Rachel was a member of our church, a teacher, and an activist who lived in Canton from 1977 until her death in 1990. She was involved in a variety of community groups, including the La Leche League, Friends of Choice, the Preschool Playgroup, the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church, Work on Waste (an anti-incinerator, pro-recycling group), and a support group for women with cancer. In most of these she took a leadership role.

Rachel believed grassroots movements were an effective means of achieving change. She challenged the lack of responsiveness of elected officials on issues important to her community, and she was a strong advocate for causes affecting the welfare of women, families, and the environment. She had a gift for organizing diverse groups and a talent for gaining the respect of supporters and opponents alike.

The Rachel Somers Grant Social Action Award honors people who work, as Rachel did, to make ours a more humane and progressive community, including:

•    promoting local grassroots efforts as a means of achieving social change
•    advocacy on behalf of social justice, especially for those who are marginalized in some way
•    active involvement in a variety of local groups working for a better community
•    leadership in promoting social justice and change
•    history of organizing, involving, and supporting community members in pursuit of social justice

Past recipients of the award include:

Rick Tomlinson
Luke Daley
Sue Cypert
Robin McClellan
Max Coots
Clover Forsythe
Anne Monck
Diane Exoo
Lisa Bero & Kathy Medina
Ellen Connett
Natalie Smith
Ann Heidenreich
Phil Harnden
Bryan Thompson
Carlton Doane
Paul Saint-Armand
Ruth Beebe
Carol Neubert
Anne Marsh & Wade Wheelock
Peter Van de Water

Nominations for the Rachel Somers Grant Award

Social Action Committee
Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton
3 ½ East Main Street
Canton NY 13617