Changemakers Event Award Descriptions and Criteria

Heroes Everyday Award - Nominations Now Closed

To celebrate and applaud the work of a youth, young adult, and an adult who exemplify service, demonstrate the Y values, and make contributions to their community towards social and economic equality. Award Age Categories = Youth (6-17); Young Adult (18-26), and Adults (27+)

Nominee Criteria: 

• Led or participated in a public service project or initiative for the betterment of others, neighborhoods, and community.   
• Role model and inspires others to engage in volunteerism and community service.   
• The honoree’s service addresses needs facing the community and offers a model for others to emulate.   
• The volunteer contributions of the honoree are recognized as going above and beyond to be a leader in their community.  
• The honoree(s) and their work to be selected should not be specifically aligned with a particular political organization or activity.   
• Honorees exemplify the core values of the Y: Respect, Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Passion for Excellence.  
• Individuals who have previously been awarded should not be considered for a second award in order to recognize the accomplishments of the many others doing remarkable work.

A.K. Guy Award - Nominations Now Closed

Presented to individuals, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of the late Albert K. Guy through their outstanding volunteer service and dedication to social responsibility and equity and justice for all. 

Nominee Criteria: 

• Recognition for a lifetime of dedicated and continuous volunteerism over a span of many years or decades. The honoree’s service to community offers a model for others to emulate and is rooted in first-hand volunteer contributions and not philanthropic giving. 
• Nominated work for recognition that is specifically aligned with a political party, partisan organization, or activity is ineligible for this award. 
• The volunteer contributions of the honoree(s) are clearly above and beyond the duties and obligations of their professional role and employment with for-profit, non-profit, grassroots, or any other types of organizations. 
• The volunteer work of the honoree(s) exemplifies the core values of the Y: Respect, Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Passion for Excellence. 
• Individuals or groups that have previously been awarded an A.K. Guy Award are ineligible.  

Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award - Nominations Now Closed

Presented to an individual, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of Seattle civil-rights pioneers Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson through their advancement of equity and social justice in one or more of the following areas: community development, children and youth, education, health, environment, legal, economic development, and/or government. 

Nominee Criteria: 

• An individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to intersectional pro-equity and social justice practices that have resulted in removing institutional and systemic barriers and reduced impacts of systemic oppression and racism. 
• An individual who has led or participated in initiatives for the betterment of others and inspires others to engage in pro-equity and social justice work in their communities. 
• An individual who has made a significant impact on community and, through their work, exemplifies the core values of the Y: Respect, Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, and Passion for Excellence. 
• Individuals or groups that have previously been awarded a Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award are ineligible.