CANTON -- The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton is seeking nominations for their annual Rachel Somers Grant Award.

Each year, the church recognizes an individual who is making a difference in our community with an award established in 1990 in memory of Rachel Somers Grant. Rachel was a teacher and activist who lived in Canton from 1977 until her death in 1990. The award was established to honor those who work, as Rachel did, to make ours a more humane and progressive community.

Rachel believed grassroots movements were an effective means of achieving change, according to a press release. “She challenged the lack of responsiveness of elected officials on issues important to her community, and she was a strong advocate for causes affecting the welfare of women, families, and the environment. She had a gift for organizing diverse groups and a talent for gaining the respect of supporters and opponents alike.”

Recent recipients of the award have included Ginger Storey-Welch for her work with NC350.org.; Sara Schaff and Carol Pynchon for work on the Women’s March; Janet Greene and Helen Hutchinson for their work with Hospice; Chelle Lindahl and Melinda Ely, co-coordinators of the Local Living Festival; Kelley Glasgow for her work on the Bearpacks program at Canton Schools.

Nominations for the 2019 Rachel Somers Grant Award should explain how the nominee exemplifies some of the following criteria.

• promotion of local grassroots efforts as a means of achieving social change

• advocacy on behalf of social justice, especially for those who are marginalized in some way

• active involvement in a variety of local groups working for a better community

• history of organizing, involving, and supporting community members in pursuit of social justice

Nominations are due no later than April 30 and may be sent by email to socialaction@uucantonny.org, or by mail to: Social Action Committee, Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton, 3 ½ East Main St., Canton NY 13617