Proposal: MHAO Humanitarian Award
Submitted to: Morgan Horse Association of Oregon Board of Directors
Submitted by: Patricia Carlson
Description:
Members of MHAO are dedicated to the health and welfare of animals and members of their communities. Many volunteer and donate generously to various causes. Indeed this organization wouldn’t exist without those who contribute their considerable time and talents. It is not surprising our members would do whatever they could to help others, especially during a time of crisis. It is the intent of the MHAO Humanitarian Award to honor and thank those especially generous members who courageously helped rescue and care for animals and people impacted by the disasters of this year’s fires and pandemic.
Qualifications:
1. Member of MHAO at time of service, or a part of the Morgan Community
2. Nominated by member or non-member
3. Submission of at least one brief written description of the nominee’s exceptional community service and impact.
4. Nominations and essay submissions will be reviewed and nominees contacted before acceptance.
Discussion of further Qualifications:
1. Limiting the number of awards or attempting to weigh one person’s altruism against another’s would not be within the proper spirit of this award. The more people we can acknowledge, thank and honor the better to show the depth of heart and generosity that thrives in our Morgan community.
2. But IF Board feels a need to treat some nominee’s contributions as being of greater merit than another’s I would recommend having a two tiered approach. All those who actively participated and led in the rescue and housing of animals/people would each receive the full list of awards. A second group could consist of those who also made important but more passive contributions e.g. helping organize, donating funds, helping care for rescued animals, etc. whereby they could still receive honorable mention and inclusion in ads and articles. The bigger the list the better!
Award:
1. Framed certificate of honor.
2. 1 year honorary membership in MHAO.
3. Articles in Newsletter describing each nominee’s exceptional service.
4. Inclusion in half page ad in next year’s Directory/Futurity honoring all MHAO Humanitarian Award recipients.
5. Submission of article about MHAO Humanitarian Award and its honored recipients to The Morgan Horse Magazine.
Actions Required:
1. Approval of this new award by MHAO board.
2. Designation of person(s) to whom nominations will be submitted.
3. Widely release notices of new award to membership and encourage nominations.
4. Approval and execution of design, prints and frames for official award certificates.
5. Determine recipients.
6. Send/give award to recipients.
7. Design half-page ad for Directory/Futurity listing
8. Mark 2021 MHAO membership dues for recipients as paid.
9. Assign the writing of articles for Newsletter and The Morgan Horse.
10. Submission of finished articles.
Expenses:
1. Design, printing and framing of certificates will be donated by Patricia Carlson. Other volunteers are very welcome.
2. Loss of 1 year’s MHAO membership income per recipient.
3. Delivery of certificates.
4. Dedication of 1/2 page advertising space.
Summary:
Recognition that the MHAO values and rewards community service of its members is especially important during a time when we are more isolated from the support and comradery we normally enjoy within our Morgan community. Telling the stories of how our members have managed to contribute in spite of, and because of, these difficult situations will inspire us all to appreciate each other more and hopefully envision what we might be able to contribute. With most awards in the equestrian community centered on winning-- this one is earned by giving.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I’m willing to volunteer in several capacities including reviewing submissions, designing the certificate and writing articles but I will need some help. And reminders of deadlines. I’m happy to discuss it further.
Sincerely,
Patricia Carlson