On October 21, 2011, The Center for the Defense of Civil Rights & Equality hosted its first Community Forum Conference with one idea in mind – to bring together our community, city, state and federal officials to a consensus where government officials could meet our constituents, face to face. Without fanfare, this event became a success and a stepping stone to our Community Treasures program, where we ask the community acknowledge those leaders, professionals, government officials and business owners that have been champions of good cause, inspiring others to celebrate our community with strength, courage and passion to help others and fight indifference.

With this in mind, The Center for the Defense of Civil Rights & Equality is proud to recognize those valuable players of our distinguished community with the extraordinary Person of the Year Award to all of those individuals who fulfill the following Criteria for nomination:

• Nominee must be a member in good standing with the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.

• Describe challenges this person has faced. How were they resolved?

• Describe the history, structure, accomplishments and priorities of this professional, community leader or government official.

• How have the individual efforts strengthened the Rhode Island Community?

• Include any other information you would like the judging panel to consider. You are encouraged to submit nominations for deserving individual, groups, private and government officials as well as self-nominations. Each nomination form must be submitted with a statement on how the nominee meets the stated criteria. The winner will be announced at the Annual Business Recognition Awards Ceremony for March 2021.