IHM Sustainability Award

IHM Mentors of Sustainable Living Award

"Sustainability is a conversion experience....It necessitates a fundamental change from deep within us, not simply to alter how we do things. This is a conversion of the deepest kind."

--Dr. John E. Carroll, scientist and person of faith

The IHM Sisters are launching an IHM Mentors of Sustainable Living Award.

The IHM Mentors of Sustainable Living Award will recognize individuals who join with others to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace.

The award program is designed to proclaim individuals whose lives and mission contribute to building sustainable community and exemplify one or more of the four dimensions of sustainability as described in IHM Sisters Today, a current profile of the IHM community:

Spiritual: "The cry of our times compels us to embrace a spirituality of kinship that includes all living beings."

Social: "We respond to the world's most pressing needs and minister as educators of the Earth and of one another."

Economic: "We work for the common good and question decisions and behaviors that devastate and divide the community of Earth."

Environmental: "We recognize the interdependent nature of all members of the Earth community and understand that justice for the Earth is inseparable from justice for those who are poor and excluded."

Eligibility and nominations

Individuals and organizations are eligible for the award. IHM Sisters, Associates and staff members are not eligible for the award, but are encouraged to submit nominations.

When nominating candidates for the IHM Mentors of Sustainable Living Award, please give the following criteria consideration:

1. How has her/his work helped to make systemic change promoting justice, peace and sustainability?
   
2. How has she/he contributed to a transformation of consciousness (spiritual, economic, environmental, social, feminist, racial, political or communal)? 
   
3. How did she/he include in planning and decision-making those who are affected by the activity?
   
4. What social analysis did she/he conduct to evaluate who benefits and who loses as a result of the program, project or activity?

Nomination form

There are two forms to choose from. This one you can fill out online (nomination form in Word format). This nomination form is in PDF format and can be printed and filled out manually. Use either format and e-mail it to ihmcommunications@ihmsisters.org with the subject line: IHM Mentors of Sustainable Living Award, or send by mail to IHM Communications Office, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162. Forms can also be picked up at this address. Nomination forms can be mailed to you by requesting a form at 734-240-9838. 

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1, 2010. The award recipient will be announced Jan. 5, 2011.

Award banquet

The presentation of the IHM Mentors of Sustainability Award will be held at an award banquet on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the IHM Motherhouse. The banquet will feature keynote speaker David Orr, the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College. Orr is a dynamic presenter and author of numerous books on sustainability.