We're honored to announce that Type Media Center has chosen HeadCount as the 2023 recipient of the Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship! Sponsored by The Puffin Foundation and Type Media Center, the award is given annually to "an individual or organization who has challenged the status quo through distinctive, courageous, imaginative, and socially responsible work of significance."
“Type is thrilled to join The Puffin Foundation in honoring HeadCount with the Puffin Prize for Creative Citizenship in this critical election year for our democracy,” said Taya McCormick-Grobow, Executive Director and CEO of Type Media Center. “Their efforts are so needed to seed a future that is more equitable and just for all.”
The Puffin Prize awards $100,000 to its recipient, with the intention of encouraging them to continue their work and to inspire others to challenge the prevailing orthodoxies they face in their careers. The prize was first established in 2001 and has since been awarded to distinguished recipients including Bryan Stevenson, Tony Kushner, Colin Kaepernick, and the National Network for Abortion Funds.
“At HeadCount we keep our pulse on youth culture, and we bring some of the biggest names in music and entertainment to the table to inspire generational change,” said Lucille Wenegieme, Executive Director of HeadCount. “After 20 years we are still innovating and collaborating with our partners in New York and nationally to engage young people in the civic process. In a time of divisiveness and apathy we strive to engage young people in authentic and joyful pathways to civic participation that last a lifetime. We are truly honored to receive such a prestigious award and look forward to the countless music fans we’ll turn into voters because of this opportunity.”
“The Puffin Prize recognizes those who approach the fight for social justice not just with tenacity, but with creativity,” said Neal Rosenstein, President of The Puffin Foundation. “Through their work with musicians, artists, and other creatives, HeadCount has trained and motivated thousands of volunteers to directly engage more than a million youth in the election process and to educate millions more. In these challenging times, as levels of inequity, conflict, and intolerance continue to rise. HeadCount’s work with young people gives us hope that a brighter future is possible.”
Type Media Center and The Puffin Foundation will present the award to Lucille at Type’s Annual Celebration on May 8. The celebration will be held at the Museum of the City of New York and will be preceded by a working session with representatives of HeadCount, NYPIRG, the Andrew Goodman Foundation and many of the leading non-partisan organizations working on student and youth electoral empowerment in NYS.
Read more about the award and our recognition at Type Media Center's announcement.