Having in the past been critical about the longterm results of various types of national awards for which municipalities or municipal officials might be eligible, we accept the challenge of saluting a newly established award which is right up our alley. We have in hand the announcement of the Marshall Field Awards, which, this year will make their debut. This award has unique attributes. First, there is no definite number of awards to be given but a promise of the committee, which by the way, is made up of outstanding Americans, that at least six will be made. Secondly, the awards will not be given to individuals, organizations or communities which have the biggest or best program in terms of dollars or people. Rather, the emphasis will be on things that need to be done and particularly, something that can be adapted for use by other communities.

At this point we ought to state clearly that the purpose of the award is to recognize and reward fundamental and imaginative contributions to the well-being of children. Quoting Marshall Field in whose name the awards are given, the Committee says, "The destiny of the free world lies in the minds, bodies and hearts of our children." Selection, incidentally, brings with it a scroll, a statuette and $2,000. The Committee recognizes that significant contributions to the welfare of children are often evolutionary in character and may cover a period of more than one year. Eligibility therefore will not be restricted to work begun and completed during a single year. Contributions of both lay and professional workers are eligible. "To the extent feasible," the Committee says, "awards will honor work beyond the usual demands of duty." The areas of eligibility cover education, physical and mental development, social welfare, and communication. The first awards will be made in December of 1956 and nominations shall be presented by October 1. For nomination blanks and further information address Marshall Field Awards, Inc., 598 Madison Avenue, New York 22, N. Y.

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*AMA Municipal News