2010 HRC Carolinas Gala

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
Every year the North Carolina HRC Steering Committee selects recipients for the annual Equality Award and Community Service Award. These awards are presented at the HRC Carolinas Dinner to highlight the accomplishments of individuals and/or groups in North Carolina and South Carolina. Any resident of North Carolina or South Carolina may submit a completed nomination form. You may also submit a nomination form for yourself or for your organization/corporate entity.

Award Descriptions

Equality Award – Individual
This annual award recognizes an outstanding individual that has furthered the progress for civil rights for LGBT people. Specifically, the recipient has demonstrated a passion and drive to eliminate discrimination for LGBT people. The recipient should exemplify the HRC mission statement.

Equality Award – Organization
This annual award recognizes an outstanding organization that has furthered the progress for civil rights for LGBT people. The organization can be for-profit or not-for-profit. An example of a not-for-profit organization could be a college-based, student organization supporting LGBT work on campuses in NC and SC. Another example could be a community organization offering superior contributions at the grassroots level to issues and concerns of the LGBT community and its allies.

This organization creates and sustains policies and practices to combat heterosexism and gender identity discrimination. The organization should exemplify the HRC mission statement.

Legacy/Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes an individual who has contributed efforts to improve the lives and visibility of LGBT people over a period of time. The recipient should have a consistent and significant list of contributions to the LGBT community and be seen as a role model to others. Examples could include initiating, leading and enhancing LGBT organizations and events.

Community Service Award
The Community Service Award recognizes an individual or an organization for superior contributions at the grassroots level to issues or concerns of the LGBT community and its allies. The recipient should exemplify the HRC mission statement to build an America where LGBT families and individuals can be open, honest and safe… at work, at home and in the community.

Please note that the Gala Committee may or may not present all of the awards listed at the 2010 HRC Carolinas Dinner. The Gala Co-Chairs and North Carolina Board of Directors and Board of Governors determine the awards presented in a given year.

Nomination Process

Scholarship and Fellowship Description
The HRC Carolinas Gala committee announces a call for applications for its "Emerging Leader Dinner Scholarships" and "Dinner Fellowships." Deadline for all applications is will be announced soon.

Emerging Leader Dinner Scholarship
The "Emerging Leader Dinner Scholarship" provides dedicated monies from the 2010 Gala committee to encourage 18-25 year-old North Carolina and South Carolina residents to attend the dinner as guests of HRC. HRC Carolinas desires to involve individuals from this age group to encourage their participation as supporters and leaders of future HRC events in NC and SC. As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a free ticket to the dinner, attend a two day leadership development program (February 25 – February 26) and volunteer the day of the HRC Carolinas Gala.

Emerging Leaders Application: Word | PDF

Dinner Fellowships
HRC Carolinas also offers those with limited income to apply for the "Dinner Fellowship" to attend the Gala. The Gala committee strives to involve populations in this annual HRC fundraiser, regardless of level of income and other differences. HRC offers a limited number of fellowships to those individuals that demonstrate need and would not otherwise be able to attend the dinner without financial assistance. Those receiving the fellowship can attend the Gala dinner at a reduced dinner ticket price.
Dinner Fellowship form (.pdf)