We have been asked about the criteria for becoming a recipient of our award
Unfortunately we were forced to rewrite the guidelines to becoming eligible for consideration both as an individual and as a company.
1.) To begin with, you or your company have to be an active member of the AIEBC for a minimum of two years, We have elected in the past to waive our organizations time line to be considered for the award but we have agreed to not do that any longer, that’s not to say we would not consider doing it again given the circumstances.
2.) It’s important that you are not just a supporter of our organization but an active member as well (outlined below) as a business we are truly grateful for companies that see the value in CSR:
Corporate social responsibility (also called corporate conscience, corporate citizenship, social performance, or sustainable responsible business/ Responsible Business) To define CSR:
It is titled to aid an organization’s mission as well as a guide to what the company stands for and will uphold to its consumers. Development business ethics is one of the forms of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. Corporate social responsibility may also be referred to as “corporate citizenship” and can involve incurring short-term costs that do not provide an immediate financial benefit to the company, but instead promote positive social and environmental change. Companies have a lot of power in the community and in the national economy. They control a lot of assets, and may have billions in cash at their disposal for socially conscious investments and programs. Some companies may engage in “greenwashing”, or feigning interest in corporate responsibility and we have met more than our share, (which is why we have adopted these guidelines) but many large corporations are devoting real time and money to environmental sustainability programs, alternative energy/cleantech, and various social welfare initiatives to benefit employees, customers, and the community at large. CSR is titled to aid an organization’s mission as well as a guide to what the company stands for and will uphold to its consumers. Development business ethics is one of the forms of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. Corporate social responsibility may also be referred to as “corporate citizenship” and can involve incurring short-term costs that do not provide an immediate financial benefit to the company, but instead promote positive social and environmental change. Companies have a lot of power in the community and in the national economy. They control a lot of assets, and may have billions in cash at their disposal for socially conscious investments and programs. Some companies may engage in “greenwashing”, or feigning interest in corporate responsibility, but many large corporations are devoting real time and money to environmental sustainability programs, alternative energy/cleantech, and various social welfare initiatives to benefit employees, customers, and the community at large.
We hope you will understand our need to adopt these guidelines, unlike most organizations we are aware of, we take no funding from the Local, State or Federal government which allows us to concentrate on what we recognize as being important not to just us but a whole culture and community as well and when companies engage in what we refer to as feigning interest it can be devastating.
The reason we have adopted this model of functioning is because the Great Recession has been difficult for almost all nonprofit organizations. For those that rely primarily on funding from foundations, individual donors, membership dues, or user fees, economic recovery is a light shining at the end of the tunnel. Our funding picks up with the economy but those nonprofits that depend on government funding–especially those organizations that deliver human services or cultural awareness–there is a cliff at the end of the tunnel.
So by focusing on our cause that resonates with the existing concerns of large numbers of people at all income levels, and by creating a structured way for these people to connect where none had previously existed its our hope that we do survive despite the small number of American Indians in this area and the lack of concern by corporate America.
The individuals (who are members of this organization) donate money and time because the issue is integral to their everyday life and is something from which they draw a collective benefit both socially and financially through claiming minority status.
Our Yearly Awards are broken down into three categories and awarded at our November 1st event for American Indian Awareness Month:
Partnership, Volunteer and Community Leader, these are awarded to Corporate Sponsors and Community Leaders who have shown commitment, kindness, and generosity through selfless efforts. Their dedication has provided comfort and relief, and illuminated the lives of the less privileged, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. I would like to say that we are not only humbled by their unceasing efforts. No matter how many professional staff we have, no matter how good the policies we have, we need the volunteers to deliver the social services to those who are in need and those who are disadvantaged. While the name of the AIEBC might have changed in the past, our scope, vision and mission have not and what will not change either will be our need to walk the journey with you and our need for your continued partnership. We will continue to reach out to all of you and we hope that all of you will continue to partner us. Without you and your support, AIEBC will not have achieved what we have done all these years and without your support we will not be as confident to do much more for the people that we would like to help.
1. Partnership Award Partnerships are crucial throughout our country as we promote and improve diversity in all walks of life. The AIEBC collaborates with business leaders to develop solutions to meet America’s industry demands, tackle the issues of workforce preparedness and reinvigorate America’s human talent to remain competitive, not just in Kansas City but nationwide. Selection Criteria: Since 2008 our Executive Director has been awarding the Kola (Partnership/Friendship) Award. This award recognizes the innovative partnership between the American Indian Enterprise & Business Council and local business leaders.
2. Outstanding Volunteer Award Volunteers are essential to the ongoing success of the AIEBC. The Outstanding Volunteer Award was created to commend one hardworking volunteer who has given considerable time and support in many different services provided by the AIEBC and has had a positive impact across the Native American Community. Selection Criteria: The Volunteer Award honors a volunteer who has given much time and effort to many different services provided by the American Indian Enterprise & Business Council in the field of community and business relationships. Volunteers reach out to people on the fringes of our society and help build their sense of belonging, their self-confidence and provide the support needed to help people fully participate in the social and economic life of the community. They give life to our community and organization.
3. Community Leader Award It is true that you can identify a leader by how well the followers perform. However, a truly superior leader is one who recognizes the responsibility of empowering others to lead. At no other time in our history has it been more crucial for Native Americans to develop and maintain solid, meaningful relationships with the business community. To that end, the American Indian Enterprise & Business Council created an innovative Leadership Initiative Award.
Past Recipient Awards: Jerry Tuckwin, UMB, Greg Graves, Burns & McDonnell, Andrea Hendricks and Michelle Word