ABOUT THE AWARDS

Each year, the Big "I" National Young Agents Committee recognizes state Young Agents groups that are killing it with innovative ideas and a passion for solidifying the future of the independent agency system. The goal is to help you as you cultivate and inspire the next generation of independent agent leaders and bring together a community of emerging leaders to share ideas, new opportunities, and innovative practices with your peers.

Outstanding Young Agents Committee Awards are presented in the following five categories:

• Community Service 
  
• Workforce Development (formerly Invest Supporter)
  
• Membership Development 
• Political Involvement
• Young Agents Meeting
  
• And of course, the coveted Outstanding YAC of the Year award!

Your state YAC can apply in as many or as few categories as you like. At the discretion of the National YAC, Breakthrough YAC of the Year and YAC Innovator may also be presented.

Success comes in all sizes so whether your group is just starting out or you have an established YAC with lots of help, we want to hear from you! The application is designed for you to showcase your state's activities and highlight your greatest accomplishments from the past year. We encourage all states to apply! 

Please note: This year's application asks for bullet point accomplishment statements and each line has a limit of 100 characters (spaces count). If you do not follow the character limit/application format, you will be ineligible for an award.

Questions? YoungAgents@iiaba.net

APPLY TODAY!

UPCOMING CALL

• On Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00am ET, the National YAC will be hosting a Young Agents Resource Roundtable on the awards. Winning Ways: Refining Your Young Agents Awards Application. The committee will go through the application and finalist selection processes, review changes to the application, and answer any questions you may have. Register today! 

DEADLINE & DETAILS

• Deadline for submissions is June 13, 20245
• All activities should have been conducted between May 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025.
• Email your completed application to YoungAgents@iiaba.net. Please use the subject line [Your State] - YAC Awards Submission.

THE EVALUATION PROCESS

• Category award judges are members of the Big "I" National Staff and Big "I" Committees. 
  
• Each judge is responsible for evaluating all entries received in one award category.
• Young Agents Platinum Sponsors are invited to judge Outstanding YAC of the Year.
• The Outstanding YAC of the Year recipient is ineligible to win any other awards.
• Excluding the Outstanding YAC of the Year winner, a state may win more than one category awrd. 
• The National YAC may present more than one award per category based on the judging criteria.
• Award winners are announced during a reception at the annual Big "I" Young Agents Leadership Institute (YALI).

Applications are due no later than June 13, 2025.

Questions? YoungAgents@iiaba.net

APPLY TODAY!

TIPS FOR APPLYING

• Deadline for applications is June 13, 2025 but...
• Start the application EARLY! To truly leverage the application as a best practices tool, use the checklists throughout the year as you work towards your goals.
  
• Commit to a laser focus. Be strategic and choose one or two awards to focus on based on the passion of the committee. This can be an especially good tactic for a committee that is  revitalizing.
  
• Develop an awards application process. Decide who on your committee will contribute to, draft, and review the application. Don't wait until the last minute and have one person rush through the application. Assign specific tasks and set hard deadlines to keep everyone on task and on track.
  
• Share your story! Use your essay to your story. Share your successes and failures, your strategies and goals, and let us know what made your committee outstanding. Include testimonials and measurable metrics to elaborate on and support your story, and most importantly, BE SPECIFIC!
  
• Check out all our past YAC award winners!

YAC BEST PRACTICES

What is your state Young Agents Committee passionate about? Where and how does the group want to make an impact in your state, in your community, and in the industry? How many people do you have to share the workload? How much time does each individual have to dedicate to the projects at hand?

As your YAC develops its annual plan of action, refer to the best practices checklists included in the Outstanding YAC Awards application packet. These checklists can and should become part of your state YAC playbook!