Callaway County is full of hardworking women who aim to improve their community.
You'll find them collaborating at the monthly Callaway Resource Network meeting, representing the county's many nonprofits, in the schools and working quietly behind the scenes. But whoever they are and whatever their passion, now's your chance to give them some much-deserved recognition.
The nomination deadline for the annual Jane Bierdeman-Fike Humanitarian Award is coming up Friday. City and county officials are seeking nominations for women in Fulton and Callaway County who make major contributions of their time for social justice, environmental justice, economic equality, community building, education or embracing diversity.
"Your nominee should be a person who wants to better the community through their actions, volunteering and dedication to the community - someone who wants to promote unity and equality in the community," said Carmen Brandt of the Callaway County Human Rights Commission, which gives the award.
Nomination forms can be picked up at Fulton City Hall, Callaway County Courthouse or the Callaway Chamber of Commerce.
"We haven't gotten as many as I would like," Brandt said. "I'd like to encourage people to send those names into us. All it takes is to complete the nomination form, and we really take our time and look over those forms."
This year's award winner will be selected by a panel of community leaders.
Jane Bierdeman-Fike was a Fulton resident who championed social and economic justice, as well as mental health issues. In 1997, the National Association of Social Workers Foundation honored Bierdeman-Fike as a Social Work Pioneer, which was presented by National President Gary Bailey.
She was honored for a 60-year social work career that included 45 years as a psychiatric social worker with the Missouri Department of Mental Health from 1955 until her retirement in 2000 from Fulton State Hospital.
She died at 89 in 2012, and the Callaway County-based award that bears her name launched in 2013.
Last year, the Bierdeman-Fike Award went to Connie Cashion of the From His House to Your House free store.
"She stood out as a person who truly loved her community," Brandt said. "She saw a need and decided to take action. Through her action, a lot of people really prospered. I always see her talking to the people who come through the door, offering to help and giving directions and guidance. We hope we can build on that this year."
Previous winners include Nancy Hanson in 2017, Suzanne Guerrant in 2016 and Jerrie Bell in 2015.
A list of finalists will be announced in early December, and the annual award luncheon (which is free and open to the public) is noon Dec. 13 at the Fulton City Hall. Brandt said the committee is hoping to to add a few things to the program, including recognizing some female local officials.