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Do you know women like Cynthia, Daisy, & Elizabeth?

May 26, 2011 at 4:59 PM ET by Jennifer Kaplan
Summary: 
For the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal we are asking you to look into your community and nominate those everyday heroes who have performed exemplary deeds of service, including those who have demonstrated commitment to service in their own communities or in communities farther from home, who have helped their country or their fellow citizens through one or more extraordinary acts, whose service relates to a long-term problem, or whose service has had a sustained impact on others’ lives and provided inspiration for others to serve.

Dear Friends,

Last year the President honored 13 outstanding Americans with the nation’s second-highest civilian honor, the Presidential Citizens Medal. The individuals who received this award were Americans who set out to improve their country and their communities through extraordinary service outside of their day to day jobs. In 2010, President Obama asked Americans to participate in the nomination process and this year we are proud to ask for your help once again.

For the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal we are asking you to look into your community and nominate those everyday heroes who have performed exemplary deeds of service, including those who have demonstrated commitment to service in their own communities or in communities farther from home, who have helped their country or their fellow citizens through one or more extraordinary acts, whose service relates to a long-term problem, or whose service has had a sustained impact on others’ lives and provided inspiration for others to serve. Last year over 6,000 incredible leaders were nominated for their service, which often times goes unrecognized. The Presidential Citizens Medal offers a chance to thank those extraordinary stewards of service from across the United States.

Last year, President Obama honored several amazing women, including Susan Retik Ger for her extraordinary service to Afghan widows and their children. After losing her husband on 9/11, Susan set out to comfort widows, like her, at home and abroad and to enhance women’s rights in Afghanistan through education and training. Visit http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/citizensmedal/2010to watch Susan’s inspiring story.

Check out the inspiring women also honored with the Medal below:

  • Cynthia Churchfounded Sisters on a Mission, an African-American breast cancer support network.
  • Daisy Brookshas committed her life to North Chicago young mothers and their infants through Daisy’s Resource and Development Center.
  • Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnamcreated the Student Conservation Association out of her devotion to preserve our nation’s public lands.

For more information on the Citizens Medal as well how nominate an outstanding citizen, please read this letter from the President below and visitWhiteHouse.gov/citizensmedal to watch the announcement video.

To nominate someone for the 2011 Citizens Medal, please review thecriteria for this year’s medal. Additional awardees may be selected outside of the public nomination process. In order for the individual to be considered for the Medal:

  • Nominees must be citizens of the United States
  • The nominee’s service must have been performed outside of his or her regular job.
  • Nominations must be received by Monday, May 30, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

All the best and happy nominating!

Jennifer Kaplan is the Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls