It was an idea hatched on a train journey a few months ago whilst travelling with colleagues to an EMLD executive meeting. At our Annual General Meeting last month the hosting of the “EMLD Achievement Awards” as a way of recognising and rewarding those who have fought for and championed race equality in the UK received the approval and endorsement of our members.

There is currently a Federal Party award, the “Dadabhai Naraoji Award”, given to the local party that is the most successful in its outreach to the BAME communities but it was felt that EMLD as an organisation would also like to reward individuals who have delivered on our vision and objectives.

The event will also provide an opportunity to publicise the work of the party and EMLD to the wider public as there will be one category that will be exclusively open to non party members.

The Awards will fall into 6 particular categories, for:

1. Parliamentarians
2. Councillors / Assembly Members
3. Liberal Democrat Activists
4. Community Champions (non Party member)
5. Young Persons (ages 18-25)
6. Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominations will be open for named nominees with supporting evidence of their meeting at least three of the following criteria:

1. shown outstanding levels of commitment to the race equality agenda
2. evidence of work which has improved race equality
3. made a positive impact on those they work with or on the community at large
4. shown novel, creative or innovative approach to the promotion of race equality
5. is an inspiration or role model to others

To ensure impartiality and transparency of the process the judging panel will comprise:

• Director of Operation Black Vote
• Vice-President of EMLD
• Editor of Lib Dem Voice
• Editor of a major Asian paper
• Editor of a major Afro-Caribbean magazine

Nominations are now open and may be made online or by email to [email protected] with reasons and supporting evidence for the nomination. Nominations will close on 18 January and the shortlist publicised on 1 February 2014. The results will be announced at a ticketed gala evening to be held at the National Liberal Club on Friday 14 March so be sure to put the date in your diaries! So please take the time over the holiday period to think of people you would like to recognise and reward and share this with us?

* Merlene was co-founder of Chinese Liberal Democrats and on the executive of the LibDems Overseas. She co-edited “Rise of China – Fresh Insights and Observations” published by the Paddy Ashdown Forum (2021)