Learn It. Live It.A ceremony for use at chapter meetings
Materials: • items for recognition: charms,
pins, beads, ribbons, stickers or certificates. Whatever your chap-ter uses for recognition should be used abundantly! TOPS friends have a lot to celebrate.
• copies of this ceremony for each member
Preparation:Distribute copies of this ceremony to every member at the start of the meeting. Decide ahead of time, using the list on the next page, which awards will be given each month. Make sure the room you are in has a large, open area.
The TOPS Lifesaving Ring
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Introduction In our TOPS chapter, the lifesaver symbol-
izes the collective support that passes among members as we each reach for the help we need to lead a more active and healthy life. In this recognition ceremony, we applaud the members who have “buoyed” others through their achievements and actions this past month.
ActivityEach of us helps to form the TOPS Lifesav-
ing Ring through participation, personal suc-cess and outreach. It is my privilege to honor this month’s lifesaving members.
(The Leader calls up each member individu-ally and gives recognition for his or her achievement that month. The Leader may also say a few words if he or she chooses. After all those recognized are called, the Leader says the following.)
Congratulations! Thank you for forming the Chapter Lifesaving Ring this month, and for your service as the “buoy” that keeps us afloat. Would you all please join hands?
(The members being honored join hands and form a circle. The Leader turns to the members still seated.)
Now, would all the members please come forward and hold the arms of this month’s winners?
(Then the Leader addresses the entire chapter.)
Please repeat after me: “We reaffirm our commitment to reach out and keep our fellow members lifted. Alone we are but one, but together we are the ‘buoy’ that will save lives, including our own.”
Let’s all take the opportunity each month to recognize achievements, progress and vol-unteerism in our chapter. We’d like to reinforce positive steps as well as provide an opportu-nity for those struggling to reach out for help.
*A KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) member is a TOPS member who has reached and maintained goal weight. To remain in leeway, KOPS must stay within a range of 3 pounds over goal and 7 pounds under goal.
the Small Stuff! It’s the little things that can
make the biggest impact on someone’s life. Each member who shines in any way can be part of your Chapter Lifesaving Ring. Here are some positive things that you could recognize:
Each Month· Weight-loss achievement· KOPS in leeway all month*· Perfect attendance· Presented a program· Walking ribbons (or tokens)
As Earned· Special project volunteer· Most improved· New member (for any achievement)· Great attitude· Exceptional encourager
Celebrate
Charms, pins, walking ribbons and more can be found in the TOPS Store! Sign in to the Members Area of www.tops.org and scroll down to shop.
Our website, www.tops.org, has a variety of printable certificates to motivate and recognize your members. Just sign in to the Members Area and click on “Stuff for Your Chapter.” You’ll find certificates under “Celebrate Success.”
