2012 PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL
The Presidential Citizens Medal is the 2nd highest civilian award given by the government.
Founder and Executive Director Mike Dorman was one of 18 people selected, out of 6,000 nominations. He was presented the Medal by then, President Obama at a White House ceremony on February 15, 2013.
The President stated, “We host a lot of events at the White House, but I have to admit this is one of my favorites because it’s a moment when, as a people, we get to recognize some extraordinary men and women who have gone above and beyond for their country and for their fellow citizens, often without fanfare, often with not a lot of attention, very rarely for any profit.”
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The Presidential Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.
President Obama is recognizing Americans whose work has had a significant impact on their communities but may not have garnered national attention.
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The President called on members of the public to nominate people in their lives who have performed exemplary deeds of service outside of their regular jobs, including individuals:​​​
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Who have a demonstrated commitment to service in their own community or in communities farther from home. Someone who has engaged in activities that have had an impact in their local community, on a community or communities elsewhere in the United States, or on fellow citizens living or stationed around the world.
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Who have helped their country or their fellow citizens through one or more extraordinary acts. Individuals who have demonstrated notable skill and grace, selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way, taken unusual risks or steps to protect others, made extraordinary efforts to further a national goal, or otherwise conducted themselves admirably when faced with unusually challenging circumstances.
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Whose service relates to a long-term or persistent problem. Individuals who have made efforts to combat stubbornly persistent problems that impact entire communities; for example, those who have taken innovative steps to address hunger, homelessness, the dropout crisis, lack of access to health care, and other issues that plague too many Americans.
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Whose service has had a sustained impact on others’ lives and provided inspiration for others to serve. The ideal nominee for a Citizens Medal is a person whose work has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others
​More about the ceremony:
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The 2012 recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal recipients
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Pre-ceremony interview of Michael Dorman, MMIA Executive Director
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The 2012 White House ceremony (Mike Dorman @ 12:01 of video)
