The Children’s Week Florida^TM Youth Advocate Award is presented to a young person who has worked diligently over the past year as an advocate, initiating positive change for themselves, their peers, their communities, or statewide. Youth advocate efforts and examples may include, but are not limited to:

• creating awareness
• engaging in creative efforts and activities
• demonstrating strong youth leadership
• working collaboratively to improve the lives of others
• supporting programs and/or policies that have benefited children and families

Our 2023 Youth Advocate Award recipient will be honored on Monday, March 27, 2023 during the Children’s Week Florida ^TM Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The award recipient will also be invited to participate in Children’s Week Florida^TM events across the week, including Children’s Day at the Capitol (March 28) and Teen Thursday (March 30).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Nominees must be under 18 or in school (K-12) at the time of their nomination.
• Nominees should be currently involved in advocacy efforts or actively encouraging ongoing advocacy efforts at the local or state level that have improved the lives of children, youth, and families.
• Teachers, parents, mentors, students, and others are invited to submit a nomination for a youth advocate that inspires them; or youth may nominate themselves.

If you would like to submit a nomination for an outstanding Youth Advocate, complete all fields below, including Nominee Information, Nominee Narrative/Personal Statement, and upload a recent Photo. Or you can click here to download a PDF nomination of the Chiles Award with instructions. These may be submitted via email or by USPS.

Please note, all nominations will be reviewed by the Children’s Week Florida^TM Advocacy Awards Committee, a volunteer peer review group consisting of previous Chiles Advocacy Award winners, community partners, and other advocates. Nominations must be submitted by January 13, 2023.