Do you know a Champion of Change?

The Obama administration has announced the creation of the “Harvey Milk Champions of Change” award, which recognizes a group of today’s openly LGBT state and local elected or appointed officials. This award is a part of the White House Champions of Change program that celebrates the unrecognized yet extraordinary work of ordinary citizens.

“Hope will never be silent.” — Harvey Bernard Milk. President Obama quoted Harvey Milk in August 2009, when he honored the life, work and accomplishments of Milk posthumously with the country’s highest civilian medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In continued honor of Milk’s legacy, the White House will bestow the honor of Harvey Milk Champions of Change to LGBT individuals who have been elected or appointed to state or local office, and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service.

If this sounds like someone you know, you can click here to nominate a Harvey Milk Champion of Change by Friday, April 19, 2013. Keep in mind that, in the spirit of the Champions of Change program, the White House is looking for unsung heroes — individuals whose contributions have gone unrecognized.

The creation of this award honors and acknowledges the great strides within the LGBT rights movement, as the voices and work of LGBT leaders motivate those who have been silenced and create paths toward justice.