NOVA is calling on Bucks County residents to nominate the everyday heroes, compassionate youth, and courageous local businesses standing up for others for the 2026 Upstander Awards.
The annual awards program recognizes community members who take action when they witness bullying, abuse or injustice and whose actions help create a safer, more caring Bucks County. NOVA is seeking nominations through October 1, 2026 for individuals, youth, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated courage, kindness and a commitment to helping others.
The 2026 Upstander Awards will be held November 5, 2026 at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown.
The Upstander Awards aren’t just about celebrating heroes; they are a vital extension of NOVA’s violence prevention work, proving that one act of courage can inspire whole schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods to stand up for each other.
“NOVA’s Upstander Awards remind us that change often begins with one person making the decision to act,” said Alyssa Davis, NOVA’s Primary Prevention Coordinator, Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School. “By recognizing these everyday heroes, we hope to inspire others to step forward and support those around them.”
“Receiving the Upstander Award was a deeply humbling reminder of why we do this work every day – to stand alongside victims, give voice to those in need, and build a safer, more compassionate Bucks County,” stated Erika Flayer, recipient of the 2025 Adult Upstander Award.
To nominate an Upstander or learn more about the awards, visit NOVA’s Upstander Awards nomination page.
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