At each Annual Conference, NACW gives Achievement Awards to member commissions for innovative programming. This non-competitive awards program seeks to identify and publicly recognize exemplary programs that promote the welfare and status of women and girls. The recognition and sharing of innovative programs, services, and educational materials enable commissions to serve as a source of inspiration and model of excellence for others to follow nationwide.
2017 Achievement Awards
The National Association of Commissions for Women is proud to announce the 2017 recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award. Congratulations to the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, the Maryland Commission for Women, and the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women for their outstanding work in initiating innovative and impactful projects that engage and support women in their areas.
In the spring of 2013, the Erie County CSW launched the Western New York Tribute Garden, serving as a memorial to all families affected by domestic violence. Located in Erie County’s Isle View Park overlooking the Niagara River, the Tribute Garden is believed to be the first permanent Garden of its kind located on public land in the United States. The Garden provides solace for those affected by domestic violence, as well as information for the general public unaware of the scope of such tragedy. It encourages all who visit to have hope, speak out, and seek help.
In July of 2016, the Maryland CFW began conducting a series of public forums around the state, inviting women in Maryland’s diverse regions and communities to engage in a discussion about the challenges they face in their everyday lives. Known as The Voices of Maryland Women Listening Tour, 10 sessions have been conducted so far with an audience of more than 500. The outcome of the project will be a report to the Governor and to the Maryland General Assembly outlining the issues the women of Maryland have told us are of greatest concern and identifying remedies to those issues.
Throughout 2016, The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, through a series of Community Conversations, provided women with an opportunity to discuss the physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual impact of domestic violence. The commission engaged women in conversations concerning the warning signs, indicators, and potentially abusive behavior that can endure or worsen if they are not addressed. Once the conversations were over, the commission held a statewide summit to discuss its findings and to recommend solutions to prevent domestic abuse.
Each of these commissions has demonstrated a desire to create positive change in the lives of women in their states and around the country. The NACW commends them for their efforts and thanks them wholeheartedly with the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement Award.