Like the MacArthur Grants, but for Community Organizing?
May 16, 2019 6:42 AM
In my work as an educator, I’ve come to know a person who has worked on a series of related projects over the past 10-12 years. They’ve had a huge positive impact on the lives of hundreds, maybe thousands of youth in the area. I’m truly in awe of their vision and their accomplishments, and would like nothing more than to nominate them for some sort of national recognition. Are there honors for people working in community organizing?
Nominate them for a MacArthur grant. (jinx, jacquilynne).
A local tv station in my town does an annual award, see what's available in your area. Talk to a local college, university, tv station, newspaper, to see if they will create an award for this person, grant an honorary degree, do a feature story. The White House has volunteerism awards, but not everyone might want an award from this White House. Your Congressional Rep./ Senator/ Governor/ state representation and will almost certainly create Jo Schmo Day in their honor, write commendations, etc.
This is a really good thing; thanks for doing it.
posted by theora55 at 7:00 AM on May 16, 2019
A local tv station in my town does an annual award, see what's available in your area. Talk to a local college, university, tv station, newspaper, to see if they will create an award for this person, grant an honorary degree, do a feature story. The White House has volunteerism awards, but not everyone might want an award from this White House. Your Congressional Rep./ Senator/ Governor/ state representation and will almost certainly create Jo Schmo Day in their honor, write commendations, etc.
This is a really good thing; thanks for doing it.
posted by theora55 at 7:00 AM on May 16, 2019
As a side note to the above: one of the ways people get noticed for National awards is by building a portfolio of local and regional recognition. If this person hasn't received significant local recognition for their work, you may also want to look for sub-national opportunities first, so that when the time comes to submit them for national awards, they have a resume of recognition.
posted by jacquilynne at 7:04 AM on May 16, 2019
posted by jacquilynne at 7:04 AM on May 16, 2019
Not quite what you are asking but perhaps their project might qualify for an OSF fellowship?
posted by 15L06 at 7:31 AM on May 16, 2019
posted by 15L06 at 7:31 AM on May 16, 2019
I think people can only be nominated for MacArthur grants by someone on an inside loop—I don’t believe they accept unsolicited applications or nominations.
posted by stillmoving at 7:41 AM on May 16, 2019
posted by stillmoving at 7:41 AM on May 16, 2019
The Goldman Awards sometimes include organizers but are international and highly competitive (edit: and specific to environmental issues).
The James Irvine Foundation gives out a Leadership Award (and values organizing).
I'll keep thinking. I feel like this should exist, but I'm not coming up with one. You could look up famous organizers -- e.g., "awards won by Dolores Huerta" -- to get ideas.
posted by salvia at 10:31 AM on May 16, 2019
The James Irvine Foundation gives out a Leadership Award (and values organizing).
I'll keep thinking. I feel like this should exist, but I'm not coming up with one. You could look up famous organizers -- e.g., "awards won by Dolores Huerta" -- to get ideas.
posted by salvia at 10:31 AM on May 16, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:57 AM on May 16, 2019