AWARDS AND HONOURS   Certificates of Recognition   Two separate Certificates have been produced for use for special recognition and presentation: to Clubs, Associations and Federations on 20th anniversaries and at 5 year intervals; to Callers, leaders and instructors on 20th anniversaries and at 5 year intervals; wedding anniversaries every 10 years starting with the 50th; and  to recognize the contribution to the Square & Round Dance Society. Follow this link to see a sample of the Certificates. For more information on obtaining a Certificate please contact your Provincial Representative on the Society Board of Directors.    AWARDS AND HONOURS   Nominations for Honours & Awards should be forwarded to: Maureen Geldart  or Gary Geldart, 4409 Benoit, Pierrefonds, QC H9H 2L4 (514) 626-7980 Email: mgkdisodo@sympatico.ca   The Canadian Society has established two awards to recognize the contribution of its members to the activity. These include:  Award of Excellence and Long Service Award.   Award of Excellence This is the CSRDS's highest award and is reserved for any dancer, or caller/cuer or leader who is a member of the Society.  Awards may be made postumously or to former members no longer active in the movement.  There are no restrictions as to the number of awards granted, nor is there a requirement to make an Award in any given year.  The recognition is reserved for those whose contribution to square, round, contra, clogging and line dancing is well outside the activities of the average participant. Accomplishments could be either a single, exceptional result in a short period of time, or a steady, continuing, above-average contribution over a long period of time.   Nominations shall be made in writing by ten individuals from anywhere in Canada to any Federation, or in the case where no Federation exists, to the territorial or provincial contact. Nominations MUST provide full substantiation as outlined in the 'Criteria'.  Nominations shall be forwarded by the Federation/contacts to the Chairperson of Honours and Awards, in narrative form, along with their recommendation.  Proposals must reflect, and fully document the aspects of the achievement which deserve special recognition by the presentation of the Award of Excellence.  To avoid disappointment, it is recommended that candidates NOT be informed that they are being nominated.   The 'Criteria' or Standards for this award are very high and therefore a nomination must be fully substantiated with details of the results of the accomplishment to be recognized.  This might include news items, copies of publications, or copies of samples of the result of the candidate's work.  Accomplishments to be recognized are only those which are above and beyond the normal activity.  For example, positions on committees, boards, etc. would not be considered, unless the work in that position resulted in an outstanding contribution to the movement which far exceeds that normally expected by an incumbent in that position.   Accomplishments can be in any field of endeavour, performed by any individual in the Canadian square & round dance movement.  Accomplishments could be a single exceptional result over a short period of time or a steady, above average devotion over a very long period of time.   Accomplishments should be original in nature or be the recognition of an opportunity not normally seen by others.  The result may be reflected externally or internally.  Externally, the accomplishment could enhance the future of the movement by providing more visibility in the public's mind.  Internally, the accomplishment could be a positive improvement in the movement now, with some evidence that the improvement will be lasting.  Improvements in organization or administration may also be recognized provided they lead to major improvements due to innovation. Accomplishments which are local in scope will normally be recognized by local organizations, therefore Society awards will mainly be national in scope.  However, this does not preclude the Society from also recognizing an exceptional local accomplishment and granting an Award of Excellence.   The Society President shall advise the recipients of their selection and shall make arrangements for the presentation. Proposals should be submitted as soon as it is possible to do so.  Further time is required to prepare the evaluation process and the presentation which would be done at the AGM during our National Convention. For more information contact the Directors responsible for the Honours and Awards Program.   Long Service Award In 2000 the Society initiated a Long Service Award to be presented to persons who have made contribution and service to the movement over many years.  For more information contact the Directors responsible for the Honours and Awards Program.   Any dancer, caller, leader, instructor or cuer member of the Society is eligible for this award.  Awards may be made posthumously or to former members no longer active in the moment. There is NO restriction as to the number of awards granted, nor is there a requirement to make any award in any given year.   Nominations may be made at ant time by ten members from anywhere in Canada to any Federation, or in the case where no federation exists, to the territorial or provincial contact.  Nominations must provide full substantiation as outlined under "Criteria".  In the case of an unsuccessful nomination, a new nomination may be made with further substantiation. In order to avoid disappointment, candidates should not be informed by nominators or reviewers that they are being considered.  Federations shall forward nominations with recommendations to the President of the Society, in narrative form.   'Criteria'  The nominations for this Award MUST set out the service the nominees have provided to the activity through involvement in their club(s), Associations, Federations, etc.  Such service is beyond that of being a dancer.  Length of service shall normally be a minimum of 15 years.   The Board of Directors will make its decision within six months of receipt of the application.  The Board will inform the federation if its decision is negative.  A positive decision will be forwarded first to the successful candidate, with information to the federation concerned.  Presentation of an award will normally be made at the next National Convention following a decision to grant an award.  Awards granted in an absentia will be later forwarded to the appropriate federation, unless the recipient desires that the presentation be postponed until a future National Convention.