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Terry Pastika Named to National Public Interest Rising Star Hall of Fame

 

 

Terry Pastika, executive director of the Citizen Advocacy Center (Chicago, IL) has been selected as one of three outstanding young activists to receive the new Public Interest Rising Star Award from OMB Watch, a Washington-based public interest organization. She will receive the award in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 9, during OMB Watch's 20th anniversary celebration.

 

Ms. Pastika is being honored for her work as an organizer and lawyer at Citizen Advocacy Center, which seeks to strengthen democracy by building civic skills and citizen participation among Chicago residents. Among her accomplishment are what has been called a "civics boot camp with clout" she arranged in a conservative part of Chicago in an attempt to raise progressive activism. Her nominator calls her "a public advocate for the long haul, and an inspiration to all who work with her." She has a law degree from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska and is a former high school teacher.

 

The new Public Interest Rising Star Awards are designed to call attention to emerging leaders committed to the causes of social justice, government accountability, and citizen participation. "Through this award, we hope to recognize the extraordinary impact dedicated young people can make in even the first few years of their careers. The path Terry Pastika and the other awardees have chosen takes courage. We hope this award will inspire them to stay the course- and that the recognition they receive will inspire others," said Gary D. Bass, OMB Watch executive director.

 

The selection committee chose the honorees on the basis of unusual courage, creativity, commitment, or tenacity; a significant success or series of successes; or especially effective leadership. The recipients are all in their early 30s. The Public Interest Rising Star Awards complement a new Public Interest Hall of Fame OMB Watch is also launching as part of the organization's 20th anniversary celebration. "Much of OMB Watch's success during the past two decades comes from partnering with a wide range of national, state, and local organizations. Creating these awards is our way of showing our appreciation to those who help make groups like OMB Watch effective," explains Bass.Information about all three Rising Stars and the 12 Hall of Fame inductees is available at http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/1833 .

 

OMB Watch was founded in 1983 to lift the veil of secrecy shrouding the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees regulation, the federal budget, information collection and dissemination, and much more. Over the years, the focus has shifted from solely monitoring OMB to a broader agenda of government accountability. The group is guided by the belief that improving access to governmental decision-makers and encouraging citizen participation will lead to a more just and equitable society.

 

OMB Watch now concentrates on four policy areas: budget and government performance; the regulatory process; government secrecy; and policies affecting the nonprofit sector, particularly relating to free speech. For more information, contact: OMB Watch 1742 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009 Phone: (202) 234-8494 Fax: (202) 234-8584 E-mail: ombwatch@ombwatch.org Web: http//www.ombwatch.org Barbara Western OMB Watch 1742 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20009 202-234-8494 202-234-8584 www.ombwatch.org Celebrating 20 years: Promoting Government Accountability and Citizen Participation - 1983-2003.