Secrets of a Winning Credit Union/Chapter Entry

Do you wonder what the judges are looking for when they examine national entries in the Desjardins recognition program? Here's their list of characteristics of a winning entry:

• Appropriate. Read the rules, and make sure you're entering the appropriate competition. The Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award focuses on teaching members and nonmembers under the age of 18 about personal finance. The judges will give precedence to activities since June 1, 2008.

• Relevant. Review the entry form carefully and respond to all applicable judging criteria. There are three mandatory measures and two optional measures (see "How does Desjardins scoring work?" in the credit union/chapter program FAQs). The scoring is based on these elements, so the more relevant information you provide, the higher your score

• Focused. For each criterion, it's better to describe—and substantiate in detail—your single best program than to list many smaller activities or events. This allows you to present your best case. The Desjardins Award is not a marketing recognition program. Don't include advertising samples and promotional PowerPoint presentations. They only make it harder for the judges to find what really matters—the educational content and how you delivered it.

• Personal. There's nothing wrong with using commercially prepared educational materials. If you did, however, be sure to show how you adapted the materials to the needs of your particular youth audience. Show how you went beyond the prepared materials to engage kids more deeply. In any case, explain what makes your credit union's efforts unique and worthy of national recognition. Emphasize the creativity and uniqueness of your program. While monetary donations are admirable, the judges will look for strong personal involvement.

• Proved. What were the goals of your efforts and how did young people benefit? Provide concrete, relevant evidence of program effectiveness. What positive results did you measure and can you document them?

• Organized. Make your entry easy to read and easy to follow. Include the name of your credit union organization on the front cover. Use a table of contents. Avoid handwritten entries and misspellings. Use standard fonts, white paper, and black type. Keep your entry to a manageable size; bigger is not better.

Of course, only a limited number of entries can win at the state and national levels. By heeding this advice, you'll improve your chances of receiving recognition for your good works.

Direct questions about the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award to Philip Heckman (800-356-9655, ext. 4088).