Nomination Form

The three heart flower epitomizes the concept of thriving in spite of harsh conditions. This rare purple blossom grows in the harshest desert environments. After the long stems develop and reach toward the sunlight, the buds open and the purple and white petals curl to form hearts around the center. Like the flower that triumphs despite its harsh environment, survivors of sexual and domestic violence overcome extreme adversity. This award recognizes a survivor of sexual and domestic violence who has turned adversity into triumph by creating positive change within their community to end sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona.

The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:

• survivor of sexual and/or domestic violence;
• has made a significant impact addressing sexual and/or domestic violence in their community (e.g., a survivor who speaks out against sexual and/or domestic violence, promotes healing, and/or has found creative solutions to address violence in Arizona)

The bold saguaro cactus is a breathtaking marker on the Arizona horizon. Its 150 year lifespan sets it apart from other plants, and its fruit can contain 2,000 seeds. Like this majestic plant, the Saguaro Award recognizes a person’s lifetime dedication to ending sexual and/or domestic violence. A history of advocacy, organizing, and tireless service has allowed this person to plant the seeds of significant change in the lives of survivors, as well as change the landscape of sexual and/or domestic violence response in Arizona.

The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:

• experienced in survivor-centered advocacy for victims and their communities;
• at least 10 years of documented accomplishments in the movement to end violence and has had a significant impact on a large number of individuals and organization(s);
• leadership demonstrating a vision of ending gender-based violence;
• commitment to social justice.

The small flowers of the cliff rose may be difficult to spot since it grows primarily on limestone outcroppings. The deep root system provides nourishment to clusters of long stems and the flowers that open along them. This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding efforts in providing direct services to survivors of sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona. This person has helped victims and their families rebuild their lives by demonstrating a deep understanding of the dynamics of sexual and/or domestic violence, respecting autonomy, and promoting empowerment (e.g., advocates, community-based advocates, case managers, victim specialists, lay legal advocates, and/or systems-based advocates).)

The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:

• dedicated to increasing safety and respect for all people by addressing gender-based violence within Arizona;
• responds to sexual and/or domestic violence in Arizona in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner;
• integrates survivor autonomy and self-determination into their advocacy;
• dedicated to increasing survivors’ access to resources and opportunities for healing;
• demonstrates commitment to working ethically, peacefully, and respectfully with others.

The bright desert sunflower unexpectedly blooms across Arizona after rain. The seeds are an important source of nutrients for birds, and the flowers are a vital part of the desert ecosystem. Like the surprising sight of these yellow flowers in a desert environment, the Desert Sunflower Award recognizes an individual’s or a group’s nontraditional involvement in the movement to end sexual and/or domestic violence. Examples might be someone in business, law enforcement, elected official, or another community group who has taken action to end sexual and/or domestic violence. This individual or group has helped to champion positive local and/or statewide change by demonstrating exemplary efforts in collaboration, legislative or budgetary change, community involvement or philanthropy.

The recipient will be selected based on the following criteria:

• demonstrates active involvement in community work related to ending sexual and/or domestic violence;
• assists the sexual and/or domestic violence movement through exemplary community involvement or philanthropic efforts;
• assists in championing local and/or statewide efforts addressing sexual and/or domestic violence and effecting positive change.