What could this idea change?
Rigorous reporting that helps residents understand local issues is celebrated, encouraging public-interest journalism.
M-T1-MP-15 · Theme 1
Rotary Media Awards
Recognise high-quality local journalism on community issues through transparent criteria and independent judging, without purchasing media goodwill.
Where this idea came from
- Playbook entry
- M-T1-MP-15 · Rotary Media Awards
- Theme
- Theme 1: Attraction & Visibility · Subtheme MP: Media & Public Relations
- Source material
- Existing checked Theme 1 guide
- Linked playbook entry
- M-T1-MP-15 · Rotary Media Awards
Could this work in our club?
- Local journalists and media organisations, journalism students, independent judges, community nominators and Rotary awards administrators. Use when the club can articulate journalism merit separate from favourable Rotary coverage.
Before you start
- Published eligibility, categories, evidence requirements, dates and appeals process.
- Independent judging panel with conflicts, confidentiality and scoring controls.
- Legal review of entry licences, privacy, prizes, tax, sponsorship and publicity.
At the end: Publish criteria-based citations, return or securely archive entry material, address appeals through the stated process, and review category bias before the next cycle.
Before your club says yes
Does the idea fit?
Talk with the people it is meant to serve and check that the need is real.
Who can say yes?
Name the person or group that can approve the work, spending and any safety arrangements.
Are people protected?
Check privacy, consent and safety. Collect only the information you genuinely need.
Can everyone take part?
Check the language, format, place, technology and cost for barriers.
Are the facts and permissions right?
Check names, claims, images, quotations, partner references and Rotary branding.
How will we learn?
Note where things stand now, check in at 30, 60 and 90 days, and decide what to do next.
Worksheets for your club
Open them online, print them or change them to suit the way your club works.
Recognition and selection planner
Use this worksheet to recognise people's contributions fairly and ask before sharing their story.
Open worksheetEvent and session plan
Use this worksheet to plan who the session is for, when it will happen, how people can take part and what happens afterwards.
Open worksheetCommunications and content planner
Use this worksheet to prepare clear messages and check the facts, permissions and approval before sharing them.
Open worksheet