John Lewis Youth Leadership Award
The John Lewis Leadership Award is named for the late Congressman John Lewis, who was known for his courageous achievements during the Civil Rights Movement and his long tenure of public service. The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) established this award in February 2021, inviting Secretaries to recognize a gifted, civic-minded young person in their state each year.
Through this award, the Maine Secretary of State's Office will annually recognize one Maine resident, age 25 or younger, who demonstrates leadership abilities, has passion for social justice, and is improving the quality of life in their community.
All nominations should be sent in digital format via email to sos.office@maine.gov no later than November 15, 2023. The Secretary of State's Office will choose a winner of the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award from among all submissions, to receive a recognition plaque and presentation of the award from Secretary Bellows.
Eligibility:
The recipient must be 25 years or younger at the time of the award presentation.
The recipient has demonstrated a commitment to:
- addressing civil rights issues, including but not limited to voting rights,
- bringing about positive change for people in their community.
The recipient’s work focuses on a community (people or place) is the state of Maine.
Nominations will be evaluated in terms of the following criteria:
Leadership: The nominee in either formal or informal roles, demonstrates ability to influence others, empathy, and courage to confront challenges. As a leader, they work with their community, such as by involving community members in decision making, or keeping them informed, or ensuring that they have active part of their work.
Commitment to Social Justice: The nominee works for civil and human rights, such as the right to vote, fair access to resources and opportunities and freedom from discrimination and/prejudice.
Improve Quality of Life: The nominee helps people in their community or in specific groups by:
- increasing awareness of problems
- identifying and/or promoting solutions
- increasing access to food or other basic needs, education, healthcare, voting, transportation, and employment
- increasing social connections and feelings of belonging.
Examples could include youth leadership in a specific project or program, advocacy, or even literature as the Congressman also won a National Book Award for young people's literature.
To nominate someone for this award, complete the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award - Nomination Form
Please be sure to save the form to your device before completing. Attach the completed form to your emailed submission.
For more information about John R. Lewis, visit:
https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/individuals/john-lewis
https://www.johnrlewisinstitute.org/about-john-r-lewis
To learn about the history of this award, visit NASS John Lewis Youth Leadership Award webpage