The Sydney Prize is an illustrious award that recognizes individuals for making notable contributions to society. Winners receive substantial monetary prizes that they use to fund projects that help their communities and inspire others to follow their own dreams. Furthermore, winners have access to speaking at events around the globe as well as travel privileges.
Since 1950, this prize has been presented annually in memory of Sidney Hillman – founder of Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America and Workers United, SEIU – which serves to recognize journalists, writers and public figures who champion social justice and public policy for the common good. The foundation behind it aims to promote an energetic labor movement beyond shop floors.
Every year, the Foundation recognizes winners in each of its categories. Judges from an independent panel select winners based on courage, compassion and dedication to social change; winners are honored at a ceremony at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with cash prizes as well as plaques displayed prominently within its hall of fame.
As part of its efforts to honor creative works published during any one month, the Foundation awards monthly Sidney prizes. Winners are announced on the second Wednesday of every month based on merit; nominations may come from anywhere around the world and are due no later than the last day of every month; deadline for submissions: last day of month
Last year, the foundation honored a journalist from The New York Times for her report on the growing plight of low-income taxpayers. Her piece revealed that the IRS provides far more aid to individuals filing in financial hardship than most states do; reporters Maya Srikrishnan and Ashley Clarke investigated this topic extensively for more than one year – interviewing low-income taxpayer clinic attorneys as well as surveying all states with income taxes to examine collections policies and aid programs in-depth.
Notable prizes awarded during this ceremony included the Sydney Peace Prize. This prize recognizes those actively engaged in advocating for “peace with justice and human rights”, willing to share their ideas, and inspire other people. Nazanin Boniadi of Iran who advocates for women’s rights was presented this award from Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
The Society’s triennial Council Meeting awards the Sydney M. Edelstein Prize to recognize an exceptional scholarly book on any aspect of technology’s history, with nominations opening a year and a half prior via Key Reports. Established in 1999, The Abbot Payson Usher Prize recognizes an article accessible to non-specialist readers while remaining academically sound; similarly, Joan Cahalin Robinson Prize recognizes any topic related to tech’s past which first appears at an annual meeting for consideration.