The aim of the scheme is to promote within Great Britain and Ireland an interest in, and active support of, youth activities in the community. It is also intended to recognise, encourage and support young people who are actively involved in the welfare of the community.
A year is 1st July in any year to 30th June in the following year.
The scheme is open to Candidates of either sex within the age limits set out below.
To be eligible, candidates must have reached their 15th birthday, but not their 19th birthday, on or before 30th June in the year in which the MD Final is to be held.
No previous winner of the MD final is eligible as a Candidate for the Award.
Membership of a Lions Club, Leo Club or of a Lioness Club shall not render a person ineligible, but he or she shall not be submitted as a Candidate by his or her own Club.
The qualities on which the judges reach their decision must take into account:
The contribution made by the Candidate to their community's welfare (not less than 50% of any points available shall relate to this category)
The personality and demonstration of leadership qualities in the Candidate.(15% of any points available shall relate to this category)
The use of the bursary intended by the Candidate.(15% of any points available shall relate to this category)
The ability to speak for up to 3 minutes about their service activity (20% of any points available shall relate to this category) The Award consists of: A Bursary of £1500 to be used for the social work of the winners project or for further Education therein (to be approved by the Youth Award Committee)
The Sir Charles Forte Silver Rose Bowl to be held for one year.
An invitation to the Multiple District Convention in that year, with the expenses paid by the Youth Award committee.
An invitation to the Multiple District International Youth Centre of that year, with expenses paid by the Multiple District Subject to agreement the MD winners will expected to attend the Europa Forum in the September following the MD Finals
The remaining twelve finalists at Multiple District level will each receive a bursary of £500 to be used similarly as above, together with such further prizes as may be allocated by the District concerned.
At all levels (except club) of the Award Scheme there shall be three non-Lion Judges (male and female) covering the fields of education, Youth Work or Community Service and Industry or Commerce. It is recommended wherever possible that non-lions are used as judges at club level
No candidate may be related to a member of the panel.
Each participating Club shall pay a MD fee of £20.00 plus the
District fee of £20.00 these fees must be received by the District Youth Award Officer not later than the 1st October of the award year and the MD fee shall be paid to the MD Youth Trust Fund through District Treasurers so as to be received by 31st January.
Each Club shall be responsible for local publicity, obtaining Candidates and arranging the venue and judging.
The Judges at Club level will select one Candidate to go forward to the next stage of the Award and the Club will provide suitable prizes.
The Club must ensure that for each Candidate there is written support from the sponsor and supportive evidence of community involvement and achievement. Important Note- Use of the Bursary. The District Winner is required to submit to the MD Young Ambassador Committee a written statement outlining the purpose for which the Bursary will be used. The approved project must require the winner's personal involvement (e.g. not just a cash gift to a charity or hospital etc.). As part of the project, the Committee will be happy to pursue a place at a Lions International Youth Centre. It is important to alert all Candidates to this requirement.
In the event of a dispute the decision of the Committee shall be final.