Last year, a major overhaul aligned the evaluation criteria for the Community Achievement Award (CAA) program with changes in the Society and current practices. While the overall criteria have not changed much this year, significant changes have occurred in the levels of each criterion. These changes, along with some other modifications to the rules, have turned this year’s minor “tweaking” into another significant overhaul.

Fundamentals. The list of Fundamental criteria was reduced to about eight essential activities; all must be accomplished in order to be eligible for an award. Activities above the Fundamental level (because of substitution options) are essentially optional.

Supporting material is required for all checked items above the Merit level—so be sure to capture that material as activities occur.

Distinction: new core is substitutable. There are a few new criteria required for communities applying for the level of Distinction (similar to the Merit and Excellence criteria). As with the other two levels, substitution is an option for these items.

Substitution elaboration. Substitution was redefined last year—but not defined well enough to avoid confusion for some communities. Substitution rules have therefore been significantly clarified:

2 for 1—substitute two higher criteria for a lower one
1 for 1—substitute a preapproved innovative criterion for one that cannot be accomplished
The Community Achievement Award Evaluation Committee (CAAEC) will make substitutions where necessary and appropriate

Numbering system. Because of the difficulties encountered by judges while tracking substituted items last year, we’ve enhanced the numbering system and procedures for substitution.

How to Apply

You can download the 2008 CAA guidelines and forms from the STC Web site. Remember that the deadline to submit an application is April 18, 2008. Please send your application to Evelyn McCamey, STC Manager of Community Relations.

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CAA Changes for 2008

How to Apply