Answers to Commonly Asked Questions!
Q. Can I nominate myself for a SASSY Award?
A. Yes! Every nominee is judged on its own merit according to predetermined criteria, not by who nominated them.
Q. Can I nominate my daughter/son/student for a SASSY Award?
A. Absolutely! As above, all nominees are judged on their own merit according to predetermined criteria, not by who nominated them. We highly recommend that the person being nominated actually fills out the nomination application so they can give the best insight into all of the amazing work they are doing!
Q. Can a person be nominated more than once for a SASSY Award?
A. Yes. As long as the individual is not a previous recipient of a SASSY Award, we encourage previous nominees and finalists who were not recipients of the cash prize to apply again.
Q. Can a person be nominated for a SASSY Award in multiple categories?
A. Each nominee can be nominated in one category per year. A nominee can compete in a different category in a subsequent year, provided they still meet the criteria and that they were not a recipient of a SASSY award. Finalists may compete in a different category in a subsequent year or may choose to apply to the same category again.
Q. Who is eligible to be nominated for a SASSY Award?
A. Any youth aged 15-21 who live, work/volunteer, or study in either Surrey or White Rock is eligible to be nominated for a SASSY Award.
Q. When can I nominate someone for a SASSY Award?
A. Nominations are only received during the nomination period, which will be from February 15, 2024 – March 26, 2024, this year.
Q. How are the SASSY finalists selected?
A. Criteria is set out for each SASSY Award category by the SASSY Awards Committee, and the process is overseen by the SASSY election committee and the Chair of the SASSY Awards. Each award category will have a subcommittee of three-five members, usually consisting of at least one Rotarian, one youth, and one individual specializing in the relevant criteria. For example, the Arts and Culture category will have a professional musician, art teacher or dance instructor on the committee and the Overcoming Adversity category usually has someone from Sources Community Services sitting on that selection committee.
Q. I have heard of another SASSY Awards. Does another SASSY organization exist?
A. In 2016, Langley Rotary Clubs came together to offer a similar youth program. Their awards are completely separate. Please see their website for more information about the Langley SASSY program.
Q. When do the SASSY Awards take place?
A. The date can vary, but usually takes place in May to coincide with Rotary’s Youth Services Month and the City of Surrey Youth Week. Please refer to our home page for the upcoming date of the next SASSY Awards.
Q. How can I become a sponsor for the SASSY Awards?
A. We are grateful to all of our sponsors and their commitment to youth and the community. We are happy to speak to anyone looking to sponsor a youth award or the SASSY program. Please email youth@surrey.ca and someone will follow up with you, usually within two business days.
If you wish to make a donation rather than become a sponsor, you can do that through the Friends of SASSY program for as little as $10.