Outstanding Achievement Awards
The Outstanding Achievement Awards will consist of four categories – Innovative Programming Effort, Best Membership Strategy Implemented, Best Partnership Program, and Best Diversity Initiative. Entries will be judged based on membership size categories.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING EFFORT
Innovative chapter programs will be evaluated on specific components of the program, including planning, goals, timeline, budget, communications, and promotional materials, challenges faced/addressed. Eligible programs will include educational, social, and award events.
BEST MEMBERSHIP STRATEGY IMPLEMENTED
Successful programs, projects, or initiatives that encourage and improve membership recruitment or renewal. Entries might include a short-term recruitment campaign or components of retention efforts. Examples of recruitment programs include creative tie-ins to ACC initiatives, samples supporting yearlong recruitment efforts by the chapter through member involvement, leadership support, or written materials promoting member benefits. Retention programs may include orientations, member involvement efforts, renewal time line or promotion of ACC core services and benefits.
BEST PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Includes any partnership of the chapter with other allied bar associations, ACC Global Networks, educational institutions, and/or community organizations that result in positive impact to members, the in-house profession or the community. Partnership features are judged along with a written description of the planning and implementation of the project or program.
BEST DIVERSITY INITIATIVE
Awarded to a chapter that has strategically and successfully development an event or program for a minority segment of their membership or community. Segments can include, but are not limited to young professionals, women, and ethnicity, or diversity scholarships and training programs.
BASIC CRITERIA
- Entries must have been produced and substantially completed in the award year (April 2024 - May 2025).
- Chapter entries must be submitted by the Chapter Leadership, Administrator, or by a designee of the aforementioned.
- Chapters may submit multiple entries in each award category if entry represents entirely separate and distinct initiatives. Otherwise only one entry will be accepted.
- Entries must be received by 11:59p.m. ET on the stated deadline. No exception to the deadline date will be made.
- Chapter programs, products, and services that have previously been awarded are ineligible.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submissions will open on Wednesday, June 4 and close no later than Wednesday, July 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET. ACC Chapter staff will screen all entries to verify eligibility and compliance with submission requirements. Any entry that does not meet the basic submission requirements will be disqualified.
Each entry must include the following:
- One complete Online Entry Form, including a description of the entry. Entries are disqualified if any information on the form is missing.
- Specific category criteria as outlined in the annual Call for Entries.