2023 Award Nominations

DC Action's Renaissance Awards taking place on Tuesday, May 23rd is a celebration of the successful rebirth of our organization, since our merger with DCAYA, and the new tradition of celebrating the contributions of our youth, young adults, residents, and District leaders who are blazing new trails in advocacy and bringing to life our collective vision of making the District of Columbia a place where all of our children and young people grow up safe, resilient, powerful and heard.

Do you know someone who is making extraordinary contributions to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families in Washington, DC? Nominate them to receive a DC Action 2023 Renaissance Award. See the award categories below, and submit your nomination today. 

 

 

Award Categories

Early Educator of the Year Award

DC Action and co-sponsor, the DC Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC), will recognize an early childhood education professional who has made an extraordinary contribution in improving the quality of care and education of young children in their role as a teacher, teaching assistant, or family home-based educator, working directly with young children, birth to age 5, in community-based programs or family child care settings. The honoree will receive a star trophy and a cash prize of $1,500.

Home Visitor of the Year Award

DC Action will recognize a home visiting professional who has made a significant contribution in the support of family partnerships to have healthy babies, facilitate positive child development, and guides parents and caretakers to address their own challenges so that they are better able to meet their goals and do the important work of caring for their young children. The honoree will receive a star trophy and a cash prize of $1,500.

Shooting Star Award

DC Action will honor a young leader, ages 16 – 24, who is spearheading impactful change for children and/or youth in their community. The youth will demonstrate dedication, vision, and passion for collective advocacy and will inspire hope for the District's future. The honoree will receive a star trophy and a cash prize of $1,500.

Youth Champion of the Year Award

DC Action will recognize an extraordinary adult ally who is championing positive youth development, building resilience, and leadership development among the District's school-age children and youth. The honoree will receive a star trophy and a cash prize of $1,500.

 

 

The Nomination Process

We hope you nominate professionals and young people who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts to advance equity and the well-being of children and youth in the District of Columbia. The nominees must live or work in the District of Columbia. Judges will evaluate your nominations on the basis of:

• Level of impact
• Specific examples of extraordinary contributions
• Your description of why you believe the nominee is worthy of this honor

Nominations are due on Monday, April 10, 2023 at midnight.

After the nomination close date, DC Action and the panel of judges will select the honorees. Honorees will be notified via email, announced in April, and recognized at DC Action's Renaissance Awards on Tuesday, May 23rd at 5:30 PM. Honoree attendance is mandatory.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Whom should I nominate? You should nominate a young leader or a professional in the field of early education, home visiting, or youth development who exemplifies the characteristics in the descriptions above. 

Why should I nominate someone? This is a chance to honor an inspiring youth or young adult, a peer, mentor, or colleague. It is also an opportunity to share an inspiring story of success with others. If you know someone who serves as an example to you, this is your chance to help share that person’s story with a larger audience.

Can I submit more than one nomination? Yes. You many submit as many as you like. 

How are the honorees chosen? Honorees are selected by a panel of judges and based on the quality of information and storytelling in nomination forms. 

What makes for an effective nomination? Use concrete examples to persuade the judges that the nominee has made an impact on the District's children and youth. The best nominations are clear, short and complete. They include specifics such as dates, actions and examples of the nominee’s contributions. 

Does the nominee have to be local? A nominee needs to live or work in the District of Columbia. No exceptions.

What do judges look for? The judges look for inspiring stories from inspiring people. They also look for specific examples from the nominee’s life or profession. They will evaluate nominations based on level of impact, specific examples of extraordinary contributions, your description of why you believe the nominee is worthy of this honor

Can I just send you their resume? No. A resume doesn't tell us enough. We’re looking for stories. You should include information that exemplifies the characteristics in the descriptions above.  

How about a link to a web site about the nominee? Sure. You can include a link to additional information if you want. The judges are not obligated to open the link, but it could prove useful if they have further questions or seek additional information.