Nominate an Emerging Leader or River Hero
All too frequently, the individuals and groups working toward healthy, resilient rivers; safe, affordable drinking water; and climate-resilient communities aren’t celebrated in the moment. The essential work, whether a marathon or a sprint, is often overshadowed by the long road ahead. River Network’s awards, presented at River Rally, are designed to recognize that there is great progress happening by champions across the network, and it deserves our appreciation and celebration.
We are now accepting nominations for the 2026 Emerging Leader Award and individual and organizational River Hero Awards.
Nominations will be accepted through February 25.
Learn more about River Network’s awards and past awardees.
Nomination Guidance and Form
Nominations for both awards include detailed guidance, including an overview of all questions asked in the form. Please review the guidance document before completing the nomination form.
You are welcome to nominate yourself! Anyone completing the nomination form, for themselves or another, must be a River Network member – don’t worry, it’s free and easy to sign up!
Nominating an Emerging Leader
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a young professional, either under 35 or with less than 10 years’ professional experience in the water space, who brings people together and seeks to expand our collective understanding of the value and social context of water in their communities. We strive to recognize those who have not already been recognized on a national scale.
The Emerging Leader receives a $1,500 honorarium from River Network and a full scholarship to attend River Rally. The awardee works with a designated team at River Network to develop a scope of work that will inspire change and build capacity within their community. This work often includes but is not limited to blogs, online workshops (independent or co-facilitated), social media engagement, and workshops or presentations at River Rally.
Nominating a River Hero
The River Hero Award recognizes individuals and teams working in the water, justice, or advocacy space. Awardees vary in their professions, backgrounds, regions, career lengths, and scopes of work. Given that the River Hero Award was created to celebrate work that often goes uncelebrated, we strive to recognize those who have not already been recognized on a national scale.
River Hero awardees receive a scholarship to cover the cost of River Rally registration, as well as travel and lodging support as needed.
Questions about awards? Contact us.
