Nominations Now Open
Closing Date, 5:00 p.m., September 14, 2026
The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was created in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) to honor the incredible contributions and lasting legacy of Congressman John Lewis. Serving as a U.S. Congressman for 33 years until his passing in 2020, John Lewis was a dedicated activist and advocate for social change.
This national award allows state Secretaries of State to select honorees from their state. It celebrates outstanding young people who exemplify leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to social justice—principles that Congressman John Lewis dedicated his life to advancing.
The John Lewis Youth Leadership Service Award holds significant personal resonance for Secretary Weber due to her close friendship with John Lewis and his pivotal role in advancing voting rights for marginalized communities. For her, this award represents a profound tribute to Lewis's enduring legacy and commitment to social justice. Through recognizing youth leadership, the award embodies Lewis's belief in the power of young people to effect meaningful change in their communities and beyond. It serves as a beacon of inspiration and encouragement for future leaders to continue Lewis's work towards equity and inclusion.
Eligibility Requirements
Nominees must:
- Be a resident of California
- Be between the age of 18 to 25 at the time of the award presentation.
- Be recognized in their community for being civic-minded and improving the quality of life in their community. Their community must be in California.
- Show a meaningful commitment to address civil rights issues, and to authentically bring about positive change in his or her community.
