Hi Zambians:

If you know an up-and-coming government employee who is making an early — and substantive — mark in the Sate or Local government community, now is the time to bring him or her to the public attention.

Mwape.com, publishers of Mwape Who's Who Among Zambians, Collectors Limited Edition 2009 and Brain Drain Talk Radio Show and Mwape Research Group, is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Rising Star awards program.

To access the submission form, click here. Nominations are due July 27.

The Rising Star awards program is an opportunity for governmental agencies to give their unsung heroes a moment in the spotlight, both as a reward to them and as an example to others. Such employees often do good work behind the scenes supporting essential programs or spearheading new initiatives — without ever receiving public recognition.

Here are the basic guidelines:

• Individuals in both State and Local government are eligible.
• There is no age limit, but we are looking for employees in the first third of their career in the civil service community. This leaves room for those who went into public service in midcareer.
• The independent panel of experts we've assembled as Rising Star judges will be looking for individuals who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to make a lasting impact in their organization.
• The judges also will be looking for indications that the nominees have clear potential to grow into more responsibility in their organizations and in the community at large.
• The Rising Star nomination form includes a place for supporting nominators. If you nominate someone but are not his or her supervisor, please ask the supervisor to serve as a supporting nominator. And do not list the supervisor without asking first.

If you have a question, e-mail us.