Five RI civic leaders receive the 2016 National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award

PROVIDENCE, RI – Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea recognized two individuals and
three institutions with the 2016 NASS Medallion Award at a ceremony held this
afternoon at the State House.
State Senator Harold M. Metts of Providence; Ani Haroian of Providence;
DominicanosUSA; Generation Citizen; and the Rhode Island Association of Chinese
Americans all received the NASS Medallion Award from Secretary Gorbea.
«Rhode Island is fortunate to have such a diverse group of community leaders,»
Secretary Gorbea said. «Leaders who inspire Rhode Islanders from all walks of life
into taking a more active role in their community.»

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva-Weed and Speaker of the House Nicholas
Mattiello also addressed the gathering and praised the honorees.
President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed said, «The Senate extends its sincere
congratulations to all of today’s NASS Medallion Award recipients. These
organizations and individuals, including Senator Harold Metts, truly exemplify
outstanding civic leadership, from the classroom to the community. We are grateful
for their dedication and service.»

Senator Metts was recognized for his leadership in civil rights and civic education;

Ani Haroian was recognized for her efforts as a leading national advocate for
Armenian American issues and for dedicating more than three decades of her life to
promoting civic participation across Rhode Island.

Dominicanos USA was recognized for its work to register thousands of Latinos and for their part in helping to push for
legislation that made Online Voter Registration law in Rhode Island.

Generation Citizen was recognized for their work to ensure that all students receive an
effective action civics education.

The Rhode Island Association of Chinese Americans were recognized for their role in increasing civic participation among
Chinese Americans and other Americans of Asian descent across the state of Rhode
Island.

«Today’s honorees remind us that civic participation is critical to our success as a
state,» Secretary Gorbea added. «As leaders we must create the opportunities for all
Rhode Islanders to be a part of the conversations that affect them.»
The NASS Medallion award was created by the National Association of Secretaries of
State to recognize outstanding public service and civic engagement. Secretaries of
State are given the opportunity to award up to five NASS Medallions each year to
individuals and organizations who have demonstrated remarkable civic leadership in
their state. Founded in 1904, the National Association of Secretaries of State
(NASS) is the oldest nonpartisan, professional association of public officials in
the United States.