Citizen Award

The civic foundation zivita awards the Civic Prize every two years to outstanding voluntary commitment in the Görlitz district and Upper Lusatia. Private individuals, interest groups, non-profit associations, as well as public institutions can be both nominees and proposers. The aim of the award is to highlight and honor exemplary engagement that promotes social cohesion and strengthens the common good. During a festive award ceremony, three bronze statuettes, specially designed by the Polish artist Marek Stankiewicz, are presented. The next award ceremony will take place in 2027, and nominations can be submitted year-round.

For a successful nomination, the voluntary work must be carried out without commercial interests and meet at least one of the selection criteria: fresh ideas, role model character, social relevance, sustainability, broad reach, or “volunteering behind the scenes.” From the submitted proposals, the foundation board selects up to three awardees; up to 25 additional nominees receive a certificate. Applications require a one- to three-page justification, complete addresses of nominators and nominees, as well as a contact option (email or phone number). The deadline for the next submission is March 15, 2027. The award aims to strengthen voluntary commitment, increase its impact, and sustainably promote voluntary work in the region.