Community Corner

Are You the Citizen of Tomorrow?

A new Bay Area award will be worth $5,000 to the person chosen.

Just a couple of years ago, philanthropist Warren Hellman got several of his friends together to lament the declining numbers of journalists working in the Bay Area;  large layoffs were occurring at many media outlets, and Hellman wondered what the impact of fewer reporters roaming the streets meant for the future of quality journalism in a region of more than five million people.  Hellman wanted to do something about his concerns.  Shortly thereafter, Bay Citizen was created, an organization that believes "professional journalism plays a critical role in maintaining our democracy by providing residents of local communities with an unbiased fact base, a watchdog on powerful institutions, and a tool that encourages civic participation."

It was the thought of civic participation that stimulated the newest idea for Bay Citizen, an idea of an award for which entries are now being received:  The Citizen of Tomorrow award.

Rose Roll is the Director of Membership and Marketing for the Bay Citizen.  "We are a new organization.  Much like we feel there is a need for sustainable quality reporting in the Bay Area, we want to do the same thing in the community.  Our mission is civic engagement.  (The award) is an extension of that push.  We want to recognize and add to the quality of citizenship in the Bay Area."

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Are you working on solving a challenge in your local community? Whether it’s combating gang violence, lowering school dropout rates, providing job training, or greening your neighborhood, this award could help you make your cause happen.

"We've had many strong entries so far, everything from people fighting homelessness to a woman to provides recycled clothing to newborns, and people who are creating community gardens.  There are some very worthy applications we've received," says Roll.

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Bay Citizen believes the Bay Area is home to a lot of people with the creativity, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit to solve their community's problems. 

Roll continues "I think the Bay Area is unique; it is a community that tends to be very civic minded and passionate about causes.  There is a lot of history, and pride in living here.  We feel an award like this is particularly appropriate for this area."

Here's what you need to know:

Apply by April 21, 2011 for the chance to win The Bay Citizen’s Citizen of Tomorrow award and $5,000 toward your cause.

To enter, click on the link provided at the end of this article, and be prepared to share what you’re working on, explaining how your solution will have a positive and significant impact on your community in the Bay Area.

One Citizen of Tomorrow Award is given each year. The winner, as voted by the rest of the Bay Area, receives:

  • A grant of $5,000 to help make your dream a reality;
  • A professionally-produced video about your cause;
  • A press release about the award featuring your cause; and
  • Two invitations to The Bay Citizen’s Citizen Celebration on May 18, where the award will be presented to you and your video featured in front of a large audience of community leaders.

The second-place and third-place finalists will both receive:

  • A grant of $2,500 or $1,000, respectively, to help make your dream a reality;
  • A professionally-produced video about your cause; and
  • Two invitations each to The Bay Citizen’s Citizen Celebration where your video will be played in front of a large audience of community leaders.

Who's eligible?

If you’re over 18 years old and reside in a Bay Area county*, you may enter the contest. You may also enter on behalf of a small not-for-profit organization.

The winner must be able to attend the award ceremony during The Bay Citizen’s Citizen Celebration on May 18, 2011 in person, during which he or she will be presented with the award.

* Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma Counties

Your application should:

  • Highlight a creative solution to a significant community challenge;
  • Be differentiated from what’s already out there today;
  • Demonstrate a positive and meaningful impact on your community;
  • And possess a clear definition of success.

For more information, and to apply, click on this link for the Bay Citizen's Citizen of Tomorrow.  Good luck!


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