Nominate a community hero for 2016 Bridge of Light Award

Mildred Sikebert, a long-time advocate from Rota, receives a congratulatory embrace from NMCADSV board chairp Eulalia Villagomez before accepting the 2015 Bridge of Light Award as past 2014 BOLA recipient Lauri B. Ogumoro, far left, Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres, second from left, and 2013 BOLA recipient Flora Aguon, far right, look on. This was part of the 2015 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony last October. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Bridge of Light Award.

The Bridge of Light Award is given each year to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of one extraordinary individual who has worked diligently to provide safety for the community, to work to end domestic violence and sexual assault, and to be a “bridge of light” for victims and survivors in the CNMI.

“We have met victims and survivors over the years who have described those who helped them as ‘bridges of light’” said Maisie B. Tenorio, NMCADSV executive director. “We also recognize the incredible impact one caring, dedicated individual can have on the lives of others which is why we would like to honor one of them with this award.”

“But first we need some glowing nominations,” added Tenorio.

Nominations may be submitted by a member, representative, and/or volunteer of NMCADSV and/or the Family Violence Task Force; a victim or survivor; or an employee, representative, and/or volunteer at eligible CNMI agencies, organizations, or offices. To verify if an agency, organization, or office is eligible to nominate, contact NMCADSV at (670) 234-3878 or email Kiki Benjamin at kiki@endviolencenmi.org.

The nominee may be a service provider, representative, or volunteer at one or more eligible agencies, organizations or offices in the CNMI, and who has been there for a minimum of one year. The nominee must also show dedication and effort in the areas of leadership, service, advocacy for victims, prevention, community education or mobilization, and resource development.

The recipient of the Bridge of Light Award will be presented during the upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony. Past recipients include the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Division of Youth Services Rota advocate Mildred Sikebert, Department of Public Safety officer Flora Aguon, and Karidat Social Services executive director, Lauri B. Ogumoro,

Those interested in submitting a nomination may request for a nomination form by emailing kiki@endviolencenmi.org. Completed nominations forms may be submitted electronically or to the NMCADSV Office in Springs Plaza near SM Market and Bank of Hawaii on Middle Road. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. The deadline to submit completed nomination forms is Sunday, September 18, 2016.

For additional information or inquiries, contact the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence at (670) 234-3878.