October1–31
Service Above Self Award
Recognise someone’s contribution
Nomination guide
Turn a deserving member’s contribution into a clear, well-supported nomination.
Start with the service
Look for the members who make things happen: those who care for people, deliver projects, develop others and sustain Rotary’s work over time. The strongest nominations explain the contribution in specific terms and connect it to the award criteria.
Begin with your club president. For Foundation awards, involve the District Rotary Foundation Chair early. The formal nomination must be submitted by an authorised nominator with any required endorsements.
Your nomination calendar
November1–30
RI Avenues of Service Award
Citation for Meritorious Service
January1–31
Distinguished Service Award
District Avenues of Service nominations are open throughout the year.
| Award | RI / Foundation window | Authorised nominator |
|---|---|---|
| Avenues of Service · district | All year | Current club president |
| Service Above Self | 1–31 October | District Governor |
| Avenues of Service · RI | 1–30 November | District Governor; one nominee per district |
| Citation for Meritorious Service | 1–30 November | District Rotary Foundation Chair or another active Rotary or Rotaract member; Governor’s endorsement required |
| Distinguished Service | 1–31 January | Any Rotarian or Rotaractor, with required endorsements |
Allow time for club and district support before the RI or Foundation deadline. Speak with the appropriate district leader about local arrangements. Nomination forms open during the periods above.
Find the full eligibility requirements and nomination details on My Rotary.
Other Rotary awards
Rotary also recognises the contributions of clubs, alumni and friends of Rotary. Explore Rotary’s other awards and recognition to find an award that suits their service.
Five steps to a strong nomination
Choose the right award
Match the contribution to the award’s purpose. Distinguish service across the five avenues, exceptional humanitarian service and service specifically to The Rotary Foundation.
Confirm eligibility
Check membership standing, earlier awards, office-holder restrictions and the current rules. For Distinguished Service, confirm when the earlier Citation for Meritorious Service was received.
Build the evidence
Describe what the person did, when they did it, who benefited and what changed. Separate the nominee’s contribution from the overall work of the team.
Arrange the nomination and endorsements
Contact the club president, District Governor or District Rotary Foundation Chair as appropriate. Allow time for review and any additional endorsements.
Submit through the official pathway
The authorised nominator completes Rotary’s current form during the nomination window. Keep a copy of the submission and any acknowledgement.
Gather the essentials
| Include | Details to include |
|---|---|
| Nominee and award | Name, club, intended award and membership details required by the official form. |
| Service period | Start and end dates, continuity and significant milestones. |
| Personal contribution | Decisions, work, skills, initiative and responsibility directly attributable to the nominee. |
| Impact | Who benefited, the change achieved and evidence supporting the outcome. |
| Breadth and sustainability | Partnerships, geographical reach, leadership of others and whether benefits continued. |
| Earlier recognition | Relevant awards, dates and supporting confirmation. |
| Evidence and endorsements | Project summaries, examples of achievements and the required endorsements. |
This is a preparation aid. Use the questions and limits in the official nomination form for the final submission.
Describe the difference made
A useful structure
“Over [period], [name] personally [action], working with [partners]. This resulted in [specific outcome] for [people or community]. Their contribution was exceptional because [evidence linked to the criteria].”
Use accurate examples and plain language. A list of offices held is context; explain the service performed in those roles. Include only information needed to support the nomination.
Questions clubs often ask
Can a member suggest someone for an award?
Yes. A member can bring a potential candidate to the relevant club or district leader. This is separate from the formal submission, which must meet the award’s rules on authorised nominators and endorsements.
Does a donation or Paul Harris Fellow recognition establish eligibility?
These service awards assess active service. Financial contributions and donor recognition do not, by themselves, establish eligibility for the awards described here. Check the specific award criteria.
Should we promise the award to the nominee?
No. A nomination is a proposal for consideration, not an assurance of selection. Coordinate any announcement or presentation after official confirmation.
Which rules should we use if older guidance gives different dates?
Use Rotary’s current award page and nomination form for the latest dates and requirements.
Contacts and official guidance
The club president is the starting point for district Avenues of Service recognition. Contact the District Governor for RI Avenues of Service and Service Above Self, and the District Rotary Foundation Chair for Foundation awards.