The ITAA Service Award is an honor established to recognize members who have made significant contributions to the advancement and development of the International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA). The award highlights individuals who help the organization promote transactional analysis internationally, support its members and offer social benefits to the public in line with its core vision. The recognition consists of a physical plaque, which is typically presented at the association's annual conference or another designated forum. However, the evaluating committee is not required to grant the honor every year and maintains the discretion to issue multiple awards if several equally qualified candidates are nominated.
To be considered for this recognition, a nominee must demonstrate a generous spirit of service, high responsibility and notable effectiveness in their contributions to the life of the organization. Furthermore, candidates are evaluated on the nature of their service and their commitment to maintaining an “I’m OK, You’re OK” attitude while conducting their work. The activities that demonstrate this high level of service must have primarily occurred while the candidate was an active member of the association. Previous recognition for their efforts is not a prerequisite for a valid nomination.
The nomination process is driven by the association's community, allowing any member in good standing to propose a fellow member for the honor. A standard nomination requires the support of three or four members and must be submitted electronically by Jan. 1. The submission must include the candidate's background, a detailed description of how they have consistently served the organization and relevant supporting documentation. While notifying a candidate about their nomination is considered a courtesy, it is not a mandatory requirement of the submission process.
Once submitted, a dedicated award committee rigorously reviews the nominations under strict confidentiality. A select group of three to five committee members or qualified consultants evaluates each submission and recommends whether to grant the prize. Following this detailed evaluation, the broader committee votes on the outcome at least one month before the scheduled ceremony. Regardless of whether a candidate is ultimately chosen or refused, all nominees are informed of the final decision prior to the annual board meeting, ensuring a respectful and transparent conclusion to the process.
