Recognizing Outstanding Individuals

Award Nominations

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Nominate An Individual For Outstanding Work

We are fortunate to live in a community full of individuals who are dedicated to making long-lasting positive change in our community. Each year, NCCJ recognizes these individuals, thanking them for the contributions they have made. Click below to learn about our nomination opportunities.

The Brandon Sawyers Community Champion Award, presented in partnership with Doug and Beth Mann, represents an individual who has made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ mental wellness. This award was created in honor of Brandon Sawyers, an amazing young man who lost his life to suicide. Each year, this award is presented in his honor.

The Brandon Sawyers Community Champion Award is presented annually at Pride Rocks! (typically held in mid-May).

Nominations are due March 7, 2025.

The Brandon Sawyers Community Champion Award Criteria:

  • Has made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ mental wellness during their life, and particularly in the past year
  • Is an advocate for LGBTQ+ suicide prevention
  • Primarily benefits individuals living in the Miami Valley, Ohio region
  • Has demonstrated the highest standards of honesty and integrity and served as an example for others to follow
  • Promote respect and understanding among diverse groups/organizations
  • Should reflect the NCCJ values in all aspects of their life

NCCJ's Humanitarian Awards have been presented since our founding in 1978. Each year, NCCJ recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in advancing the causes of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. Their efforts will create community level positive change.

NCCJ's Humanitarian Award is presented annually at our Friendship Celebration (typically at the end of October).

Nominations are due March 28, 2025.

The Humanitarian Award Criteria:

  • Lead, or help empower others to lead, efforts to make an organization, school and/or our community more just and inclusive. 
  • Have a reputation for strong and involved community service. 
  • Promote respect and understanding among diverse groups/organizations.
  • Have demonstrated the highest standards of honesty and integrity and served as an example for others to follow.
  • Has made outstanding contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community.
  • Primarily benefits individuals living in the Miami Valley, Ohio region.
  • Should reflect the NCCJ values in all aspects of their life.

The Pat Meadows Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2023 in honor of the late Pat Meadows, former Executive Director of NCCJ and a strong advocate for our community. Each year, NCCJ recognizes one individual with this award who has committed themselves to practicing this work throughout their entire career/life.

The Pat Meadows Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually at our Friendship Celebration (typically at the end of October).

Nominations are due March 28, 2025.

The Pat Meadows Lifetime Achievement Award Criteria:

  • Lead, or help empower others to lead, efforts to make an organization, school and/or our community more just and inclusive. 
  • Have a reputation for strong and involved community service. 
  • Promote respect and understanding among diverse groups/organizations.
  • Have demonstrated the highest standards of honesty and integrity and served as an example for others to follow.
  • Has made outstanding contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community.
  • Primarily benefits individuals living in the Miami Valley, Ohio region.
  • Should reflect the NCCJ values in all aspects of their life
  • Has fulfilled these criteria to the highest standards throughout the entirety of this person's career and life

Complete a Nomination

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Friendship Celebration

Learn more about our Friendship Event

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Pride Rocks!

Learn more about Pride Rocks!

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The 40th Annual NCCJ Friendship Dinner

DATE:
Monday, October 30, 2017

TIME:
5:30 – 8:30PM

LOCATION:
Sinclair Conference Center (Building 12)

Our Mission

We take great pride in our ability to promote understanding and respect among all cultures, races, lifestyles and religions. We do this through advocacy, conflict resolution and educational opportunities. We empower individuals of all ages to become change agents.

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