Dear Colleague:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left an important legacy for us and for future generations. Committed to building knowledge and understanding of his life’s principles within the youth of today, we are proud to announce the ninth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Youth Awards.
To date, we have honored forty-two outstanding young people for their important service to our community; dozens more have been recognized based on their nomination for the awards. Our honorees are representative of the many young people who are devoting time and energy to improving the lives of their families and neighbors and to building communities of safety and respect.
Again this year, we ask your assistance in identifying young people who have integrated, knowingly or not, Dr. King’s legacy into their active service to their community.
Nominations can be submitted online at www.aamw.com or by completing the attached nomination form. Nominations must be submitted November 16, 2009. All nominations will be reviewed and awardees selected by mid-December.
Youth are able to self-nominate or nominate a peer for The MLK Legacy Youth Award. However we do require an adult endowment of any self or peer nomination by an adult familiar with the project undertaken by the individual.
The awards will be presented at the ninth annual MLK Legacy Youth Luncheon to be held Monday, January 18, 2010 at 11:30am at The Doubletree Hotel Ball Room, 455 South Broadway, Tarrytown, New York.
We appreciate your assistance in reaching out to young people to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive and growing in their lives. Such young people deserve our attention, recognition and encouragement.
Sincerely,
William Carter Shelia Abrams
Co-Chair Co-Chair
MLK Legacy MLK Legacy
Youth Awards Committee Youth Awards Committee
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Award Category Descriptions
We seek to recognize young people of action who are following Dr. King’s personal commitment to community change. As Dr. King was a man of words and of action, we use his words as the foundation to recognize the actions of our youth. Note: Selecting an award category for the nominee is optional. Final selection of each category will be decided by the MLK nomination committee. Use the following category descriptions as a guide for completing the nomination form.
Social Action
“The time is always right to do what is right.” This award will be given to the young person who has organized an activity and/or event promoting positive change to any social, political or environmental issue
Social Justice
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This award will highlight the work of a young person, which rectifies or corrects an inequity within their community or schools.
Peace/Nonviolence
“I still believe that one day….non-violent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land.” Through positive community focused actions, this award will be given to the youth who has been successful in his or her activities to address issues related to social conflict. This category is for a young person who organized or participated in events which reinforce effective communication and problem-solving strategies
Vision
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed-we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” This category is a young person who participated in the planning and implementation process of events geared to provide adequate services to individuals; crossing race, class and gender barriers
Building Bridges
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience but where he stands in time of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others.” This award will be given to the young person who took appropriate action in raising awareness and implementing a project(s) which sought to unify diverse interests to achieve a common goal.
Spirit of Love
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” This category is for a young person who engages in activities and/or events which seek to provide respite or relief to others. The good deeds of this youth often go unnoticed. This youth may be the “mastermind” behind the achievements of others (i.e. tutor).
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NOMINATION GUIDELINES
- Nominations may be completed by the nominee or another individual (could be a peer or an adult familiar with their work/project), but an adult must agree to endorse the nominee.
- Nominees must be residents of Westchester and Putnam County, ages 12 through 21. The leadership/community service activities described must benefit the citizens of Westchester or Putnam County.
- Decisions made by the selection committee are final. All submitted entry forms become the property of the Selection Committee and will not be returned.
- Use the attached nomination form. Please do not attach additional documentation. Nominations must be submitted by November 16, 2009.
5. Send nominations to: MLK Legacy Youth Awards
c/o Westchester County Youth Bureau
Attention: Tiffany Lattimer
112 E. Post Road, 3rd Floor
White Plains, NY10601
6. For further information, contact Tiffany Lattimer at 914-995-8608.