Allies for Justice Awards

Headwaters Foundation is a catalyst for social, racial, economic and environmental justice -- supporting grassroots organizing that fosters just and sustainable communities. We do this through grantmaking, capacity building and partnering with a community of donors and nonprofit leaders working together as allies. Together, we are tipping the scales, creating a momentum that is unstoppable.

Allies for Justice Award recipients are chosen because they embody Headwaters' conviction that, together, we can create social and political conditions that guarantee justice for all. Each of this year's honorees has made a significant contribution to tipping the scales into balance in this arena.

2012 Allies for Justice Honorees

The Main Street Project is a grassroots cultural organizing, media justice and economic development initiative working with individuals, partner organizations and national networks to transform systems that perpetuate inequities. In its short history, Main Street Project has made progress in in developing a new sustainable agriculture system compatible with low-income immigrants, and in advocating for affordable Internet and communications access -- including radio by and for diverse community members.

OutFront Minnesota is the leading voice for LGBT equality in the state.  In its 25-year history, the organization has helped secure partner benefits for state employees, promoted recent changes in the "Respectful Learning Environment - Curriculum Policy," in the Anoka-Hennepin County School District, prevented a marriage amendment from getting on the ballot in the mid-2000s and is once again working to prevent the amendment from being incorporated into the state constitution. 

Ruth and David Waterbury have been long-time advocates for equality in Minnesota as volunteers with and supporters of a number of LGBT organizations locally and nationally.  They have been actively involved with the Headwaters Foundation for nearly two decades, contributing time and money to further the mission of the organization.  As community activists they have been leaders in Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, District 202, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, and the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce.