Chiles Advocate Award

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

— Lawton Chiles

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2026 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 2025 Chiles Advocate Award recipient, Loranne Ausley of Hollimon, P.A.

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 2026 Chiles Advocate Award Recipient? 

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 must be received by November 21, 2025.

Who Selects the Recipient and How? 

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.

Are You Ready to Nominate an Outstanding Chiles Advocate?

Click the Buttons Below to Submit Your Nominations Today.

Don't Delay! The deadline to submit is November 21, 2025.

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. *

[4000 characters]

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 of how this individual has served as a positive example for others. *

[4000 characters]

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

[4000 characters]

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

[4000 characters]

Please submit a high-quality headshot or photo of the nominee (no group pictures).

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

[4000 characters]

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. *

[4000 characters]

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

[4000 characters]

Is there anything else we should know about you? *

[4000 characters]

Please submit a high-quality headshot or photo of yourself (no group pictures).

Maximum file size: 16 MB

Please agree to the following statement: *

If you prefer a handwritten form, please download the 2026 Chiles Advocate Nomination Form or 2026 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.