Voting begins November 21^st for the third annual Impact 25 Awards, are you ready to cast your ballot and make your voice heard?

History of Impact 25 Awards

The Impact 25 awards were first started in 2014 by Pro Bono Australia as a way to recognise those individuals who have worked tirelessly to bring about positive change and improve the common good. Past winners have come from a variety of backgrounds and organisations and have included students and refugees as well as some who are well known to the public, such as leading political figures, CEOs, and other prominent advocates for change and social justice.

For the 2015 Impact 25 Awards, the people’s choice for the most influential person in the non-profit sector was Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, who became a prominent campaigner against domestic violence after her son was killed by his father in 2014. Through her efforts, the Victorian Government was persuaded to establish a Royal Commission into domestic violence, and $100 million dollars was earmarked towards efforts to solve the problem of family violence.

Why Recognition is Important for the Nominees and their Causes

Regardless of their specific job title, or position in society, Impact 25 winners are known for their integrity and foresight. They define important issues and find potential solutions. They are inspiring changemakers and groundbreaking pioneers that take the initiative and harness the forces of collaboration to increase the effects of their efforts. They are the unsung heroes whose dynamic work makes a difference.

The Impact 25 Awards are a chance to recognise these figures from the social sector who otherwise work behind the scenes. Many seek to increase awareness about important social issues, such as the needs and concerns of disadvantaged populations who have traditionally been silenced, marginalised and often overlooked by society, as well as the need for sustainable growth and development in order to improve the common good.

The awards not only celebrate these individuals for their efforts to improve the common good; they are also an opportunity to increase awareness about the specific causes and social justice issues that have been championed by the award winners.

Voting Begins Soon

Last year, over 250 nominations were received for the awards, and 13,000 votes were cast by Pro Bono Australia’s followers. Nominations recently closed for this year’s awards. On November 21^st, a short list of Impact 25 nominees will be released, and readers of Pro Bono Australia News will once again be able to cast their vote for up to three winners.

Voting begins midday on November 21^st and will run through December 1^st, so don’t forget to mark your calendars and vote early to ensure that your voice is heard! Winners of the 2016 Impact 25 Awards will be announced on December 8^th.