As part of our efforts to foster and celebrate grassroots leadership, Clean Water Action recognizes outstanding individuals who build community power to oppose pollution and advance sustainability.  We do this in the name of John O'Connor, "Johnny O," a local and national treasure in the environmental health movement. John was one of a kind -- he was a true trailblazer, founding the National Toxics Campaign in 1983. He helped lead efforts to pass the Superfund legislation, and was even a community organizer for a time with Clean Water Action.  He went on to become a noted author, writing two books on the environment, ''Getting the Lead Out'' and ''Who Owns the Sun?''

His unique spirit and his love of organizing and the canvassers who work to build community power one person at a time were among his defining features. That spirit was on display with one of his favorite and frequent quotes: "The fun is in the fight."

John was taken away from us too young, in 2001. But his legacy and spirit lives on at the community level in Massachusetts. We recognize the following community and canvass leaders who share John's determination, commitment and courage.

2011 Awardees 

Canvassing:  Cassondra Steenblok

Grassroots Leadership:  Citizens for Economic and Ecological Sustainability (CEES) of Falmouth, GreenCAPE, HealthLink, Kristi Marsh, Launa Zimmaro, Orleans Citizens' Peer Review Panel, Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE)

Past Awardees

Canvassing:  Kayla Gagnon, Jamie Rhodes, Michael Coates, Justin Thompson, John Wolf, Vanessa Green, Susan Carroll, Jessica Travis, Steve Turner

Grassroots Leadership:  Stop Spewing Carbon Campaign, Coalition for Social Justice, Kathy Moyes, Dorchester BOLD Teens, RATTS (Brockton), POWER (Avon), Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE), Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC), Lori Ehrlich (HealthLink), Dave Dionne