Who are the amazing people in our community who are making a difference every day? KOAA5 wants to celebrate the unsung heroes who selflessly serve those in need. The Jefferson Awards is a prestigious nationwide program that recognizes people making extraordinary efforts to make their neighborhoods better through service.
KOAA5 has the honor of presenting this award to people in Southern Colorado and we need your help to discover these gems in our communities.
ORIGINS OF THE JEFFERSON AWARDS
Started by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1972, The Jefferson Awards have honored the incredible spirit and unique accomplishments of over 63,000 national and local heroes.
Every Jefferson Award honoree, from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Congressman John Lewis, to former Buffalo Bill Fred Jackson has inspired through their selfless public service.
Together, we will bring much-needed attention to those Coloradans who generate the ripples of good in our community.
We’re frequently asked for tips on presenting the best possible nomination. Here is some advice from the selection committee:
Be detailed – that doesn’t mean be too wordy, but don’t leave out the basics of what your nominee does, and how he or she does it. Be specific about the individual’s contribution. Use examples or anecdotes, as well as numbers. Include how many individuals, families or communities are served by your nominee.
Keep in mind, the award is geared toward recognizing individuals rather than organizations. Consider nominating the founder or leader of a group rather than an entire contingent.
Be mindful of the selection committee’s guiding principles: impact, inspiration, sustainability, innovation, and need. Ask yourself how your nominee’s work relates to these core ideas and detail that in your nomination.
Feel free to include web links!
Our steering committee selects the winners. (The committee meets approximately every six to eight weeks. Winners will be notified directly over the following weeks. If a nominee is not selected, the nominator will receive a note letting them know.)
