IOD Named Community Organization of The Year

The IOD's New Hampshire Leadership Series was recently honored by the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Community Leadership Celebration as the 2007 Community Organization of the Year.

In order to be eligible for this award, the organization being nominated must have collaborated with UNH to foster leadership and improve civic life in New Hampshire's Seacoast Region. Examples of such collaboration could include activities like student internships, Cooperative Extension volunteer work, research collaborations, and professional development partnerships.

"The NH Leadership Series has had over 650 graduates who have returned to their communities to work toward creating better futures for their children, for themselves, and for those that cannot do it alone," read the nomination. "The IOD and its Leadership graduates have created programs for training parents about their children's rights to an education, transportation availability and accessibility, and inclusion in the classroom (and beyond), to name a few."

Though the official awards presentation took place on the evening of April 12, 2007, the IOD was recognized two evenings later at the 2007 NH Leadership Series graduation. "It was a great honor to receive the award that night," said Beth Dixon, director of the NH Leadership Series, "and it really helped our graduates see their connection to the University."

For more information on the NH Leadership Series, visit www.nhleadership.org.