The Change Makers Medal of Honour – a limited award for recognising people who are deeply dedicated to bettering the welfare of animals – a great honour for Anja Beran!
In 2009, the idea of the Change Makers Medal of Honour was born from the concept of recognising people who are deeply dedicated to bettering the welfare of animals who go unrecognised and under-appreciated for their body of work.
The Changer Makers Foundation was formulated, the board of directors selected, and the criteria for nominations were completed in 2014 and the medals designed and minted in 2015.
Both, the board of directors and the nominee selection process, are private to protect the award system from the pressures of corporate influence and public opinion, which are not in alignment with the mission and core principles of being a Change Maker. Medals are only awarded by unanimous decision by the board of directors. Only 100 medals have been minted.
The criteria for selection are written on one side: compassion, excellence, commitment, philanthropy, courage, and resilience. These core principles are embedded in the work of each person over the arc of their life’s work. The face of the medal captures that the medal signifies reinforcement by the act of giving the medal, “R+” symbol is the scientific symbol for reinforcement and shaping the future of those around them. The back of the medal embraces a golden dandelion plant going to seed. Dandelions are one of the most prolific and ever present plants in the world. They are found on six of the seven world continents and have been a part of human activity even in the prehistoric era. Dandelions and their seeds are sees as a symbol of persistent resilience as they grow in some of the harshest environments. The seeds often take root, thrive, and grow where many other plants cannot.
To date, worldwide, only 5 medals have been awarded.
Anja is being awarded the Change Makers Medal of Honour. The medal symbolises: compassion, excellence, commitment, philanthropy, courage, and resilience.
She is the 6th person in the world to receive one and the medal is only given to people who dedicate their lives to animal welfare at great personal cost and solely with that animal’s welfare at the core of their work, compassion and passion.
I am honoured to present and recognise a body of work for the board of directors who want to say Thank You for all that you are doing.
Lisa Clifton Bumpass – The Change Makers Foundation
