Community in Motion

Problem-solvers, innovators, collaborators, activists, volunteers... what do they all have in common? They embody positive impact and change. They are rooted in communities and
push forward to ensure that we all not only survive but thrive.

This year, the YMCA brings you Celebrating Community Changemakers (formerly known as the A.K. Guy Awards Event), where we gather to recognize the people who convene the conversations and champion the change needed to create communities we all want to live in.

Registration is now closed.

We are so excited to see everyone who will be joining us at this year's event. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation today.

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2023 Award Honorees & Keynote Speaker

Effective volunteers take ownership and make remarkable things happen. The very best are capable of reshaping the ways we see and engage in the world around us.

A.K. Guy Award Honoree Maggie Walker has devoted 50 years to making this region as accessible, livable, and sustainable as it can be. From protecting the environment and enhancing education to redefining our cityscape culturally, economically, and physically in chairing Friends of the Waterfront, Maggie continues to leave her indelible and unmistakable marks wherever our region needs her most.

Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award Honoree Megan Rapinoe is a world champion athlete and world-changing advocate for human rights. Beyond her World Cups and Olympic Gold, Megan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, for her tireless, impassioned advocacy for gender pay equality, racial justice, and LGBTQIAA+ rights.

Keynote Speaker Tod Leiweke is President and CEO of the National Hockey League’s startup Seattle Kraken. Like our awardees, Tod’s career has produced wins at every level, but also community pride, belonging, and opportunity everywhere he has gone. Tod served on our Board of Directors and shares our passion for realizing potential in everyone and our commitment to healthy spirits, minds, and bodies.

About the Awards

Awards in two categories will be given in recognition of exceptional volunteerism and activism. Each award speaks to lasting impact, addressing urgent issues, and enriching our neighbors’ lives today and tomorrow.

Volunteer Service Award

The A.K. Guy Award is presented to individuals, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of the late Albert K. Guy through their outstanding volunteer service and dedication to social responsibility and equity and justice for all.

Social Justice Award

The Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award is presented to an individual, couples, families, or groups who exemplify the ideals of Seattle civil-rights pioneers Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson through their advancement of equity and social justice in one or more of the following areas: community development, children and youth, education, health, environment, legal, economic development, and/or government.

Award History

The Y has been listening and responding to our region’s most critical social needs for more than 147 years. In 1983, the Y established the A.K. Guy Award in memory of Albert K. Guy. The award honors those who strive to better serve their community through dedicated volunteer service. Learn More >>

About the Cause

When you support the Y, you're helping create communities we all want to live in. Investing in families and young people, particularly those who are farthest from opportunity, is key to advancing equity and justice and building whole person health for all.

As a community-based organization, the Y has a long history of helping support young people in living their healthiest lives and reaching their full potential in spirit, mind, and body.