E for Effort; S for Service; T for Thank You! By Moira Blincoe LPSNZ
THERE IS SO much going on in any PSNZ calendar year which is all organised, implemented and hosted by volunteers. All of these people give so much time not only to helping photographers grow individually but equally so to helping our affiliated camera clubs grow. Most people who volunteer do so because of the passion they have for the ‘product’ and in this case it’s photography. They also possess unique ‘service’ or leadership qualities. Sometimes they are just the quiet, behind the scenes organiser, versus the person who is seen out front or making the loud calls and announcements. A bit like the squeaky wheel gets the oil. I think many members forget that there is a way that some of these hardworking volunteers can be recognised, and I want to remind you that we, the Society, do have a formal way of acknowledging our volunteers and saying, “Thank You”. PSNZ offers four special Service Awards for this very purpose. I would like to encourage all PSNZ members and members of affiliated clubs to read the details about the “PSNZ Service Awards” on our website and, if you know someone who you think is worthy of receiving a service award, then read all the information and take it a step further. The official nomination form can be found on the PSNZ website and should be submitted to the PSNZ Honours Board before 28 February 2021. All nominations are reviewed and presented at the Honours Board’s annual general meeting which is held immediately following the assessment of the honours distinctions. The next meeting will be in March 2021. All nominations, with the exception of the Emma & William McPherson Award, must be submitted by a proposer and two endorsers. The nominations must also be accompanied by a detailed citation outlining the background of the nominee, their volunteer commitments and the contributions they have made to the Society and/or photography. If the nomination is supported by the Honours Board, it is then forwarded to PSNZ Council for the final decision. The different awards recognise different levels of service, so it is very important that anyone making a nomination, understands the requirements. It is also unreasonable for members to ask other members to make a nomination on their behalf. No nomination can be made for any current members of the Honours Board or PSNZ Council. You can find more information including the guidelines for nominating a member and the actual nomination form at https://photography.org.nz/psnz-service-awards/.
18
