Mario Savio Young Activist Award :: Nominations due June 30

A friend forwarded this announcement to me today:


photo: Mario Savio

Mario Savio (1942 - 1996) came to public notice as a spokesman for the Free Speech Movement at the University of California in 1964.

The Mario Savio Young Activist Award, which carries a cash prize of $6000, is presented each year to a young person (or persons) with a deep commitment to human rights and social justice and a proven ability to transform this commitment into effective action. The cash award is divided equally between the individual recipient and an organization of his/her choosing.

The recipients should have demonstrated leadership abiliy, creativity, and integrity. (Go here for a listing of past winners.)

Nominees should be:
* Between ages 16-26 by 9/1/2010;
* Engaged in activism for social change, promoting the values of peace, human rights, economic or social justice, or freedom of expression (this year preference will be given to activism for economic justice, broadly interpreted);
* Acting not alone but within the context of an organization, social movement, or larger community effort;
* Considered by others within that context as an inspirational leader or motivating force;
* Work is centered in the United States;
* Willing to attend award ceremony in Berkeley, California (expenses paid)

Preference will be given to candidates who have not been widely recognized and do not have personal privilege or a strong institutional base of support.


Nominations for the Young Activist Award are due June 30, 2010. See app here. Finalists will be asked to submit further supporting documents (letters of recommendation, articles by or about the candidate, etc.) Anyone may nominate a candidate, including members of the general public. All material should be submitted by e-mail to savio at sonic dot net.


photo: Cal campus