Join Spirit of Women in celebrating the talent and dedication of women who devote themselves to making their communities healthier, safer and more inspirational places to live by nominating them now!

The Spirit of Women Awards program focuses on celebrating previously unrecognized women in communities across the United States, with winners selected based on actions they take to make their communities a better place to live. This program involves regional community events with local media partnerships, as well as a national awards ceremony and public relations campaigns.

Established in 1998, the Spirit of Women Awards is an annual program designed to honor unsung heroes in communities across the United States. More than 600 women have been recognized and awarded for their efforts. Winners are selected based on the contributions they make to their communities through their work and their
service activities.

Regional winners in three categories – Young Person Role Model, Community Hero and Healthcare Hero – will be honored at a Spirit of Women awards presentation. Each will receive a gift of $250 and will automatically become a nominee for a national Spirit of Women Award. Join Spirit of Women in celebrating women who dedicate themselves to making their communities a better place for all. Self-nominations will also be accepted.

Nominee Information
First Name		Last Name
Street Address
City	State		Zip Code
Daytime Phone	E-mail Address
Please make sure your nominee is willing to participate in the awards process.

Your Information
First Name		Last Name
Street Address
City	State		Zip Code
Daytime Phone	E-mail Address

Please Check the Appropriate Category
	Young Person Role Model, age 14-20: This young woman recognized early the importance of living beyond herself and sharing her gifts of time, effort, and ingenuity with others. She participates in, or maybe has even organized, a group that shares information, material goods, education, entertainment, or inspiration with those less fortunate than herself. Whether on her own or with a school or community group she is recognized by others as the example to follow.
	Community Hero, at least 21 years of age: In this category, nominees understand clearly and passionately that how we perform as individuals determines how we perform as a community. She may not put that particular concept into words, but certainly puts it into action…and action is what she’s all about. She takes initiative when she sees room for improvement, or when she recognizes that a need is not being met. She does not recognize “can’t” when working to make a positive change for the good of her community.
	Healthcare Hero, clinical professional: By the very nature of their work, healthcare providers are supposed to have attributes that set them apart from most other people. But even in this highly illuminated environment, there are some lights that shine brighter than others. The real test of this nominee’s work can be measured by the care she gives to her job – or to the person – in front of her, even when a myriad of demands and commitments are swirling around her. She pays attention to detail, and in defiance of a popular self-help guide, she does sweat the small stuff. Whether it’s within her clinical area or part of her life outside the organization, she would gladly sign her name to everything she does. (Note: The Healthcare Provider Category is limited to women affiliated with Memorial.)
	*Describe why this person is a Spirited* woman.** Who has this woman helped? What makes her extraordinary? How does she take action for your community?
	Submissions must be sent by March 1, 2009