency within the scope of the project. Shared rubrics and guidance materials supported fair, transparent evaluations.
Keep the Nomination Process Accessible
The award supported a two-step nomination process to lower barriers for nominees and to ensure more accurate applications were submitted. Association members could submit short nominations, and nominated individuals were then invited to submit a full application packet. This method additionally ensured nominee information was complete and prevented popularity from affecting the process by limiting review of multiple nomination packages for individual candidates. Overall, this made it easier to recognize deserving candidates while ensuring that reviewers had enough information to make informed decisions.
Build in a Post-Process Review
Iteration and reflection were integral to the program’s design. Weeks after making their selections, the committee met again to review how the process went and to suggest improvements for the next award cycle. The recap meeting allowed the committee members to make firm recommendations based on experience and an opportunity for the committee to respond to feedback in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, an inclusive award program isn’t just about who wins, it’s about valuing excellence in every area of the association’s discipline. When designed intentionally, recognition programs can create a more inclusive experience by valuing contributions at all career stages, simplifying the nomination process, and ensuring transparency in how decisions are made. This thoughtful approach helps members feel seen, appreciated, and encouraged to stay engaged.
Need tips for starting an awards program from the ground up? Check out this blog from RQ Awards.
Melissa Heeke, CAE
Melissa Heeke is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and a master’s degree in leadership development from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. As an association management professional with a wealth of experience, Melissa has a passion for member engagement, leadership development, and global collaboration. She has served as president of the Indiana Society of Association Executives and in various volunteer roles with the American Society of Association Executives. Currently she serves on the ASAE International Associations Advisory Council. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys botanical gardens, art museums, and exploring new ideas with curious minds.