The Rainbow Round Table Award for Political Activism honors librarians, library related organizations (including libraries, library staff, library boards, library friends), and other individuals or groups (public or private) that have demonstrated excellence in the area of LGBTQIA+ activism. The award is designed for someone who is involved in efforts to promote LGBTQIA+ issues, impedes the progress of anti-LGBTQIA+ efforts, or raises awareness of LGBTQIA+ matters locally, statewide, nationally or internationally. The award recognizes the work of taking a clear stance on an issue, voicing an opinion and working to ensure that positive change happens for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The award may be given for a specific action, repeated actions (like a campaign), or a lifetime of work. This award will be presented to an individual, group, or organization that has demonstrated positive and lasting change for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The award consists of a citation and $1,000. The award will be presented at the Stonewall Books Awards Program held at ALA Annual Conference. One award will be given annually to an eligible candidate. If a suitable candidate is not found, the award will not be presented in a given year.
Criteria
Innovation, collaboration, risk-taking, and being a change-agent will all be taken into account as part of the criteria for the award. The nominated person, group, or organization should demonstrate how they invested time and talent to make positive changes for LGBTQIA+ people.
- Candidate shows a dedication to a LGBTQIA+ cause that can be demonstrated through specific actions taken in the awards consideration period.
- Candidate’s work has led to a demonstrable improvement in the area of LGBTQIA+ issues, including but not limited to, workplace discrimination, housing, healthcare, marriage, teen issues, etc.
- Candidate has been effective at communicating the need for work in areas related to LGBTQIA+ political activism and has been a consistent voice for positive change.
- Candidate is a role model for future change efforts.
Nominees must show evidence of activism. Examples may include:
- Collaboration with other LGBTQIA+, ally, or community groups.
- Dedication to a LGBTQIA+ cause that can be demonstrated through specific actions taken in the awards consideration period.
- Work resulting in demonstrable improvement in the area of LGBTQIA+ issues, including but not limited to, workplace discrimination, housing, healthcare, marriage, teen issues, gender issues, marriage equality, etc.
- Communicating the need for work in areas related to LGBTQIA+ political activism and consistently voicing positive change.
- Role modeling future change efforts.
Eligibility
Members of the current award jury, their families, or members of their households are ineligible to receive the Award. Donors to the award are ineligible to receive the award to prevent the appearance of impropriety. Current Rainbow Round Table Executive Board members are also ineligible.
Deadline
Nominations received by 4pm Central on Friday, March 31st, 2023 will be considered.
Questions?
For assistance, please contact the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services at diversity@ala.org, or toll-free at 800-545-2433, ext. 4297.
Nomination Instructions
Please complete the form below. A letter of nomination is required along with at least 5 but no more than ten supporting documents. Supporting documents can include letters of support, statements of outstanding contributions, copies of presentations, links to resources created, and other evidence. Only the materials submitted as part of the nomination package will be considered. Note due to a bug, do not press upload. Simply select the file(s), and submit the form. Acceptable file upload types are .doc, .docx, and .pdf.