Presentation of the Organization of the Year Award

          Each year, the National Leadership Assembly honors that organization that achieved new levels of power. 

          The first award was given to our affiliate in Minnesota, the second to VOICE Buffalo, the third to MCU of St. Louis and the fourth to CBCO South Africa.  Although each year one organization seemed to emerge from the several successful organization, there were in some years a debate as to which organization, should be so honored.  This year there was no debate.

                    In selecting an organization to receive this award, we look for organizations that l) are building their base of power 2) are gaining recognition in the public arena, 3) are winning significant victories, and 4) are developing significant numbers of new leaders.

This year only one affiliate meets all of these criteria in full measuer:

MOSES of Michigan stands above all Gamaliel Affiliates in being selected for the “Organization of the Year Award”

          In this past year they built a stronger base in the city of Detroit and brought in a significant number of suburban congregations.   They organized a coalition of suburban mayors, union leaders, foundations and major corporations in the region.

          They not only expanded their base in the Detroit metro region but helped strengthen their sister organization in Saginaw, created a new organization in Kalamazoo and are in dialogue with key leaders from Battle Creek.

          MOSES has won significant victories around reducing crime, creating new housing, and improving recreational opportunities for young people.  They have also put regional transportation on the legislative and gubernatorial agenda.

          MOSES conducted a public meeting of over 5000 people.  In attendance were 15 mayors, county executives, four congress people, two U.S. Senators, and the new governor of the State of Michigan Jennifer Grandhom.  All of these public officials endorsed the issue agenda of MOSES.

          MOSES this year and every years sends large numbers of people to all National Training Programs conducted by the Gamaliel Foundation and trains hundreds of leaders locally.  The public meeting, organized by veteran leaders and new leaders, was itself testimony to the commitment of MOSES to develop the potential of its leaders.

          It is with the utmost pleasure and with shared pride that the leadership of Gamaliel and of this year’s NLA presents the organization of the year award to:

          MOSES of Michigan.