Awards 

The Chrys Gee Activist Award: 

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Chrys Gee was a loving wife and mother in Columbus, Ohio, who became an activist in the aftermath of the 2016 elections. Though she had always worked hard to make this world a better place, following that election, Chrys seemed ever-present.  

Alongside her husband and children, she showed up at every rally, march and vigil. She showed up for hearings and testimonies and visited our legislators’ offices, sharing her concerns and advocating for a better future. She did not aspire to leadership and never looked for fame. Instead, Chrys selflessly showed up, whenever and wherever she was called.

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When she wasn't standing out front, fighting for the rights of others, she was in the background, doing the hard messy work to keep the progressive grassroots engine going. 

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Chrys cared about the community. She helped at the MY Project USA warehouse, volunteered at her children's school and supported our immigrant neighbors in this sanctuary with her laughter, love, time and resources. Chrys was a doer with an incredible heart, and she gave with every ounce of her being.

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Her sudden death in December 2018 was not only a shock but a true tragedy that has left a huge void in our community. This award is to honor Chrys and the remarkable person she was, as well as to further her legacy in the hope of inspiring others to continue the amazing work she started.

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Deah’s Awards General Criteria: 

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These awards recognize and honor exceptional individuals who make volunteerism and community service a way of life. Those who exemplify the best in volunteering, a sense of caring and responsibility for others that connects citizens and solves community problems. Each award winner must be someone who makes selfless and extraordinary contributions, in addition to those associated with their normal job duties, for the betterment of the local community and beyond. 

1. Deah's Change Maker of The Year Award:  

Specifically, the winner of this award will be an individual who:

• Is a young person, aged 25 years old or younger

• Lives in an underserved, immigrant/refugee community and is working hard to save their own people and uplift their neighborhood

• Gives freely and selflessly of their time to community activities

• Inspires others to serve and acts as a role model

• Has started or significantly contributed toward an initiative in their neighborhood/community that would positively impact the lives of others in a significant way

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2. Deah's Excellence in Community Service & Leadership Award: 

Specifically, the winner of this award will be an individual who:    

• Goes out of their immediate circle and neighborhood to help the underserved, immigrant/refugee community & improves the lives of others

• Has assumed the leadership role in managing a community service project/initiative or played a significant role in managing a part of a larger project for a minimum of six months

• Has built a team of volunteers to grow and sustain the initiatives

• Has positive feedback from their team members

• Gives freely and selflessly of their time to community activities

• Inspires others to serve and acts as a role model

• Has a positive impact upon the direction and success of other community projects, programs or individuals

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NOTE: Two versions of this award will be handed out. One to a young person, one to an adult.

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3. Deah's Community Service Award: 

Specifically, the winners of this award will be individuals who:

• Are a young person, 25 years old or younger

• Have worked hard throughout the year to support a community initiative in any underserved, immigrant/refugee community

• Give freely and selflessly of their time to community activities

• Inspires others to serve and acts as a role model

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NOTE: Several awards will be given in this category.

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4. The Chrys Gee Activist Award:

Specifically, the winner of this award will be an individual who:

• Is over the age of 18

• Has worked hard throughout the year to support initiatives in under-served communities

• Helps with political campaigns or grassroots organizations to bring about positive social change

• Gives freely and selflessly of their time to community activism

• Inspires others to serve and acts as a role model

• Goes out of their immediate circle and neighborhood to serve as an active ally to marginalized communities

 

Nomination Process

 

• Family, friends, employers, teachers and community members can nominate an individual. An employee cannot nominate their employer

• MY Project USA Awards 2022-23 Nomination Online Form must be filled for each nominee

• All forms must be submitted online by 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20.