Non-Profit Awards $40,000 to Activists Advancing Liberty

Fighting big government is hard work, why not get paid for it?

CHICAGO, IL—Saturday, September 27, marks the 286th birthday of American Revolutionary Samuel Adams, who led the protest against the Stamp Act and organized the Boston Tea Party. In anticipation of his birthday, the Sam Adams Alliance, a Chicago non-profit organization, proudly announces the 2nd annual Sammies, a contest recognizing bloggers, filmmakers, open records champions, and other government watchdogs committed to advancing individual and economic liberty.

The Sam Adams Alliance will award more than $40,000—divided among nine different categories—to exceptional activists who live by Adams’ notion that, “all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought.”

“We are searching the country for passionate individuals who are fighting the perpetual waste, malfeasance, and secrecy coming from our elected officials,” said John Tsarpalas, vice president of the Sam Adams Alliance. “We are looking for a modern-day Sam Adams.”

With prizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the Sammies seek to inspire more people to stand up for good government practices in their communities. Winners will be flown to Chicago to be showcased at a red carpet event in April of 2009, where they will be awarded—along with cash prizes—a smashingly handsome golden Sammy.

“It’s absolutely marvelous that a contest like this exists—a contest dedicated to defending liberty and honoring average citizens who are fighting for a more transparent and accountable government,” said Dan Regenold of We Demand a Vote Coalition!, winner of last year’s Modern-Day Sam Adams award.

All submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2009. For additional information and contest details, please visit www.samadamsalliance.org.

The Sammies is a program of the Sam Adams Alliance, a national non-profit organization that inspires and trains allies to advance economic and individual liberty through a strategic combination of new media tools, traditional communications, and networking.