2001 NACO Achievement Award
The Johnson County Election Office has been awarded a 2001 NACO Achievement
Award for its program, "Celebration of Patriotism."
The "Celebration of Patriotism" program developed from a desire to enhance
voter participation and to promote the vote. In late 1999, a group of
21 citizen leaders established the non-partisan, non-profit Celebration
of Patriotism Foundation of Johnson County, Kansas, which is dedicated
to encouraging, inspiring, educating, and motivating the community to
be involved and participate in the democratic process.
In 2000, the Foundation was successful in obtaining $10,000 in grant funding. Additional funding came from individuals, businesses, and corporate donations, as well as in-kind donations from area businesses and newspapers, which reinforced the concept of a community working together to celebrate patriotism and promote voting. The Elections 2000 focus was directed toward 18-24-year-olds as well as future voters. Three programs were established: "Celebrate the Vote", "Talk the Vote", and "Walk the Vote." Over 13,000 students participated in the programs. This effort resulted in a collective awareness to promote the importance of voting. The Foundation was successful in recruiting volunteers, teachers, and parents and forged important community and corporate partnerships in its efforts to educate citizens - particularly young ones - on the importance of voting and participating in the democratic process. These programs brought together corporate leaders, business owners, PTA members, schoolteachers, and parents in a united effort to "Promote the Vote."
County Commissioner Annabeth Surbaugh accepted the award on behalf of Johnson County and the Election Office at the NACO Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA on July 15, 2001.
Last Updated: March 10, 2010 11:31 AM
