SEOCHC Community Recognition Awards: Celebrating Grassroots Change & Community Connection
To be presented at the 2025 Annual General Meeting
Purpose
South East Ottawa Community Health Centre (SEOCHC) is proud to launch two annual awards to recognize individuals living in our catchment area who are making meaningful contributions to health equity, community connection, and collective wellbeing.
These awards celebrate the often-unseen efforts of residents who embody community care, collaboration, empowerment, and inclusion in our communities.
The awards will be presented at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year.
Award Categories
1. Community Leadership Award (Adult: ages 18+)
Recognizes an individual who fosters connection, supports others, and contributes to wholistic wellbeing through actions that strengthen the community. This person creates inclusive spaces, builds trust, and promotes health and equity for all.
2. Rising Changemaker Award (Youth: ages 12–25)
Celebrates a young person who uses their voice, skills, or knowledge to create positive change. Whether through advocacy, cultural expression, peer support, or creative action, this youth uplifts others and contributes to community wellbeing.
Eligibility
- Nominees must live within the SEOCHC catchment area.
- SEOCHC’s catchment includes the neighbourhoods of: Albion Heatherington, Alta Vista, Confederation Court, Heron Gate, Riverview, Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Hunt Club Park, South Keys, Greenboro, Ledbury, Banff-Ledbury, Ridgemont, Russell Heights, and Playfair Park. The catchment is bounded by the Rideau River and Industrial Avenue to the north, Hunt Club Road to the south, Highway 417 to the east, and the Rideau River to the west.
- Self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
- SEOCHC staff are not eligible for these awards, but volunteers and community partners are.
Selection Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate some of the following:
- Commitment to community building and support
- Efforts to advance equity, holistic wellbeing, or inclusion
- Relationship-building and collaboration across groups
- Cultural sharing, healing, or knowledge-holding
- Leadership through care, action, or advocacy
- Passion for building a stronger, more connected community
Nomination Process
- Nominations will open August 1, 2025 and close on August 22, 2025
- A short online form (via Microsoft Forms) will be used to collect nominations.
- You’ll be asked to provide:
- Nominee’s name and contact info
- A brief description (250 – 400 words) of why they should be recognized
- Your name and contact info as nominator
Selection Process
A small, diverse selection committee (staff, youth, and community members) will review nominations based on alignment with criteria. One award will be granted in each category annually.
Recognition
Award recipients will be celebrated at SEOCHC’s Annual General Meeting with:
- A framed certificate
- An honorarium ($250 token of appreciation).
- A story feature on SEOCHC’s social media and website
- Acknowledgement and presentation at the AGM
Contact:
For questions, contact the SEOCHC office at office@seochc.on.ca
