ProgressOhio's First Annual Progressive Hero Awards

Senator Sherrod Brown accepts the Progressohio first annual Progressive Hero Award

Last night, ProgressOhio hosted our first annual Progressive Hero Award event. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown was the award recipient and special guest at a reception and private dinner in Columbus, Ohio.

An award was also given in the name of Barbara Klass Sokol, a dedicated progressive activist from Columbus who passed away in September 2011. Rick Incorvati of Springfield, Ohio was the winner of the first annua Barbara Klass Sokol Progressive Activist award.

Rick Incorvati of Springfield, Ohio accepts
the first annual Barbara Klass Sokol Progressive Activist award.

You're Invited To A Special Evening With ProgressOhio

On Saturday, November 19, 2011 ProgressOhio Education will be hosting its first Progressive Hero Award event. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown will be the award recipient and special guest at a reception and private dinner in Columbus, Ohio. An award will also be given in the name of Barbara Klass Sokol, a dedicated progressive activist who passed away in September 2011.

http:progressohio.pnstate.org/progressivehero

Since 2006 ProgressOhio has worked to facilitate communication and education projects on progressive issues that affect all Ohioans. Because of this work, powered by you, we have built the reputation as a Progressive Leader and voice in Ohio. Whether the issue is guns in bars, antibiotics in our food system or voter rights, our efforts have greater impact because of the actions taken by our members. Please take action today and buy your tickets for our Progressive Hero Event  on Saturday, November, 19, 2011. 

We're also seeking your nominations for the Barbara Klass Sokol Activist Award. Barbara will be remembered for her high level of energy, humanitarianism and love of the arts and concern for the environment.  She also cared deeply about good government and spent a great deal of time and effort working to get good people elected at the state and local level. She invested many hours, days, weeks and months raising money for the people and issues she believed in. She was a champion for a fair and just society for all - no matter their race, religion or sexual orientation. If you know someone who has a similar drive and devotion to a progressive cause, please nominate them for ProgressOhio's first Barbara Klass Sokol Activist Award.
Thank you for all your support over the years - we are truly humbled by it. Your participation in our Progressive Hero Event will help support our work in the coming months. 

Sincerely,

Brian Rothenberg 

Please feel free to contact Joyce at 614-445-9145 or joyce@progressohio.org, if you have any questions or to discuss being a sponsor.

PS - If you are not able to attend but would live to make a contribution to support the work of ProgressOhio Education please do so here.

ProgressOhio Education Voted #1 in National Non-Profit Contest

Up for $50,000 Grant, Joins Other Ohio Groups in Winning Pepsi Contest

Columbus, OH - ProgressOhio Education finished as the top vote recipient in its category during the November round of the Pepsi Refresh Project grant contest. Pending final review, the organization will receive a $50,000 grant to encourage the responsible usage of antibiotics in farm animals. Over 70% of all antibiotics sold in the United States are given to farm animals, most of which aren't sick to begin with. This overuse of antibiotics encourages the growth of dangerous, drug-resistant strains of bacterias like e coli, salmonella and MRSA.

"Even though it potentially impacts the health of everyone in the nation, rampant overuse of antibiotics is a critically overlooked issue. We're proud of our members and others who were inspired to vote each day to support ProgressOhio and our project," said Brian Rothenberg, the group's executive director.
Each month, approximately 1,100 individuals and non-profits across the country compete to win $1,300,000 in grants. Voting is open to the general public, who can cast daily ballots in support of their favorite projects. The top finishers in each category are then further screened to ensure they're eligibility. 

ProgressOhio Education and three other Ohio entrants (Elementz Youth Center, Fulton County Humane Society and Buss Fitness) are up for a combined $105,000 in grants. The official announcement will take place on December 23^rd. 

Ohio is currently tied for third as the state that has received the most grants so far in the contest. Previous winners from Ohio include Policy Matters Ohio and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. The Ohio Historical Society is competing for $50,000 in this month's competition.