The 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee of the Rollins School of Public Health and the Goizueta Business School of Emory University seeks to recognize those members of our community who raise awareness of social injustice, speak on behalf of justice, celebrate diversity, and impel action in building a better future for all mankind.  Award recipients will be those individuals and organizations that meet these criteria and embody the values articulated by Martin Luther King, Jr. 

This year’s theme for the MLK Community Service Awards is “Balancing the Scales: Social Justice on the Forefront.” In adopting this theme, we hope to recognize those individuals and organizations that are able to see the many injustices and inequities that define the world we live in, and are willing to act to correct these imbalances.

In our selection process, we endeavor to honor individuals and organizations that excel within one of the following topic areas of our larger theme.  However, these categories are intentionally broad so that we can honor a wide range of service activities.  Think broadly and be creative in your nomination process!

Service and Advocacy: Who will give voice to the marginalized?
We encourage the nomination of individuals and organizations that provide services and/or advocacy for the human rights of those marginalized because of poverty, race or ethnicity, national origin, gender, or age.

Programs for Children: Who will stand for our children?
We seek nominations for those individuals and organizations that invest their resources for the well-being of all children – especially those that would otherwise miss out on the many opportunities that a young life should offer.  We are soliciting the nomination of individuals and organizations that confront the issues faced by children through the construction of effective programs and advocacy.

Innovation for Change: Who will have the courage to innovate?
Many people have devoted their lives to change, yet our world still struggles to provide equality in access to resources, opportunity and social justice.  We know that in the pursuit of change, the most effective interventions are often the most innovative.  We are soliciting the nominations of individuals and organizations that apply innovation and creativity for addressing societal issues.  Our aim is to celebrate nominees who have constructed new ways to address persistent challenges in the lives of the marginalized.

On the following form, we ask that you include in your nomination submission:

• The name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of the nominee (if you are nominating an organization or business, please provide the name of a contact person).
• A summary of the activities, services and accomplishments of your nominee.
• A careful explanation of why you think that this organization or individual should be considered for this award.