Social Justice Leadership Award

The Social Justice Leadership Award presented by 3M Open and Greater Twin Cities United Way recognizes a leader for their work in social justice resulting in significant community impact.

This award will honor an individual committed to social justice activism that centers around driving racial equity; inspiring and encouraging others to participate; and demonstrating positive, lasting change in their community.

Make a nomination →

Nominations for the Social Justice Leadership Award are open from Monday, July 1 through Friday, August 9.

Individuals can nominate themselves or someone else. Candidates must be employed by, volunteer for, or do work on behalf of a 501c3 organization. Applications will be reviewed by a diverse panel of community leaders who will select one award recipient. The award recipient will be announced on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 and will receive a $5,000 grant to be given to a selected nonprofit on their behalf.

Make a nomination →

Criteria:

The Social Justice Leadership Award presented by 3M Open and Greater Twin Cities United Way recognizes a leader for their work in social justice resulting in significant community impact. Leaders can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.

In order to apply, nominees must be:

Engaged in social activism work that addresses structural racism and inequitable systems
Employed by, volunteers for, or doing work that currently benefits a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Work can be local, regional, or national.
Available to accept the award on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Work aligns with Greater Twin Cities United Way’s long-term outcome of disrupting inequities and fostering a region where all people thrive, regardless of income, race and/or place.

The winner of the Social Justice Leadership Award will exhibit the following qualities:

Leadership

Recognized as an inspirational and motivating leader
Educates others about the importance of the work and/or encourages others to participate and support the work
Articulates a clear and compelling future vision for their work and the change they hope to see
Partners with others toward affecting greater change for the communities they support

Impact

Can share results and/or positive change because of their work
Listens, learns and makes changes to thinking or actions based on these learnings

Equity

Work is specifically focused on creating change for Communities of Color experiencing inequities
Approaches work with a justice mindset as opposed to a charity mindset
Social justice work is based on personal lived experiences and/or the work directly impacts the community in which they live

Make a nomination

Timeline

July 1: Nominations open
August 9: Nominations close
September 9: Award recipient notified
October 9: Award presentation ceremony

For questions, please reach out to Cayleigh Edwards →

You may download and fill out the nomination form here. Email the completed form to Cayleigh.Edwards@gtcuw.org.