The following are guidelines for the selection of the Outstanding Member of the Year as developed by the National Board in response to the direction of the 1974 National Convention.
I. Method of Selection:
1. Nominations of candidates for the award should be made prior to the State Convention. Nominations may be made directly from the membership upon proper notice to the members inviting such nominations. Also, candidates for the award may be selected by Local, County, or District Units.
2. In either event, the name of the candidate should be submitted, with a brief resume of accomplishments, to a Selection Committee, to be named by the State President, State Board or by any other means, which may be the prevailing policy in the State Association.
II. Eligibility for Award:
1. Any member of the Association may be nominated as a candidate for the Outstanding Member of the Year Award.
2. State Association Officers should not be arbitrarily selected for the award, nor should they be prohibited from consideration. Officers have been chosen to lead and serve, but it is frequently demonstrated that their services go far beyond the routine duties of the office and, thus, may be worthy of selection.
III. Criteria for Selection:
1. The primary consideration of the Selection Committee shall be:
a.) The service rendered by the candidate to the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association.
b.) Attendance and participation in Local, State, and National meetings.
c.) Willingness to accept responsibilities and dedication in performing those duties.
d.) Fraternal attitude to others in the Rural Carrier Craft.
2. The Selection Committee should also consider as a secondary matter, other service which the candidate may have rendered, such as civic or community activities, which reflect favorably upon the Rural Carrier Craft and the Postal Service.
3. Consideration shall be given for service rendered in the immediately preceding 12-month period. Such period will encourage each carrier, even the newest ones, to seek to achieve the award during the current year.
IV. Presentation of Award:
1. When each State Association has made its selection, the name of the candidate shall be reported to the National Office by the State Secretary in the regular Annual Report. An appropriate award will be presented by the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association at its National Convention.
These Guidelines are not intended to be binding, and a State Association may use any other selection procedure that is suitable for each state.
Note: Nominees for the Maryland State Member of the Year should submit their resume to the State Secretary or a State Board member before May 22, 2006.