Drug Free Marion County is now accepting 2011 nominations for its Annual Awards program, which recognizes individuals with outstanding commitments to and achievements in addressing challenges related to alcohol, tobacco or drug (ATOD) use.
Recipients of the awards will be announced at Drug Free Marion County’s Annual Meeting, scheduled for March 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St.
Nominations are being accepted in four categories: community service, lifetime achievement, youth advocate and parent advocate. Nominees must be residents of, be employed in or attend school in Marion County. All nomination forms must be submitted to Drug Free Marion County no later than 5 p.m. on March 11.
“Our Annual Awards allow us to recognize community members who are working to help prevent, reduce and treat the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drugs,” says Randy Miller, Drug Free Marion County’s executive director. “We encourage nominations of Marion County residents and workers who are making a positive impact in these crucial areas and, as a result, are helping to create a safer, drug-free community.”
Specific criteria for the annual awards are:
Community Service: Given to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary actions or outstanding support for initiatives that address ATOD prevention, treatment or criminal justice issues. Often, this individual has a certain passion that stands out above others. Consideration may be acceptable for activities during the last calendar year or for consecutive years of dedication and commitment.
Lifetime Achievement: Reserved for individuals who, over time, have made their mark in community efforts to prevent or reduce the use of ATOD. This individual is one whose achievements have produced noteworthy results that distinguish him/her from others. Ideally, this recipient will have more than 10 years of experience in his/her field.
Youth Advocate: Either an individual under age 21 who has stood out as a role model regarding ATOD use or prevention; or an adult age 21 or over who has strongly supported youth prevention efforts. This could be someone whose activities have identified him or her to peers or adults as being someone who stands out as a leader in advocacy. This person should also be someone who is “living the life” and is outspoken about his/her healthy lifestyle choices.
Parent Advocate: This award is given to a parent(s) whose actions in and support of ATOD issues are noteworthy. The ideal parent(s) is one who is actively involved in tasks that are directed toward broad-based school, neighborhood or community efforts. These could be prevention, treatment or law-enforcement initiatives designed to impact youth ATOD use.
Anyone wishing to submit a nomination for the Drug Free Marion County Annual Awards program can find a nomination form and submission instructions at www.drugfreemarioncounty.org. Nomination forms also can be obtained by contacting Lynn Allen at Drug Free Marion County, (317) 254-2815 or lallen@drugfreemc.org.
Drug Free Marion County – a not-for-profit organization – plans, promotes, implements and coordinates community efforts to prevent and reduce the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among youth and adults.
