IBE is aware of the tremendous efforts of volunteers working with IBE member associations at local and national level to improve conditions for all those affected by epilepsy. To recognize the spirit of these steadfast volunteers, the International Executive Committee has launched the IBE Volunteer Award.

The purpose of the Award is to highlight the dedication and selflessness of those who work without financial reward to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy. The award will be presented every two years to an individual who has carried out outstanding activities, on a voluntary basis, which have made a difference at national level.

The first IBE Volunteer Award was presented to Mrs Margaret Fandiño-Merz, a volunteer with the Colombian association FIRE. Mrs Fandiño-Merz received her award at the IBE General Assembly which was held at the 27th International Epilepsy Congress in Singapore, in July 2007.

The second recipient of the award was Sr Franca de Simone, a nun working in the Cameroon. The award was presented at the IBE General Assembly held during the 28th International Epilepsy Congress in Budapest, July 2009.

Criteria

1. The candidate must be a member of the IBE member association which is nominating him or her and must be an unpaid volunteer. The award is not open to members of staff or paid volunteers.
2. The candidate cannot be a serving member of the IBE International Executive Committee or of an IBE Regional Executive Committee.
3. The candidate should be known to have a longstanding record of activities promoting improvement in the circumstances of people with epilepsy.
4. Alternatively, they should have taken one single action, which has resulted in a major impact in improving social conditions for people with epilepsy
5. Nominations which are not successful will be carried over automatically and will be included for consideration for the following award.

Nomination Prodecure

1. An invitation for nominations will be distributed to all IBE Members 6 months prior to selection.
2. The candidate must be nominated by an IBE Member. Each IBE Member is invited to nominate one candidate only to be considered for the Award. Multiple nominations are not permitted.
3. To be nominated, a candidate must be over 18 years old.
4. The nominating IBE Member must be in good standing, with dues paid to date.
5. The IBE Member associations, to which members of the IBE International Executive Committee belong, will be excluded from participation in the Volunteer Award.
6. The nomination must be submitted on the Volunteer Award Nomination Form only.
7. Nomination Forms must be submitted to the IBE office by the deadline given. Nominations received after the closing deadline will not be considered.

Election Procedure

1. All valid nominations will be distributed to all members of the IBE Procedure International Executive Committee for review and discussion.
2. The IBE International Executive Committee will select one person to receive the Award.
3. Voting will be carried out by a secret ballot.
4. Each member of the IBE International Executive Committee will have one vote.
5. To be selected, a candidate should receive an absolute majority of votes.
6. If this cannot be achieved in one vote, then the voting procedure may be repeated to a maximum of two times. If this does note produce an absolute majority, then no candidate is selected.
7. The decision of IBE International Executive Committee is final.
8. The name of the nominee selected to receive the Award will remain confidential until the Awards Ceremony.
9. The Award will be presented by the President of IBE following a brief outline of the achievements of the recipient, to those assembled.
10. Information on the Award will be published in the International Epilepsy News and on the IBE Website at the earliest opportunity following the presentation.

Award

The recipient of the IBE Volunteer Award will be invited to attend the IBE General Assembly when the award presentation will take place. The award will consist of a plaque inscribed with the name of the recipient.

The award winner will have his or her travel costs met (economy class) and will also be provided with 2-night’s accommodation.

In addition, an award of US$5,000 to finance a special epilepsy programme will be presented to the IBE member association of which the award winner is a member. The IBE member association will be required to submit an outline of the proposed programme in order to release the prize fund.