Catalyst Awards

Catalyst:  one whose enthusiasm and energy precipitates significant positive change.

The Catalyst Awards encompass superior work across eight (8) different categories, include both sexual and domestic violence work, and apply to program staff, community leaders, volunteers, and allied professionals. As in the past we are asking individual or organizational members of the Action Alliance to nominate agencies and individuals you wish to recognize and celebrate. Also, except for the Pioneer Award, there are no restrictions or guidelines for how long the individual has been working in the field. Please note that the decisions made by the Catalyst Awards Committee will be solely based on the information that is provided in the nomination form. No other information, including personal relationships between committee members and nominees, will be taken into account.  Nominations are due by April 30, 2017.

Nomination Ideas:
• An advocate or volunteer whose commitment and spirit makes a difference
• An innovative outreach program to underserved populations
• A community leader who has promoted prevention efforts
• A local business which has provided goods or services to your program
• A law enforcement agent who has helped victims/survivors to feel safer
• A faith leader who has offered alternatives to violence
• Or anyone who you would like to thank and honor for their efforts to create a Virginia free from sexual and domestic violence

Catalyst Awards Category Descriptions

Pioneer Award
This award honors one who was among the first to fight the good fight in order to improve the lives of survivors and ultimately end sexual and/or domestic violence. This lifetime achievement is reserved for someone who has worked in the movement for 20 or more years.

Pathfinder Award
This award honors an individual or group, who broadens the boundaries of traditional domestic and/or sexual violence work through creative outreach to an underserved population. The nominee will demonstrate a commitment to positive change, exceptional activism, and innovation in identifying survivors and providing services in marginalized communities.

Nexus Award
This award honors an individual or agency that has created a high level of cooperation among members of the justice system and/or other systems within a local community. The nominee exemplifies the collaboration and unity of purpose in bringing together diverse individuals and disciplines to create a community that promotes safety for victims and accountability for perpetrators.

Purple Ribbon Award
This award honors one working specifically in the field of domestic violence for demonstrating exemplary commitment to restoring power and hope to victims who have experienced domestic violence through the provision of direct client services. The nominee excels in advocacy work by promoting empowerment which fosters healing.

Teal Ribbon Award
This award honors one working specifically in the field of sexual violence for demonstrating exemplary commitment to restoring power and hope to victims who have experienced sexual violence through the provision of direct client services. The nominee excels in advocacy work by promoting empowerment which fosters healing.

Blue Ribbon Award
This award honors one working with children or adolescents who have witnessed or experienced domestic or sexual violence. The nominee is recognized for demonstrating exemplary commitment to restoring power and hope to minor victims through direct client services. The nominee excels in advocacy work by promoting education and empowerment which fosters healing.

Hope Award
This award honors an individual or team who has made a significant contribution to the prevention of domestic and/or sexual violence. Nomineeswill have implemented prevention initiatives that inspire communities to create future generations of healthy, safe, and respectful relationships.

Uncommon Ally Award
This award honors an individual, group, organization or business that is not typically associated with the movement but has demonstrated exemplary service to those affected by sexual and/or domestic violence through an alliance with a local domestic and or sexual violence service agency.

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