YOUNG ACTIVIST AWARD
This award, which carries a cash prize of $6000, is presented each year to a young person (or persons) with a deep commitment to human rights and social justice and a proven ability to transform this commitment into effective action. The recipients should have demonstrated leadership abiliy, creativity, and integrity. The cash award is divided equally between the individual recipient and an organization of his/her choosing.
Nominations for the Young Activist Award may be submitted at any time by filling out the Nomination Form. Nominations for the next award are due by July 31, 2008. Finalists will be asked to submit further supporting documents (letters of recommendation, articles by or about the candidate, etc.) Anyone may nominate a candidate, including members of the general public. The Lecture Board may also solicit nominations for activists who have come to its attention. All material should be submitted by e-mail to savio at sonic dot net or by mail to Mario Savio Memorial Lecture, P.O. Box 152, Guerneville, CA 95446.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Nominees should be:
- Under age 30 by the application due date, with preference given to applicants under age 26;
- Engaged in activism for social change, promoting the values of peace, human rights, economic or social justice, or freedom of expression;
- Acting not alone but within the context of an organization, social movement, or larger community effort;
- Considered by others within that context as an inspirational leader or motivating force;
- Based in the United States, although work may be international in scope;
- Willing to attend award ceremony in Berkeley, California (expenses paid).
- Preference will be given to candidates who have not been widely recognized and do not have personal privilege or a strong institutional base of support.
PAST RECIPIENTS
- 2007
- Christopher Goodman and Patrisse Marie Cullors
- Baltimore Algebra Project (Christopher Goodman) and Labor Community Strategy Center (Patrisse Marie Cullors)
- 2006
- Noemi Ramos
- ACORN, Boston chapter (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now)
- 2005
- Erin Durban
- American Friends Service Committee
- 2004
- Jason West
- Mayor of New Paltz, GenerationProject
- 2003
- Rocio Nieves
- Youth Force Coalition
- 2002
- Harmony Goldberg and Genevieve Gonzales
- School of Unity and Liberation (SOUL)
- 2001
- Jim Keady
- Educating for Justice, The Living Wage Project, Nike Corporate Accountability Campaign
- 2000
- Jia Ching Chen
- Just Act: Youth Action for Global Justice
- 1999
- Nikki Fortunato Bas
- Sweatshop Watch
- 1998
- Michael Leon Guerrero
- Southwest Organizing Project