Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network is soliciting nominations for its 2012 Excellence Awards. This year, the awards dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at the Harrisburg Hilton & Towers. A social hour will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, immediately followed by a buffet dinner (please mark your calendar).

The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Awards honor members and friends of the legal aid community who exemplify excellence in their commitment and accomplishments as advocates for low-income people. A media presentation highlighting the accomplishments of each award recipient will be incorporated into the program.

You are encouraged to submit nominations of worthy candidates, for the following categories:

1. Legal Services Staff
   This category is for all staff positions. We are seeking nominations for employees who exhibit excellence and commitment in the performance of the duties of their jobs.
    
2. Private Bar
   This category is for members of the private bar who display an outstanding commitment to legal aid and the legal needs of low-income Pennsylvanians.
    
3. Lay Advocacy
   This category is for client leaders, organizational partners, or others who have donated significant time and energy to the mission of legal aid, and the needs of low-income people.
    
4. Community Services
   This category is for volunteers and friends who demonstrate exceptional dedication to legal aid and the needs of low-income people. It may include legislators or government officials, community leaders, or others who help promote the mission of legal aid.

Nominations are open to everyone and there is no limit on the number of nominations you may submit. However, all nomination forms must follow the format on the attached form and include supporting documents and information in order to be considered by the Awards Committee. Nominations submitted without supporting documentation are not likely to be selected for an award.

The Awards Committee will look for specific examples of excellence, and will take into consideration commendation letters, relevant news clippings, or other documents that strengthen the nomination.

Nominations are encouraged using our online nomination form. Nominations can also be sent by mail, fax or e-mail, but must be received no later than Wednesday, December 7, 2011:

PLAN Awards Committee
118 Locust Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Fax: 717-233-4088
E-mail: fweisinger@palegalaid.net

While past recipients of the award are eligible to receive it again, historically this has never been done in an individual capacity. If you have a question as to whether someone you would like to nominate has been a past recipient, you can click here to find a list of past award recipients.

If you have other questions, please contact Fran Weisinger at (800) 322-7572 or (717) 236-9486, ext. 207 or by e-mail to fweisinger@palegalaid.net. 

Online Nomination Form
Download Nomination Form (MS Word)