Credit: Submitted
Bucks County’s victim services agency is seeking nominations for its annual awards program recognizing local residents, youth, and businesses who take action against injustice.
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The Network of Victim Assistance, known as NOVA, announced it is accepting nominations through Oct. 1 for the 2026 Upstander Awards.
The program honors community members who intervene when witnessing bullying, abuse, or other harmful behavior to foster a safer environment throughout the county.
The 2026 Upstander Awards ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown.
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According to the organization, the awards serve as an extension of its broader violence prevention efforts, highlighting how individual actions can encourage larger groups across workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods to protect one another.
“NOVA’s Upstander Awards remind us that change often begins with one person making the decision to act,” said Alyssa Davis, primary prevention coordinator for pre-K, elementary, and middle school at NOVA. “By recognizing these everyday heroes, we hope to inspire others to step forward and support those around them.”
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The organization has several categories for upstanders: Adult Upstander of the Year, Youth Upstander of the Year, School Spirit Upstander Award, Workplace Upstander Award, Group Upstander Award, and First Responder Upstander Award.
Erika Flayer, who received the 2025 Adult Upstander Award, said the recognition showcased the ongoing mission of community advocacy.
“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,” Flayer said.
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Community members can submit nominations or find additional details by visiting NOVA’s Upstander Awards nomination page online.
