Category: New Nominees

We use soccer as a vehicle for positive change

We believe in the power of soccer, the world's universal language, to create positive change for individuals, families, communities, and the world.

We envision a more inclusive world where all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We contribute to this vision through innovative youth-development programs for under-served youth in the United States and around the world that create avenues for growth, inclusion, and personal success.

Our values

AUTHENTICITY
When building an SWB program, we value all voices, particularly those of youth and members of the communities we serve.

WHOLE PERSON
We believe in a whole-person approach to youth development. Our programs help young people come into a greater understanding of their bodies, minds, and voices.

PROCESS-ORIENTED
We believe in the learning that comes from a quality process that focuses on what is within our control: creating a culture of acceptance, addressing obstacles to an inclusive environment, and supporting progress toward individual, team and community goals.

EQUITY
We aim to advance equity in ourselves, our structures, our systems, our partners, and our communities. We value and seek best practices for equitable access and opportunities, investment, representation, power, and voice.

Exercise is an activity many people enjoy to strengthen bodies and calm minds. It is especially beneficial for those living with catastrophic illness, injury and secondary health conditions related to long-term disabilities. In many communities, however, gyms and leisure centers are “no-go zones” for the disabled because these facilities often lack ramps, lifts and automatic doors, making them difficult to navigate. High membership fees, inaccessible locker rooms, no specialized equipment and inexperienced staff members are some of the common barriers that can prevent disabled people from participating.

Since 2013, SCF has been working with the City of Miami Beach to develop more inclusive outdoor spaces. On July 23, 2014 the City Commission voted unanimously to approve SCF’s plan to create a fully accessible beach and adaptive playground for kids with special needs on Collins Avenue. To best compliment these outdoor activities, the development of an adaptive recreation center will provide a “go-to” destination offering beach access to participants, with full-time specialized staff, a dedicated place to store all personal belongings (wheelchairs), plus adaptive beach equipment, shelter from rainy days and an indoor first aid station.

SCF will play a leading role in the day-to-day management of the center and fundraising initiatives – partnering with veteran associations and various disability related organizations.

Our History

From 2006 to 2012, SCF focused on raising funds to support scientists advancing the field of Regenerative Medicine. SCF donated research grants to the University of California, Irvine, where studies of restoring mobility in paralyzed rats and research on spinal cord injuries yielded the world’s first-ever FDA approved embryonic stem cell treatment to be tested in humans; to Dr. Joshua Hare, Cardiologist and Director of the University of Miami Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, where he is currently using adult stem cells in clinical trials treat heart disease; and to Dr. Sally Temple, co-Founder and Scientific Director of the New York Neural Stem Cell Institute, to support their Optic Nerve Injury Program.

As the spokesperson of SCF and the cause, Sabrina traveled all over the country to educate the public about the importance of moving this science forward.

Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

What We Do

The League of Women Voters of North Carolina – part of a national network, the League of Women Voters of the US – encourages informed and active participation in our democracy and influences public policy through advocacy and organizing. Our vision was formed 100 years ago by leaders of the women’s suffrage movement, and today we remain a strong nonpartisan, activist, grassroots organization that believes voters should play a critical role in democracy.

Our members – 2,000 strong in 19 local leagues – are fighting to protect voting rights, promote voter registration, and ensure fair representation in North Carolina. As a part of the only national, nonpartisan organization with the operational capabilities to engage vast groups of voters around the country, the League is well-positioned to protect our vibrant democracy.

LWVNC, Inc. provides funding for NC Leagues to conduct research and prepare publications and materials. LWVNC holds forums and disseminates information and training to citizens. LWVNC, Inc. projects must present fair, objective, nonpartisan information to the general public. Projects cannot advocate for legislation or urge any action to affect legislation, and they cannot support candidates for office. Your donation to LWVNC, Inc. is tax deductible.

Nonpartisan Policy

The purpose of the League of the Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government at all levels. The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan in that it does not support or oppose any political party or candidate. The League takes positions on selected governmental and other issues after study and consensus. The League recognizes the role of political parties in government and believes that participation in the activities of parties is an essential ingredient of citizen responsibility. While the League urges its members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary to maintain the nonpartisanship of the League as an organization and its tax-exempt status.