Events
The Joan Drury Award
The Joan Drury Award recognizes one Cook County community member who works towards promoting equity through a feminist lens through one or more of the following: volunteerism; community commitment; personal awareness; promotion of education, awareness, and outreach; and philanthropy.
This award is named after an extraordinary human and a long-time VPC supporter, Joan Drury, who dedicated her life to feminism, justice, advocacy, and equity for women, girls, and LGBTQ2IA+ individuals. To learn more about Joan Drury's legacy, visit our memorial page here.
Does this sound like someone you know? Consider nominating them for the Joan Drury Award!
The deadline to submit nominations is January 3rd, 2025.
The award will be presented on February 1st, 2025, at the VPC’s annual fundraiser and film event, Beyond the Reel, held at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.
Contact the VPC at (218) 387-1262 or hope4u@boreal.org with questions.
Congratulations to former awardees:
2022: Sue Hennessy
2024: Jacki Kozlowski
Criteria for Nomination
To highlight Joan’s outstanding commitment to our mission and ending gender-based violence, the Violence Prevention Center is seeking to annually recognize one individual and one business or organization who exemplify at least one of the following:
Volunteerism
Values volunteering as a commitment to engage in the work of individual and community safety within their area of interest and influence. Works within their community to foster peace, justice, and equity for women and girls, and builds the capacity to transform violence.
Community Commitment
Has a willingness to take leadership roles and challenging positions to improve the lives of individuals and families in the community, understanding that change requires tenacity, continuity, and a willingness to challenge what has been done.
Promotes Education, Awareness, and Outreach
Participates in education, awareness and outreach activities that increase the potential for peaceful and just communities. Supports ideas and potential resources to promote current and expanded programs and service to persons who have been subjected to domestic and sexual violence and/or human trafficking.
Personal Awareness
Continues to seek out lifelong learning opportunities as a way to increase personal and community awareness related to gender, equity, justice and privilege.
Philanthropy
Advocates for or supplies financial resources in a way that acknowledges the mission and values of the VPC.