Purpose: To encourage AAOHN Chapters to enhance their member activities through the use of communications media, to recognize the chapters’ contributions through volunteer efforts in promoting health and safety in communities, and to foster quality, ongoing professional development opportunities for occupational and environmental health nurses through the AAOHN chapters.
Eligibility: All AAOHN chapters in good standing (i.e. bylaws compliance, annual report) at the time of entry and selection are eligible to apply.
Award Selection: Members of the AAOHN Awards/Recognition Review Panel will judge entries. One selected chapter (state, local, or regional) from each category (5 in total) will receive a banner award to display at chapter events and functions.
There are five (5) different Chapter Award categories:
- Chapter Communications Award
- Chapter Community Service Award
- Chapter Education Award - Best Short Activity (1.0 - 3.9 CNE)
- Chapter Education Award - Best One-Day Activity (4.0 - 8.0 CNE)
- Chapter Education Award - Best Multi-Day Activity (8.0+ CNE)
Procedure
- Entries must be submitted by December 31, 2024 by 11:59 pm CT.
- You should receive an automated response if your application was submitted successfully, but you can email info@aaohn.org with questions.
- AAOHN will notify all applicants of results via email prior to the AAOHN National Conference.
Criteria
Submission must include:
- AAOHN Chapter Award Electronic Entry Form (at the bottom of this page)
- Applicant statement addressing each of the judging criteria (below). Please include examples to strengthen your application (i.e. communication samples used, evaluations from educational program, etc.)
Entry Preparation and Guidelines
- Program year is December 1, 2023 through December 1, 2024. Submission examples must be within these dates.
- Entry form and all attachments (excluding media examples - not to exceed 5 samples) should not total more than 15, 8 ½ x 11”, typewritten, double-spaced, single-sided pages with 1” margins using 12 point font.
- For all acronyms, provide full name of organization or program upon first use.
Judging Criteria
The applicable award is given to chapters that enter examples that meet the criteria. Judging is based on a weighted scale using the following criteria for each Chapter Award. Please craft your applicant statement around the judging criteria for the desired award.
Chapter Communications Award
30pts Planning and Implementation (Includes goals/objectives of communications efforts, needs assessment and implementation plan)
- Goals and objectives are established.
- Member survey is performed.
- Evidence of careful planning is apparent (e.g., budget considerations).
- Evidence of member involvement in preparation of communications (e.g., writing articles) is provided.
- Methods of implementation are effective.
20pts Method/Functionality (Includes format, appearance, readability and creativity)
- Design/layout is appropriate for the particular media.
- Logo/name is easily discernible.
- Information is clear and succinct.
- Communications are easy to read, understand and receive.
- Creativity is apparent.
30pts Content (Includes issues, topics and information presented and clarity of writing)
- Content reflects the needs of members.
- Information/articles are interesting.
- Content reflects the professionalism of the association.
- Information/articles are topical.
- Information/articles are creatively presented.
20pts Evaluation (Includes methods/measures used to assess customer satisfaction)
- Members are satisfied with communications effort.
- Future goals mirror results of evaluation.
- Members are encouraged to contribute to communications vehicles (e.g. write articles).
- Results are measured against stated goals.
- Adaptations have been made.
Chapter Community Service Award
25pts Contribution to health and safety of the communities: Examples may include health fairs, charity drives, blood drives, disaster response, etc.
25pts Active involvement of time and energy (as opposed to cash contributions).
25pts Creativity in addressing community health and/or safety issues.
25pts Evidence of a group effort (as opposed to one or a few individual members, and evidence of involvement of different groups in the community).
Chapter Education Award - Best Short Activity (1.0 - 3.9 CNE)
20pts Educational Goals: There are established measurable educational goals for the chapter consistent with AAOHN’s philosophy and operational framework for ongoing professional education. There is evidence of consistency between the educational goals and activities engaged in by the chapter.
20pts Needs Assessment: A member needs assessment was conducted which facilitates member participation and documents results, which support the chosen goals. A summary copy of outcomes must be provided.
30pts Planning and Implementation Processes: Chapter has taken actions to meet identified needs. Provide narrative description of planning process, as well as overview description of activity, objectives and content outline, which indicate support for achievement of goals chosen.
10pts CNE Approval: There is documentation that the educational activity was approved for CNE contact hours by an accreditation body. Include a copy of approval documentation or letter.
20pts Evaluation: There is documentation of evaluation of the educational activity relevant to meeting the stated objectives and members’ identified educational needs. Include tally of evaluation forms.
Chapter Education Award - Best One-Day Activity (4.0 - 8.0 CNE)
20pts Educational Goals: There are established measurable educational goals for the chapter consistent with AAOHN’s philosophy and operational framework for ongoing professional education. There is evidence of consistency between the educational goals and activities engaged in by the chapter.
20pts Needs Assessment: A member needs assessment was conducted which facilitates member participation and documents results, which support the chosen goals. A summary copy of outcomes must be provided.
30pts Planning and Implementation Processes: Chapter has taken actions to meet identified needs. Provide narrative description of planning process, as well as overview description of activity, objectives and content outline, which indicate support for achievement of goals chosen.
10pts CNE Approval: There is documentation that the educational activity was approved for CNE contact hours by an accreditation body. Include a copy of approval documentation or letter.
20pts Evaluation: There is documentation of evaluation of the educational activity relevant to meeting the stated objectives and members’ identified educational needs. Include tally of evaluation forms.
Chapter Education Award - Best Multi-Day Activity (8.0+ CNE)
20pts Educational Goals: There are established measurable educational goals for the chapter consistent with AAOHN’s philosophy and operational framework for ongoing professional education. There is evidence of consistency between the educational goals and activities engaged in by the chapter.
20pts Needs Assessment: A member needs assessment was conducted which facilitates member participation and documents results, which support the chosen goals. A summary copy of outcomes must be provided.
30pts Planning and Implementation Processes: Chapter has taken actions to meet identified needs. Provide narrative description of planning process, as well as overview description of activity, objectives and content outline, which indicate support for achievement of goals chosen.
10pts CNE Approval: There is documentation that the educational activity was approved for CNE contact hours by an accreditation body. Include a copy of approval documentation or letter.
20pts Evaluation: There is documentation of evaluation of the educational activity relevant to meeting the stated objectives and members’ identified educational needs. Include tally of evaluation forms.