Awards Committee

Charge for the Awards Committee

The Awards Committee is responsible for overseeing and administering Literacy Nation’s annual awards programs, including the Future ICON Awards, which are designed to celebrate and elevate the voices of emerging youth writers and illustrators. This committee will work closely with the Executive Board and other relevant committees to ensure that awards processes align with Literacy Nation’s strategic initiatives of increasing member engagement, enhancing member experiences, and increasing visibility for the outstanding work of authors, illustrators, and youth creatives. The committee will handle all aspects of the award programs, including categories, criteria, prize determination, and award logistics, ensuring that the awards contribute to promoting excellence in literary and artistic talent.

• Developing Award Categories and Criteria: The committee will define the categories for the awards, ensuring they reflect the diversity and range of genres and creative work. Categories for the Future ICON Awards may include, but are not limited to, “Best Author,” “Best Illustrated Work,” “Spoken Word/Poetry Performance,” and “Emerging Voices in Social Justice Writing, young authors award,.” The committee will also create clear, transparent criteria for each award to ensure fair evaluation.
• Prize Fund and Award Determination: The committee will establish the prize for each award, which may include scholarship funds, publication opportunities, and mentorship pairings with established authors and artists. Additionally, the committee will work with Literacy Nation’s Executive Board to secure funding for the awards, including identifying sponsors and fundraising opportunities.
• Promoting Visibility for Award Winners: The committee will work with Public Relations and Marketing and technology to ensure that winners of the Future ICON Awards and other literary and artistic recognitions receive significant visibility. This includes showcasing winners’ work during the Literacy Nation Conferences and offering opportunities for young creatives to engage with industry professionals, educators, and the public. 
• Outreach and Engagement for Youth: The committee will coordinate outreach efforts to ensure equity and inclusion in the application process. This includes reaching out to schools, libraries, and youth organizations, particularly in under-resourced communities, to encourage participation in the awards program. The committee will also work with the Library Committee to establish regional initiatives such as ICON Labs or pop-up workshops to engage students and provide year-round support.
• Work with Conference and Events Planning to coordinate award ceremonies and recognition of award recipients.

The committee will meet monthly to discuss the development of award categories, review submissions, coordinate outreach and promotional strategies, and finalize details regarding the prize fund and award logistics. Regular meetings will allow for timely coordination and execution of key initiatives, ensuring that the Future ICON Awards align with Literacy Nation’s broader mission and strategic objectives.

• Increased Visibility of Authors, Illustrators, and Youth Talent: The Future ICON Awards will provide a national platform for youth and teen writers and illustrators, offering them recognition and visibility for their work, and empowering the next generation of creatives.
• Increased Visibility of Authors and  Illustrators. The Future ICON Awards will provide a national platform for independent authors and illustrators, offering them recognition and visibility for their work, and empowering the next generation of creatives.
• Member Engagement and Participation: The committee’s efforts will help increase engagement among Literacy Nation members, offering opportunities for them to mentor youth, nominate deserving creators, and participate in judging or programming related to the awards.
• Building a Pipeline of Future Creators: By investing in youth early and providing mentorship, recognition, and resources, the committee will help build a pipeline of emerging writers and illustrators, ensuring the growth and diversity of the literary and artistic fields for years to come.

The committee will provide regular updates to the Executive Board, including progress on award planning, prize fund development, outreach efforts, and the impact of the Future ICON Awards on Literacy Nation’s strategic goals. These reports will ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and help refine the initiative for future growth.