Call for Nominations: CANS 2025 Community Leader Award

 Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words that clearly address the following five criteria. Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged.

1. Community Contributions and Initiatives (maximum 25 points)

Describe the nominee’s direct involvement in community activities, programs, or initiatives. Include dates, locations, and the nominee’s role in each effort. Highlight how the nominee demonstrated leadership, influence, or initiative in their community work. Be specific in outlining:

• The nature of the involvement (e.g. volunteer work, fundraising, event coordination, mentorship, advocacy)
• The community, population, or issue being supported
• Whether the contribution was ongoing, a one-time event, or part of a larger initiative

2. Measurable Impact (maximum 25 points)

Explain how the nominee’s actions contributed to meaningful and measurable outcomes for a local community or the broader province. Where possible, use quantitative and qualitative evidence to describe the scope and success of the work. Examples might include:

• Number of people reached or supported
• Funds raised or resources donated
• Programs launched or expanded
• Policy or social change influenced

3. Alignment with Community Needs (maximum 20 points)

Demonstrate how the nominee’s efforts were responsive to a specific need, gap, or challenge facing the community. Describe:

• How the need was identified
• How the nominee helped address it in a thoughtful and inclusive way

4. Collaboration and Partnerships (maximum 15 points)

Describe how the nominee collaborated with others to achieve greater community impact. This could involve:

• Partnerships with nonprofit organizations, community groups, schools, or local businesses
• Supporting programs for student placements, through O2, BFY, or co-ops
• Engaging with underrepresented or marginalized groups
• Working across sectors to solve a problem

5. Long-Term Vision or Legacy (maximum 15 points)

Explain how the nominee’s work contributes to a lasting impact or legacy. Consider:

• Whether the work will continue beyond 2025
• How the nominee has built momentum for ongoing change or future initiatives

Supporting Materials

While not required, nominees are encouraged to submit up to three additional supporting documents to strengthen their application, such as:

• Letters of support, written by individuals who have direct knowledge of the nominee’s community work
• Photos, social media content or news coverage of community events
• Program or event summaries

All supporting materials should be clearly labelled and referenced in your written submission. Appendices should be included at the end of the nomination package.