Nominees sought for 2015 Bridge of Light awardee

The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence announced yesterday that nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 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.

“The name ‘Bridge of Light’ was inspired by a song that was about going through a period of darkness in life marked by challenges, hardship and loneliness,” said Maisie B. Tenorio, coalition executive director. “And the message was that care and love can build a ‘bridge of light’ that disrupts this darkness and leads toward something positive.”

“Some of the victims and survivors we’ve met over the years described those who have helped them as acting like ‘bridges of light,’ which is why we would like to honor one of these individuals with this award,” Tenorio said, “but first we need to receive nominations.”

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 the coalition 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 Bridge of Light Award will be presented at the upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation signing ceremony in October. Past awardees include Department of Public Safety officer Flora Aguon and Karidat Social Services executive director Lauri B. Ogumorro.

Nomination forms are available for pick up and submission at the NMCADSV office in Springs Plaza in Gualo Rai next to New XO Market, or may be emailed upon request and availability through kiki@endviolencenmi.org. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. The deadline to submit complete nomination forms is on Monday, Aug. 31, 2015.

For additional information or inquiries, contact the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence at (670) 234-5498. (NMCADSV)