In my role as Immediate Past President, I recently received several nominations for one of our chapter members to be considered for the Anne Banning Leadership Award.
As stated in the award guidelines I gathered a group of past presidents (Deb Sholl, Pam Barer and Kris Bjorklund) as well as Membership Chair, Sandy Warner, to review the award criteria and the nominations and determine whether this member volunteer was worthy of receiving this very special award. We all readily agreed that this was the easiest decision we have ever made in Assistance League!
The Anne Banning Leadership Award is named after the founder of Assistance League and was developed by National Assistance League to offer special recognition to member volunteers throughout the country. The award demonstrates the importance and value of leadership to Assistance League chapters, as well as communicates the accomplishments and dedication of the recipient.
This special award is not given annually but only when a particularly deserving member is identified for her leadership accomplishments and commitment to Assistance League and our chapter. Our chapter’s only previous recipient was Annette Anderson in 2018.
Now let me review the Anne Banning Leadership Award selection criteria and describe how today’s award recipient is clearly worthy to receive this recognition. I am sure you too will agree that this was a very easy decision!
1. First, the award shall recognize members who have served in major leadership roles.
In her eight years as a member volunteer of Assistance League of Minneapolis/St. Paul this award recipient has always been a true professional, handling many challenging situations with skill and grace. She has been committed, involved and demonstrated strong, but flexible leadership. She has chaired 2 philanthropic programs, 1 administrative committee and served on the Board for several years in 3 different capacities.
2. Demonstrated sustained enthusiasm, guidance and participation in chapter programs and activities.
Our award recipient willingly steps up to lead and participates cheerfully in all areas of the Chapter. She often asks “what can I/we do to help” whether it is to a member, to a committee or to a community partner. She strives to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and that their contributions are valued. She recognizes strengths in others and encourages them to take on new challenges. Her enthusiasm for Assistance League is infectious. It not only inspires members and volunteers to get involved but also ensures that the mission of our chapter is accomplished.
3. Led in the creation of a new chapter program or initiative and/or in the significant modification or enhancement of a current chapter program or initiative.
Our award recipient has exhibited steady and measured leadership, making decisions to run our Thrift Shop and operate programs with greater flexibility, while always putting the safety of our member volunteers first. She conveys a sense of, “We’ve got this.” Members can breathe a collective sigh of relief knowing that we continue to serve our community, even during this unusual time. She transitioned easily to the virtual formats with which we have had to become so familiar and she has consistently been able to provide key information, recommendations and direction to ensure the success of our chapter. And let’s not forget to mention that several years ago she led the charge (literally) to initiate the new Point of Sale system at the Thrift Shop.
4. Modeled personal commitment to the mission and values of the chapter.
One of the nominations stated, “Never have I seen her conduct herself more professionally than when this pandemic began impacting our chapter, our members, and those we serve.” Nothing says personal commitment to Assistance League more than volunteering to serve a second year as President of our chapter…especially during a pandemic.
5. Represented the chapter mission and values in the community.
In countless meetings with community partners, presentations to potential grantors, celebrations for teacher grant recipients and other community events, our award recipient is always professional and thoughtful in her comments as she represents the mission and values of our chapter to the community. The strong relationships we enjoy with our community partners have been nurtured under her leadership and position us to continue to fulfill our mission to transform the lives of children and adults in our community.
In conclusion, the Anne Banning Leadership Award emphasizes leadership and contributions to the individual chapter. Our award recipient has chaired both Food for Kids and Links to Learning. She has been Finance Committee Chair, Treasurer, President Elect and now President… for two terms! A true leader: generous, thoughtful, steady, professional, dedicated.
Join me in congratulating our chapter’s newest recipient of the Assistance League Anne Banning Leadership Award: Mary Dries.