Chiles Advocate Award - Children's Week

To be a successful state, we must nurture successful children.

Lawton Chiles

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2025 Chiles Advocate Award!

What is the Chiles Advocate Award? 

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 2024 Chiles Advocate Award recipient, Dr. Phyllis Kalifeh from the Children’s Forum (Retired).

Who is Eligible to Receive this Award? 

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

When Will You Announce the 2025 Chiles Advocate Award Recipient? 

The 2025 recipient will be honored on Monday, April 14, 2025. 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.

Who Selects the Recipient? 

Nominations are reviewed by the Children’s Week Florida™ Advocacy Awards Committee, consisting of former award winners, community partners, and advocates.

Are You Ready to Nominate an Outstanding Chiles Advocate?

Click the Buttons Below to Submit Your Nominations Today.

Nominator Information

What is your first and last name? *

Nominator Name

What organization do you currently work for? If not applicable, what organization did you most recently work for? *

Nominator Organization

What is/was your role at this organization? Please provide your position or title. *

Nominator Position or Title

Nominator Contact Information

Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Nominee Information

Who are you submitting this nomination for? Please provide their first and last name. *

Nominee Name

What organization do they currently work for? If not applicable, what organization did they most recently work for? *

Nominee Organization

What is/was their role at this organization? Please provide their position or title. *

Nominee Position or Title

Nominee Contact Information

Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Tell Us About the Nominee

What role has this individual played in advocating for others? This may include advocacy for public policy changes or programs that improve the lives of young children, teens, and families. *

[500-750 words]

Was this advocacy at the state or national level? *

State

National

Both

[select one]

How does this individual demonstrate strong leadership skills? Please provide examples demonstrating how this individual leads as a positive example to others. *

[500-750 words]

Is this individual involved in philanthropic endeavors that aim to improve the lives of young children, teens, or families? If yes, please give examples of this individual's philanthropy. *

[500-750 words]

Is there anything else we should know about this individual? *

[500-750 words]

Please upload a recent photo of the nominee.

Maximum file size: 16 MB

Please agree to the following statement: *

By submitting this nomination, I attest that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. My submission confirms my consent and permission for the sponsoring organizations (Children’s Week Florida™ and Children's Forum) to publish items within this nomination package in any related communications and promotions.

Nominee Information

What is your first and last name? *

Nominee Name

What organization do you currently work for? If not applicable, what organization did you most recently work for? *

Nominee Organization

What is/was your role at this organization? Please provide your position or title. *

Nominee Position or Title

Nominee Contact Information

Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Tell Us About Yourself

What role have you played as an advocate? This may include advocacy for public policy changes or programs that improve the lives of young children, teens, and families. *

[500-750 words]

Was this advocacy at the state or national level? *

State

National

Both

[select one]

How have you demonstrated strong leadership skills? Please provide examples demonstrating how you lead as a positive example to others. *

[250-500 words]

Are you involved in philanthropic endeavors that aim to improve the lives of young children, teens, or families? If yes, please give examples *

[500-750 words]

How have you played a role in making positive and impactful changes for Florida’s young children, teens, and families? Please describe how. *

[500-750 words]

Is there anything else we should know about you? *

[500-750 words]

Please upload a recent photo of yourself.

Maximum file size: 16 MB

Please agree to the following statement: *

If you prefer a handwritten form, please download the 2025 Chiles Advocate Nomination Form or 2025 Chiles Advocate Self-Nomination Form and send your submission via USPS or email. For additional information, contact the Children’s Week Florida™ Planning Team at info@childrensweek.org or 850-487-6300.

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2025 Chiles Advocate Award!

Are You Ready to Nominate an Outstanding Chiles Advocate?

Click the Buttons Below to Submit Your Nominations Today.

Nominator Information

Nominator Contact Information

Nominee Information

Nominee Contact Information

Tell Us About the Nominee

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