Community Corner
NOVA Seeks Nominations for First Annual Upstander Awards
The organization will honor those who work to stop bullying
![NOVA is seeking nominations for their first ever Upstander Awards to be presented on September 29 at NOVA’s Annual Upstander Day. Upstander Day will promote and celebrate individuals of all ages who, when they see bullying behavior, take steps to help.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1192656/20240813/042119/styles/patch_image/public/nova-upstander-day-2024___13161945636.png)
NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency, is seeking nominations for their first ever Upstander Awards to be presented on Sunday, September 29 at NOVA’s Annual Upstander Day. The event and awards presentation will take place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Epstein Campus of Bucks County Community College, located at 1304 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA.
An Upstander is anyone who is aware of injustice or bullying behavior and safely steps in to help. Anyone can be an Upstander, including kids, parents, teachers, first responders or anyone who works to keep others safe. NOVA is accepting nominations from the community for Upstanders who uphold any or all of the following characteristics:
- Speaks up against injustice
- Supports and stands up for others
- Leads by example
- Fosters empathy and understanding
- Promotes inclusion and celebrates diversity
NOVA will be honoring and awarding Upstanders in our Community (kids, law enforcement, firefighters, medical providers, school staff, yoga or dance instructors, daycare providers, other professionals etc.) with gift certificates and certificates of accomplishments.
Five finalists will be selected - One finalist in each of the abovementioned categories. Each finalist and their nominator will be awarded a gift certificate. The deadline to nominate an Upstander is September 20. To submit a nomination, visit https://novabucks.org/upstanderday/nominate-an-upstander/.
Upstander Day is a free community event that promotes and celebrates those who support others, stand up for victims and promote empathy and kindness. The event is open to the public and will feature family-friendly games, crafts, entertainment, food trucks and demonstrations by first responders and other community partners.
“Every one of us has a role to play in building inclusive and safer communities” said Alyssa Davis, Primary Prevention Coordinator, NOVA. “The Upstander Awards will spotlight those who do just that.”
About NOVA
NOVA supports and empowers victims of crime in Bucks County and works to prevent violence through training, advocacy, and prevention education. Founded in 1974, NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization operating out of three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison and Perkasie. Services are made possible through the financial support of federal, state and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.