Nominations for the 2026 cohort are now CLOSED.

Do you know an emerging leader or student leader who’s 40 and younger and committed to giving back and making a meaningful impact? Nominate them to be considered for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fundraising Challenge.

Each year, potential leaders are nominated by members of the community and interviewed to determine their level of interest and commitment. Only 10 individual finalists and student leaders are selected to participate in the fundraising challenge.

Nomination Eligibility & Selection Criteria- Adopted 1/21/26

The Emerging Leaders program exists to recognize, encourage, and invest in individuals who are shaping our community through leadership, service, and a commitment to positive change. We believe leadership is not defined by perfection, but by growth—by learning from past mistakes and using lived experience as a launching pad for personal development and community
betterment.

Each year, the Emerging Leaders program receives more than 80 nominations of exceptional individuals from across business, nonprofit, education, civic, and volunteer sectors. Because of the strength and volume of nominees, the selection process is competitive and guided by clear
values, safety considerations, and demonstrated community impact.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for nomination, candidates must:

  • Be 40 years of age or younger
  • Live, work, or attend school in Jackson or Josephine County
  • Student nominees must be enrolled full-time in one of the following:
    • Middle school
    • High school
    • College or university
    • Technical or trade school
  • Be willing and able to actively participate in the Emerging Leaders cohort if selected, including attending required sessions and engaging in cohort activities

Emerging Leaders welcomes nominations of both youth and adults who are actively contributing to their community and demonstrating leadership potential through service, involvement, and positive influence.

Selection Considerations

Nominees are reviewed through a thoughtful and intentional process that takes into account:

  • Leadership demonstrated through initiative, responsibility, and positive influence
  • Community involvement through service, volunteerism, civic engagement, or advocacy
  • Character reflected in integrity, accountability, respect for others, and ethical decision-making
  • Personal growth, including the ability to learn from challenges and use experience to strengthen the community
  • The ability to inspire and uplift others
  • Willingness to engage, collaborate, and fully participate in the cohort experience

Support of the benefiting charity prior to nomination does not give priority for selection. While generosity and philanthropy are valued, leadership impact, character, community involvement, and commitment to participation are the primary considerations.

Emerging Leaders is not affiliated with The Salvation Army, and contributions to The Salvation Army or any other benefiting organization do not influence eligibility or selection over other charity involvement.

Selection Process

Anyone may nominate an individual for consideration. Nominations may be submitted through the Emerging Leaders website, in writing, or by email. Nominations must include sufficient contact information to allow the committee to reach the nominee. If information is incomplete, the Nomination Committee will make reasonable efforts to research and contact the candidate.

Once a nomination is received, the nominee will be contacted by a member of the Nomination Committee to participate in an interview. The interview provides an opportunity to confirm eligibility, learn more about the nominee’s leadership journey, character, and community involvement, and discuss expectations of cohort participation if selected.

Following the interview, information gathered is submitted to the full Nomination Committee for review. Final selection decisions are made by the Nomination Committee, which is comprised of past recipients of the Emerging Leader award and a representative of the benefiting charity. This structure ensures selections are informed by lived experience, community insight, and alignment with program values.

Eligibility Guidelines & Program Safeguards

Because youth leaders are an integral part of the Emerging Leaders cohort, the Nomination Committee has a responsibility to protect participants and uphold the integrity of the program.

The following guidelines apply:

  • Candidates with convictions involving crimes against a person, crimes against a child, or violent crimes are not eligible for participation.
    • Under extenuating circumstances, candidates may submit a written appeal following their initial interview.
    • The Nomination Committee will review the appeal, request additional information if needed, and make a final determination.
  • Candidates with drug- or alcohol-related offenses must demonstrate sustained recovery, including a minimum of two consecutive years of sobriety, in order to be considered.

These safeguards exist to balance compassion with responsibility—honoring second chances while ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants.

Appeal Process

The Emerging Leaders program recognizes that a person’s record does not always reflect who they are today. Leadership is often shaped through accountability, perseverance, and personal transformation.

Candidates who wish to appeal an eligibility determination must submit a written appeal letter that includes:

  • Any extenuating circumstances related to past charges
  • Why they desire to be an Emerging Leader
  • What being an Emerging Leader means to them and how they hope to contribute to the community

Once an appeal is received:

  • The Nomination Committee will conduct a diligent review
  • Additional information may be requested if needed
  • A decision will be made at the committee’s earliest ability following careful consideration.

A favorable appeal does not guarantee selection. It restores eligibility for consideration within a highly competitive process that includes many outstanding nominees.

Commitment to Transparency

We value feedback from our community and recognize the importance of clarity and transparency in the nomination and selection process. The Emerging Leaders Committee is committed to clearly communicating eligibility requirements, review processes, and expectations so nominees and nominators understand how decisions are made.

Emerging Leaders is rooted in the belief that leadership is revealed not only by achievement, but by character, growth, service to others, and a willingness to show up and engage. We are honored to steward a program that uplifts leaders who are building a stronger, more compassionate
community.