SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire (MCCE) has opened nominations for the 2025 Peacebuilder Awards in many categories.

The Peacebuilder Awards honor individuals who have driven change in Chatham County. Candidates fitting this description can be nominated. Nominations are open until September 8 at midnight in the following categories:

• Emerging Youth Peacebuilder: A rising peacebuilder age 11 to 14.
• Youth Peacebuilder: A youth peace agent age 15 to 18 who helps mediate conflict among his/her peers.
• Community Peacebuilder: A local advocate for change in Savannah’s neighborhoods.
• Elected Official Peacebuilder: A government official who supports entities and agencies coming together and works for systemic enhancements for all.
• Faith Leader Peacebuilder: A leader who supports spiritual growth and bridges understanding among Savannah’s faith communities
• First Responder Peacebuilder: A police officer, firefighter, paramedic, EMT or 911 dispatcher who brings peace to the community and their fellow first responders and builds a trusted relationship between citizens and first responders
• Legend Peacebuilder: An individual who has historically built bridges in the community to minimize conflict and supports progressive movement.

The awards will be presented at the fourth annual Peace in the Park event in Daffin Park on September 28. This free event provides a chance for the community to gather, counter violence, support peace, and enhance conflict resilience.

“Peacebuilders are the unsung heroes of our community,” stated Jill Cardenas, executive director of MCCE. “By recognizing those who effectively resolve conflict and foster peace in Chatham County, we aim to inspire more citizens to actively engage in making lasting change and preventing violence in our community.”