Anna Garlin Spencer Awards

The American Ethical Union (AEU) Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award recognizes a lay member of any AEU Member Organization in good standing for their significant volunteer contributions to the success of their organization and/or to the AEU. The AEU Board presents the award on behalf of the AEU and the nominating congregation.

St. Louis member awardees

2022 Cathy and Bob Pickard
2020 David Brown
2019 Kent and Jo-Ellen Forrest
2018 Steve Harris
2017 Carol Bartell (Andy Stanton NoVES)
2016 Matthew Hile
2015 Alan Easton
2014 Alan Ranford
2013 (Mary Ellen Stanton NoVES)
2012 Dean and Juliette Smith
2011 Julia Lamborn

The American Ethical Union (AEU) and its Member Organizations function in large part on the volunteer time and monetary commitment of their members. Many times, members work “behind the scenes” on programs and events, often providing supplies and materials at their own expense. These members have ideas and proposals that not only make their congregation a success, but which could also benefit other Societies or AEU programs.

Born in 1851, Anna Garlin Spencer was a social activist and feminist icon. She was the first woman ordained in Rhode Island, became a founder of the NAACP, promoted child labor laws, and worked for equal rights for women. She was also the first woman Ethical Culture leader and her life-long work embodies the spirit intended by this award.