The Sidney Prize honors excellence in journalism that illuminates social injustice and encourages social reform. It rewards discernment in selecting a significant story, courage and resourcefulness in reporting, skill in relating the story, and impact of the work. The prize is named in memory of Dr. Sidney Louis Wagman ’51, who was loyal to high ideals in his professional and private life. The award is a tribute to his commitment to service. The competition is open to writers worldwide and may be submitted in any of the following media: print, web, broadcast (tv, radio, podcast), or local/community news. The prize is a cash award of $5,000 and a publication slot in Overland. Two runners-up will receive $750 each. The winning entry will be selected by a panel of judges. The prize is presented by the Hillman Foundation and administered by Overland.
In addition to monetary prizes, the Sidney Prize also awards gold and silver seals that can be applied to a book’s cover to indicate that it has been awarded the prize. The seals can be purchased in bulk to use at bookstores, university libraries, and other locations.
Winners of the prize are honored at a ceremony held during the Society’s Triennial Council Meeting in January or February. The call for nominations is made in the General Newsletter and in the Key Reporter about a year and a half before the Council Meeting.
The Hillman Foundation is a left-of-center organization that awards a monthly monetary prize to outstanding journalism that fosters social justice and public policy reform. It was founded in 1946 to commemorate the late Sidney Hillman, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, a predecessor union of Unite Here and Workers United, SEIU. The foundation is based in Baltimore, Maryland. Bruce Raynor, a former leader of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers and currently President Emeritus of Workers United, leads the foundation.
Winners of the prize are recognized for their commitment to service and for their dedication to the advancement of liberal arts education. They are encouraged to use their award to further liberal arts values in the classroom and in their communities through such activities as presenting lectures, developing curriculum materials, organizing and directing student and faculty exchanges with Asian universities, and arranging Asian film series and other cultural events. In addition, the winners are invited to attend a special awards luncheon at the annual Phi Beta Kappa Triennial Convention.