ABOUT THE AWARD

This 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 recipients should have demonstrated leadership abiliy, creativity, and integrity. The cash award is divided equally between the individual recipient and an organization of his/her choosing.

Nominations for the Mario Savio Young Activist Award may be submitted at any time by filling out the Nomination Form. Nominations for the next award are due by July 1 of the current year. 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. The Mario Savio Young Activist Award Board may also solicit nominations for activists who have come to its attention. All material should be submitted by e-mail to savio at sonic dot net.

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.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Nominees should be:

  • Between ages of 18-26 by 9/1 of the current year;
  • Engaged in activism for social change in the U.S., promoting the values of peace, human rights, economic or social justice, or freedom of expression;
  • 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;
  • Willing to attend award ceremony in Berkeley, California (expenses paid).

 

PAST RECIPIENTS

2017
Enrique “Kiké” Balcazar Sanchez
Migrant Justice/Justicia Migrante, Vermont
2017
Sammie Ablaza Wills (Honorable Mention)
API Equality, Northern California
2016
Ronnishia Johnson, The Last Three Percent, San Francisco, CA; Bryan Perlmutter, Ignite, NC, Samuel Sinyangwe, We the Protestors
2015
Bernarda Elizabeta (Eli) Garcia-Jaimez, Johnnie Turnage, and Quentin Savage
Hope CommUnity Center, Apopka, Florida (Garcia-Jaimez); MOSES, Detroit, Michigan (Johnnie Turnage); and Bereans 4 Michael Brown, Berea, Kentucky (Quentin Savage)
2014
Zoe Wilmott and Ilecara Velez
Project WHAT (We’re Here and Talking; Wilmott) and Restaurant Opportunities Center - Los Angeles (ROC-LA; Velez)
2013
Melvin Willis
ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment), RPA (Richmond Progressive Alliance) and BMOER (Black Mobilization Organization Education Richmond)
2012
Howard Watts III and Molly Katchpole
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (Watts) and Student loan crisis organizing (Katchpole)
2011
Josh Healey, Christsna Sot and Ellen Choy
Youth Speaks (Josh Healey and Christsna Sot) and Youth for Climate Justice (Ellen Choy)
2010
Reyna Wences and Rigoberto Padilla
Immigrant Youth Justice League
2009
Timothy Den-Herder Thomas and Chelsea Chee
Summer of Solutions (Timothy Den-Herder Thomas) and Black Mesa Water Coalition (Chelsea Chee)
2008
Julissa Bisono
Make the Road New York
2007
Christopher Goodman and Patrisse Marie Cullors
Baltimore Algebra Project (Christopher Goodman) and Labor Community Strategy Center (Patrisse Marie Cullors)
2006
Noemi Ramos
ACORN, Boston chapter (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now)
2005
Erin Durban
American Friends Service Committee
2004
Jason West
Mayor of New Paltz, GenerationProject
2003
Rocio Nieves
Youth Force Coalition
2002
Harmony Goldberg and Genevieve Gonzales
School of Unity and Liberation (SOUL)
2001
Jim Keady
Educating for Justice, The Living Wage Project, Nike Corporate Accountability Campaign
2000
Jia Ching Chen
Just Act: Youth Action for Global Justice
1999
Nikki Fortunato Bas
Sweatshop Watch
1998
Michael Leon Guerrero
Southwest Organizing Project