Chiles Advocate Award
To be a successful state, we must nurture successful children.
— Lawton Chiles
Thank You For Submitting Your 2026 Chiles Advocate Award Nominations!
The Chiles Advocate Award is named in honor of the former three-term U.S. Senator and two-term Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, and his influential First Lady, Rhea. This award is presented each year to a Floridian who has dedicated their time, energy, and resources as an advocate on behalf of young children, teens, and families and has inspired significant and positive changes at the state or national level.
Past recipients have been recognized for their legacy of work promoting policies and programs that enhance a child’s future, record service in a volunteer capacity, or a career dedicated to a related profession. Congratulations again to our 2026 Chiles Advocate Award recipient, Ted Granger of the Children’s Services Council of Leon County.
- Anyone can submit a nomination on your behalf. Self-nominations are also accepted
- Nominees must be well recognized, known for their leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to advocating public policies that improve the lives of Florida’s young children, teens, and their families across the state or nationwide
- Legislators or elected officials currently in office are not eligible for this award
- Chiles Advocate Award nominations remain active and will be carried forward for consideration for three years.
Nominations are reviewed by the Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Awards Committee, which is composed of former award recipients, community partners, and dedicated advocates. All nominations are pre-screened to ensure eligibility. If a nominee’s qualifications align better with a different category (Chiles, Impact, or Youth), the nominator will be contacted regarding any recommended changes. Advocate Award winners are notified at least two weeks prior to the Advocacy Dinner & Ceremony to make travel arrangements (if applicable).
2026 Lawton and Rhea Chiles Advocate Award Nominees
