Backbone Campaign

Accountability Tools
Backbone Awards & Spine Awards

The Backbone Award	The Spine Award
An Oscar-like statue created by sculptors Hans and Eric Nelsen and reserved for elected officials working at the national level of politics.	A wooden plaque with spine inlay, created by activist and woodworker Jason Sawatzki, for local and state politicians, activists, and citizens who champion progressive causes.

The Backbone Campaign provides creative tools to the progressive movement to spark the strategic political engagement of progressives through a media-savvy, culturally rich, and inclusive activist art project. A key part of this project is to honor courageous, progressive elected officials and citizen activists by presenting them with Backbone Awards and Spine Awards . In so doing, we affirm the relationship between representatives and constituents, and the importance of courageous, principled actions taken at politically lonely moments. Our intention is to reward those who rise to the challenge at this crucial historical moment, in support of a broad movement aligned with the principles and positions articulated in our Progressive Platform .

Generally, Backbone and Spine Awards will be considered for individuals when their recognition is deemed to advance the goals stated above and who meet one, but preferably both of the following criteria:

The proposed recipient has demonstrated a record of consistent and active support for progressive principles and positions in a variety of issue areas.
The proposed recipient has publicly displayed moral courage by standing in support of a particular progressive principle at a politically lonely moment.

Proposals for awards will be reviewed by the Backbone Campaign in light of the principles stated above and the strategic goals of the Campaign. Please note that we looking for proposals, not nominations. We have limited resources, and we are committed to collaboration with others in the progressive movement. We appreciate suggestions, but we are much more interested in partners who will help implement the presentation of these Awards . To propose an Award please email: infoATbackbonecampaign.org