The Membership Advocacy Coalition is a group of UMR-ACUHO members who bring a wealth of perspective and experience from their work at their respective institutions and strive to create a supportive and collaborative network across the UMR-ACUHO region. Each year, members from this committee recognize two individuals who have done outstanding work in the region with the following awards:
The Drake Martin Commitment to Social Justice Award
The Drake Martin Commitment to Social Justice Award is presented annually to a housing or residence life staff member, or affiliate, in the UMR-ACUHO region that has demonstrated a continued commitment to Social Justice. Successful nominees have furthered their own education while continuing to encourage those around them to grow in this area. Whether it be starting a new initiative, showing exceptional support for underrepresented students, or dismantling barriers to access, this person incorporates education and social justice practices into their daily life.
This award was named for Drake Martin, the former Assistant Director of Residence/Education at the University of Northern Iowa, after his sudden death in 2012. Social Justice was integral to Drake's work; his greatest influence over time was through individual interactions that challenged, affirmed, and encouraged others. UMR-ACUHO was an important part of Drake's professional life. He presented numerous diversity and social justice programs, and served as the 1st Chairperson of the Diversity Action Committee.
Graduate Student Social Justice Action Award
The Graduate Student Social Justice Action Award is presented annually to a graduate student working and studying at a UMR-ACUHO member school who has shown a substantial commitment to diversity and social justice. Through programmatic efforts and ongoing initiatives, nominees for this award have enhanced diversity and social justice awareness, understanding, and education for themselves, their departments, and their institutions.
Strong nominations will include:
- Multiple examples of the nominee's work in action
- Quotations from those who have been impacted by the nominee
- A clear and continuing commitment to learning about topics related to Social Justice
Please complete the following form(s) to nominate an individual and/or group for their outstanding contributions to our students and professional organization. Self-nominations are permitted.
