Jason Giles (right) receives the Mortensen Award from last year's recipients James Morris (left) and Aaron Vinck (background)

I remember back in 1987 when Ron Kershaw wanted to initiate an annual award of recognition to an individual who had shown dedication, commitment, leadership and service to Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons. He and others decided that is was most fitting to name this award of recognition after its first recipient – Paul Mortensen.

The Mortensen Award is the only continuing award that Affirmation presents as acknowledgment for inspiring contributions by extraordinary individuals among its membership. Nominations are made from the general membership with supporting letters outlining the attributes and praising the contributions of each nominee.

The nominees for the 2008 Mortensen Award (and as I say your name please wave or stand):

Carlos Mitchell. Since his introduction to this organization, Carlos has always worked for the benefit of Affirmation and its members, He has spent much time and dedication in answering e-mails, blogging and generating the LA Chapter newsletters, He sponsors one the three ongoing Affirmation LA dinner groups. Carlos is always present at important organizational meetings with a ready smile and thoughtful contribution to the topic of discussion. He is co-chair of the 2008 conference. He has a readiness to serve whenever he is able and his level of energy and persistence rivals that of the Energizer Bunny.

George Cole. He served as the Portland Chapter co-director. And I quote "It has been his energy, organization and dedication that have been responsible for much of the success of this most successful chapter. His extra hours and much sacrifice this year, even while preparing to move to another state, made Affirmation's participation in Portland's Pride Celebration this summer one the most successful and notable of the weekend." He was a co-chair of the 2006 Affirmation Conference. Most recently George has taken on the responsibility of Affirmation Young Adult Director and is showing tremendous zeal and purpose in this new challenge.

Dave Melson. Dave became the DC Chapter Director when Olin became National Executive Director. As Chapter Director, Dave took on the duties "with enthusiasm expanding the monthly newsletter, creating an e-mail version and helped establish a new website for the DC Chapter". Dave chaired the 2007 Affirmation Conference and "with his careful planning, ambitious leadership and wise flexibility he was able to offer a most memorable conference with many key players and notable speakers including Bishop Gene Robinson, Matt Foreman, Harry Knox and Carol Lynn Pearson". In 2008, Dave was asked to join the Executive Committee. The gusto with which he took on the area of public relations has led to a very visible presence of Affirmation in the media.

Now about the fourth nominee of 2008 for the Mortensen award:

My first encounter with this individual was at a Cornerstone made a lasting impression. I observed someone who was very motivated, focused and enthusiastic, Repeated encounters underscored the validity of these first impressions. In asking others who know this individual (both in and outside of Affirmation) here are some of the qualities they enumerated:

• Enthusiastic, encouraging of others


• Friendly and open


• Brings out great qualities in others


• Extremely compassionate


• Highly organized


• Patient


• Fun-loving


• Life of the party


• Facilitator


• Has a good understanding of the big picture


• Very nice if you're on his good side (I guess most of us happen to be on his good side)


• Just very sweet!

This individual is largely responsible for the tremendous activity and success of his local chapter and the incredibly wonderful 2006 Conference.

If you haven't figured it out already, the recipient of the 2008 Mortensen Award is none other then Jason Giles.