Do you know someone who performs community work in the city of Flint? Do they help with issues regarding youth, safety, economic opportunity, neighborhoods, or the Flint water crisis? Their efforts can be appreciated, thanks to the Ruth Mott Foundation’s new award – an award that will recognize the exceptional leadership of someone making a difference in the lives of Flint residents.
The award was established to celebrate leaders who embrace community engagement, develop authentic relationships with Flint residents, and possess leadership qualities that go beyond professional qualifications.
The winner of the Ruth Mott Foundation Leadership Award will choose a non-profit organization that will receive $25,000 to advance the winner’s work in the community. The nominator must be able to show evidence of the impact of the individual’s work to improve the quality of life in the Flint community through the nomination form. Award guidelines, eligibility requirements, and nomination forms are available on the Ruth Mott Foundation’s website.
As this award is designed to honor leadership that takes place in and with the Flint community, individuals must be nominated by one or more community members. Nominations for the award are now being accepted until March 17, 2017 at 5pm.
The award review process will be conducted by an advisory committee, led by Harriet Kenworthy, vice chair of the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees. Also on the committee are: Karen Aldridge-Eason, Foundation Liaison to the Governor’s Office; Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Duncan Beagle; Carma Lewis, President of Flint Neighborhoods United; and George Wilkinson, Group Vice President at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and a Flint pastor. The nomination process will be opened periodically by the Board of Trustees, and an award may not be given every year.
“We know Flint is home to innovative individuals working side by side with the community and who are taking a stand on matters that are important to Flint residents,” said Maryanne Mott, chair of the Ruth Mott Foundation Board of Trustees. “These leaders, with their bold ideas and deep commitment to community service, are helping to make Flint a more caring and equitable place.”
“This new award highlights the essential role that community leaders play in improving the quality of life for Flint residents,” adds Handy Lindsey, Ruth Mott Foundation President. “It is our hope that this award will not only celebrate the leaders of today, but also inspire and help to grow the leaders of Flint’s future.”