Friend,

Young people across the country are fighting back against Christian Nationalism and for a more inclusive future, and we want to recognize their important work.

We invite you to nominate a young leader or youth-led group for the 2026 David Norr Youth Activist Award by January 26. The winner will receive $1,000 and be recognized at the 2026 Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF). 

Named in honor of the late David Norr, a staunch advocate and supporter of Americans United for over 25 years, this award goes to an individual or group who goes above and beyond to advocate for the separation of church and state. 

The winner of the David Norr Youth Activist Award will receive a paid trip to attend the Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF) in the Washington, D.C., area next April, where they will receive their award live on stage. Click here to read all the details about the award.

Nominees could be grassroots activists, student leaders, plaintiffs, elected officials, storytellers, or another young person (or group of young people) who have demonstrated leadership and courage in taking action to protect and advance church-state separation in their community.

Our most recent award recipient was Tatiana Chance, who co-leads the Pasque Project, a community-based initiative in South Dakota focused on understanding the needs of people facing barriers to access reproductive health care, including youth (especially Native youth), immigrants, and rural communities. She led a multi-year project in collaboration with South Dakota Faith in Public Life to document congregations’ beliefs on reproductive and religious freedom; educate communities about Christian Nationalism; and challenge religion-based abortion stigma through art and activism. 

Thank you for helping us find the next recipient of the David Norr Youth Activist Award! 

Sincerely,

Alicia Johnson
National Organizer and Student Network Manager