Staff Spotlight: Reflecting on Equity for Womens History Month
Main Street America Program Officer encourages communities to advance equity for women to grow a more inclusive Movement.
Join us May 6 – 8 in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference!
RegisterMarion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.
Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street
Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.
Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America
Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!
Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo
Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.
Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
The success of a Main Street program depends upon the vision and determination of local leaders committed to community-led transformation. To celebrate these extraordinary individuals and to recognize the outstanding leadership of Main Street America’s founder, Main Street America recognizes exceptional leaders with the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award.
Who will you nominate to be celebrated with this distinguished honor?
Keep reading for more information and make sure to tell us about your community's exceptional leader by January 22, 2024.
Eligibility: The nominee must be a current employee or volunteer with a Main Street America Local Program or Coordinating Program and have served in this capacity for at least three years. The nominee’s organization must have an active Main Street America membership.
Nomination Process: Individuals can nominate others or themselves. Applicants will be asked to provide letters of support and to describe how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, such as building local capacity, centering equity, bringing together diverse stakeholders through shared vision, and exhibiting innovation and ingenuity. Find full qualifying leadership qualities here >
Application: Nominators must submit a completed application through the online portal by Monday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. CST. A preview of the application is available on our website. Access application resources here >
Selection: Awardees are selected from a nationwide pool of applications by a jury of past recipients, Main Street America staff, external partners.
Recognition: The recipient of the award will be recognized at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. They will also receive a $1500 professional development stipend, an invitation to the Founders Reception at the conference, a special feature on the Main Street America blog, and media relations support.
Don't miss the chance to nominate your community's exceptional leader for this top honor: Submit your application by Monday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. CST!
Learn more and nominate now! >
Questions? Contact Steve Amraen at 312.610.5609 or samraen@mainstreet.org.
The 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award is generously sponsored by Regions Bank.