Nominations open on 5 September for the CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Awards 2016: that will be your chance to get recognition for those communications colleagues, peers and heroes who you believe have a special spark.
Here are 10 reasons why you should get nominating (with thanks to some of our 2013 winners):
1. Because they’re worth it
When we asked what the best things are about working in charity communications, “working with amazing and dedicated colleagues” came high in your top 10. Here’s your chance to let them know who they are. “I was truly humbled to win an award last year. I felt such an energy boost from being recognised alongside such inspiring people. My reputation in the sector definitely also got a boost, as did my network of contacts.” Laila Takeh, head of digital engagement, UNICEF UK
2. It’s not an ego thing
Our awards don’t involve the winner submitting an entry. “What was so lovely about winning a CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Award was knowing I’d been nominated by someone. It made it truly meaningful and a lovely surprise. I was really touched.” Carolan Davidge, director of communications at Cancer Research UK
3. It shows that good communications matters across your organisation
“Over the last few years at the Stroke Association we’ve been working really hard to ensure that comms is central to all the brilliant work we’re doing across the charity: something that all of us take a part in, not just those working directly in the External Affairs (Communications) teams. Winning an Inspiring Communicator Award really felt like recognition of that. Plus my mum was very proud too.” Chris Larkin, regional head of operations, Stroke Association Manchester
4. It’s good to sing about the unsung heroes
“It was fabulous for the work I’ve been doing to improve internal communications to be recognised officially. Especially as many people, understandably from my job title, overlook this work and just focus on the design work I do, without realising that often internal comms is more of a challenge.” Jenny Heylin-Smith, senior designer, National Deaf Children’s Society
5. It’s motivational
“Being relatively new to the charity sector and to Sightsavers, it was a huge honour and confidence boost to be recognised and it really gave me the motivation to push myself and the organisation to experiment and try new things. I still feel immensely proud and it’s something I fall back on when I’m having a tough day or coming up against obstacles.” Kate McCoy, social media manager, Sightsavers
6. It’s great to see recognition across all areas of communications
“As a professional story-gatherer at VSO I’m constantly on the lookout for inspiring individuals to share their experiences in far corners of the world, so to be recognised and acknowledged as ‘inspiring’ for the ability to do this came as a real surprise. Communicating the complexities of international development through people’s personal experiences is not always as easy as it appears – so it was really nice for this type of work to be acknowledged in this way.” Vishva Sodhi, communications and information officer, VSO
7. Let them shine
Collectively, our winners provide shining examples of communications excellence, from comms directors to chief execs, from digital specialists to designers and from volunteers to copywriters and story tellers. Make sure the people who inspire you are part of the mix.
8. It’s free to nominate
For CharityComms members, that is. (If you’re not sure if you or your organisation is a member, you can find out here).
9. And there are no hidden extras
We won’t try and flog you or your nominee an expensive ticket to a black tie bash – but we will invite winners and their nominators to our Awards presentation at our Winter Social on 20 November.
10. It’s simple
Just give us 400 words on why you find your nominee so inspiring.
Find out more information on how and who to nominate and how the Awards work here.