Awards Overview

Do you know someone who has made a significant and lasting difference in efforts to fight prejudice and discrimination and increase tolerance and acceptance?

USA Network created the Characters Unite Awards to recognize these unsung heroes. Ten winners will get a $5,000 grant to help continue or build on their incredible projects (“Project”), and they will be featured on-air and at charactersunite.com.

Now's your chance to nominate yourself or someone you know.

It could be someone who is tackling teen bullying, advocating against hate crimes, promoting diversity, championing equal rights, or donating time or resources to give all people opportunities. It's really anyone who is making a difference to create a more united USA.

Don't forget to enter by 11:59PM (ET) on March 15th, 2012. Good luck!

TO ENTER

Please submit a short essay, no more than 500 words that summarizes how the nominee meets the criteria below, along with a photo of the nominee.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following criteria should be considered for each nominee:

• CHARACTER: Someone who has shown great dedication, passion, and determination, in the face of challenge or adversity, in fighting social injustice.
• IMPACT: Someone who has made a significant and lasting difference in overcoming prejudice or ending discrimination (age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities) and in promoting respect and acceptance.
• INFLUENCE: Someone who has enlisted his/her community — city, state, country, school, house of worship, workplace, organization, etc. -- to increase awareness, create unity and expand the reach and legacy of his/her work.

USA Network will select the award winners based on:

• Compelling nature of Project: 60%
• Clear Presentation of Ideas: 30%
• Grammar and Spelling: 10%