The tri-Pride Community Awards recognize the accomplishments of individuals and groups within the communities of the Waterloo Region and area. While there are a number of community awards to recognize individuals and groups, there are no such programs that recognize the work of people specifically in the LGBTQ community. These groups and individuals and their accomplishments largely go unnoticed. It is important to make visible the work of LGBTQ groups and individuals as this fosters community engagement and rewards the services that people contribute to make Waterloo Region a better place for everyone. Nominations are currently being accepted for the following awards:

OUTstanding Individual

- One member of the community shall be recognized for OUTstanding Individual and contributions to the LGBTQ community of Waterloo Region and area. Examples of contribution include community service, political activism, advocacy, efforts to raise awareness, singular contributions to groups or individuals that stand out, and educational service.

OUTstanding Business

- It takes moxy to be a business which stands up and out to support the LGBTQ community. The OUTstanding Business Award will recognize one business in Waterloo Region and area which has contributed to community involvement, positive and equitable business practices, unwaivering support of LGBTQ initiatives and most progressive attitude and actions in support of LGBTQ persons, their friends, families and allies.

OUTstanding Youth (NEW)

- One member of the community shall be recognized for OUTstanding Youth for their work and contributions to the LGBTQ community of Waterloo Region and area. This particular award will be presented to a youth between the ages of 14-24. Examples of contribution include community service, political activism, advocacy, efforts to raise awareness, singular contributions to groups or individuals that stand out, and educational service.

LGBTQ Community Builder

- What is a community but the sum of the people within it and how they organize to create social groups? The best of these are those groups demonstrating a powerful commitment to positive change and worthwhile contribution to the community in which they operate. The LGBTQ Community Builder with be awarded to a non-profit social and/or community group providing services to the LGBTQ community of Waterloo Region and area. This can be a long serving group or one that has been started in recent times.

Deadline for nominations is Saturday May 22, 2010.

Rules

    * Self-nomination is not acceptable.
    * ALL fields on the form (below) must be completed in full, otherwise the nomination shall not be considered.
    * NO nomination shall be accepted after the deadline date.
    * Members of the current tri-Pride Board of Directors are not eligible for nomination.

Nomination Committee
The Nominations Committee will be responsible for selecting winners among nominations. The Nominations Committee will consist of local LGTBQ persons and report to the tri-Pride Community Association Board of Directors, with the Director of Community Engagement acting as Committee Chair.

Announcement and Presentment
Winners of the tri-Pride Community Awards will be announced at the tri-Pride Community Festival, taking place on Roo’s Island, Victoria Park, Kitchener, on Saturday June 5, 2010. Advance notice will be offered to award recipients to ensure they will be in attendance to receive the award.

Visit http://www.tri-pride.ca/en/?page_id=193 to make your nomination!