To be a successful state, we must nurture successful children.
— Lawton Chiles
Thank You For Submitting Your 2026 Chiles Advocate Award Nominations!
The Chiles Advocate Award is named in honor of the former three-term U.S. Senator and two-term Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, and his influential First Lady, Rhea. This award is presented each year to a Floridian who has dedicated their time, energy, and resources as an advocate on behalf of young children, teens, and families and has inspired significant and positive changes at the state or national level.
Past recipients have been recognized for their legacy of work promoting policies and programs that enhance a child’s future, record service in a volunteer capacity, or a career dedicated to a related profession. Congratulations again to our 2025 Chiles Advocate Award recipient, Loranne Ausley of Hollimon, P.A.
- Anyone can submit a nomination; you may nominate yourself
- Nominees must be well recognized, known for their leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to advocating for public policies that improve the lives of Florida’s young children, teens, and their families
- Legislators or elected officials currently in office are not eligible for this award
The 2026 recipient will be honored on Monday, February 23, 2026. The public announcement will take place during our annual Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The recipient will be invited to take part in various activities and speaking engagements throughout next year’s Children’s Week Florida events in Tallahassee, Florida.
Nominations are reviewed by the Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Awards Committee, which is composed of former award recipients, community partners, and dedicated advocates. All nominations will be pre-screened to ensure eligibility. If a nominee’s qualifications align better with a different award category (Chiles, Impact, or Youth), the nominator will be contacted regarding any recommended changes.
2026 Lawton and Rhea Chiles Advocate Award Nominees
