The time has come to cast your vote for the Make It Your Own Awards^TM Final Four -- and it's a vote you should take time to consider. After all, the four finalists selected by you -- the voting public -- will each receive $25,000 to help make their dreams a reality. So, please take a moment to review the following characteristics that we believe lead to a successful citizen-centered project to ensure that YOUR vote is fair and informed.

• Does the project include a wide cross-section of the community and community institutions, including people with different backgrounds and opinions?
• Does the project create an environment where people feel empowered to take action and not just be consumers of services?
• Is the community described in the project committed to creating a shared vision and developing solutions together?
• Does the project seem focused on bringing about long-term change, rather than just accomplishing short-term goals or projects?
• Does the project start with meaningful conversations that will lead to action?
• Is there an element of creativity or innovation that will lead to greater community involvement or never before seen success?