PSBA Allwein Society Induction Guidelines and Application Form

The Allwein Society is an award program recognizing school directors who are outstanding leaders and advocates on behalf of public schools and students. This prestigious honor was created in 2011 in memory of Timothy M. Allwein, a former PSBA staff member who exemplified the integrity and commitment to advance political action for the benefit of public education. Tim inspired and helped many others to become successful advocates.

Eligibility requirements

Currently-seated school directors in a PSBA-member school district who are actively engaged as advocates are eligible for the award. Nominations of individuals may be made by any PSBA-member school director, superintendent or PSBA staff (including an Advocacy Ambassador); self-nominations are also encouraged.

Nominees selected for induction must show outstanding leadership in legislative advocacy efforts. The Society recognizes those who cause others to become positive advocates for public education. Their work must be related to the most recent legislative session or issue campaign, and a description and/or evidence of efforts must be included with the application for nomination.

Nominees must:

• Be actively involved in advocating for the needs of public schools and students. The nominee participates in PSBA’s legislative programs and advocates on issues in a manner that is consistent with PSBA’s Legislative Platform.
• Demonstrate a positive impact on legislation or legislators. The nominee participates in activities that, generate support and/or raise new awareness with legislators of the needs of public education.
• Demonstrate an ability to mobilize grassroots advocacy. The nominee acts to mobilize legislative advocacy of fellow board members and/or members of the community.
• Raise public awareness. The nominee generates support for and raising awareness among state policymakers and the public regarding a specific legislative issue or issues.

Applications must:

• Include rationale for being submitted. Please convey how the nominee has been involved in advocacy, including specific examples.
• Include at least two letters of endorsement. Examples of endorsements may include (but are not limited to) letters from a legislator, the nominee’s superintendent, a school director from the nominee’s home entity, a school director from another school district, or from other individuals familiar with the nominee’s advocacy efforts.

Selection:

• Inductees will be selected by the Society Selection Committee (includes PSBA Chief Executive Officer, Chief Advocacy Officer, two current Allwein Society members, and a PSBA past president).
• A news release will be issued, and inductees will be featured on PSBA’s website.
• Inductees will be recognized before their local school board at a public meeting and at the PASA/PSBA Annual Conference.

Applications and accompanying rationale can be submitted to PSBA three ways:

1. Use the online submission form (scroll down below) and the application will automatically be submitted
2. Use this Allwein Society Application Form (Word.doc)
3. Hard copies can be emailed to Jamie Zuvich, Jamie.Zuvich@psba.org.