“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
These words, stated by Martin Luther King, Jr., still challenge us to be the best we can be almost 60 years after he first spoke them. As a leader in the Civil Rights movement, Dr. King dedicated his life to racial justice and equality, constantly striving to make the world a better place.
Every year, the YWCA Gettysburg and Adams County and the United Way of Adams County co-sponsor the Living the Dream award to honor a local resident who lives out Dr. King’s ideals.
Whether through a career choice or volunteer efforts, there are local men, women, and youth working to ensure that everyone is treated equally in our community and society. These efforts allow the dream of which Dr. King spoke to become more tangible every day.
Do you know someone who lives life in that altruistic light, making the world a better place?
If you know a leader for social good – whether a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor – please consider nominating that person for the Annual Living the Dream Award, which recognizes a community member or group living out the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism. A cash prize, co-sponsored by the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and the United Way of Adams County, is awarded to the winner.
This year’s award will be presented at the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 15, at 7 PM in Gettysburg College’s Christ Chapel.
As always, the program is free and open to the public.
This annual event is a beautiful partnership between Gettysburg College, which funds many of the costs associated with the celebration as well as providing the space for the event; South Central Community Action Programs, the YWCA of Gettysburg and Adams County, and United Way of Adams County as well as a group of dedicated committee members who plan each year’s event.
Nominations for the Living the Dream Award should be submitted to Nancy Lilley at gro.grubsyttegacwy@yelliln or at 909 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325, by December 30, 2023. Nancy can also answer any questions you might have.
We look forward to hearing about our local heroes who are living the dream and seeing the streets and roads of Adams County displaying the words of Dr. King.