This summer, GQ called for nominations for its Better Men, Better World search. The criteria was based on people who strive daily for the betterment of society through charitable work, volunteerism and community involvement. More than 100 men rose to the top, but they’ve been whittled down to five finalists. From now until Sept. 30, you can vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced at GQ’s Gentlemen’s Ball in New York City on Oct. 27, 2010. He’ll receive a GQ advertisement, a $2,000 cash prize, a Movado watch and $10,000 donated by Movado to the accredited charity of his choice.
Tad Skylar Agoglia, founder and CEO, The First Response Team of America: “I recognized a crisis of need in this country and I couldn’t ignore it,” Tad Skylar Agoglia said. His nonprofit consists of a nomadic crew of workers, who are well equipped with tools, supplies and emergency vehicles for disaster relief. Since 2007, they have helped tens of thousands of victims at 30 disaster sites across the US and Haiti. Agoglia feels that Americans have abundant resources and know-how, so why not reach out to neighbors in their greatest hour of need? Even now, he’s driving to Cape Cod in response to Hurricane Earl.
Jimmie Briggs, co-founder and executive director, Man Up Campaign: After leaving a successful career in journalism where he witnessed atrocities perpetrated against women in war-ravaged countries, Jimmie Briggs decided to launch this initiative to end violence against women and girls. “Most men don’t rape women, they don’t hurt women or even use misogynistic language, but they do stand by,” he said. “They don’t see this issue as their issue. They see it as a women’s issue, but it is all of our issue.” His vision is to gather young people from 25 countries to begin a youth-led global movement against violence against women and girls with the aim of changing the mindsets of young people. “Our call to action challenges each of us to ‘man up’ and declare that violence against women and girls must end,” Briggs said.
Ken Frantz, founder/volunteer, Bridges to Prosperity: A National Geographic photo of people risking their lives to cross a broken bridge on the Nile River in Ethiopia changed Ken Frantz’s life. Frantz, along with Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, started a charity building bridges and teaching locals how to build their own. About 500 million people in the world lack access to schools, clinics, jobs and markets because they lack a simple bridge. Thousands die (mostly children), every year trying to cross dangerous rivers. Frantz’s organization is a world leader in solving this tragic problem. To date, Bridges to Prosperity has constructed more than 60 bridges in the poorest countries in Africa, Asia and South America.
Kiff Gallagher, founder, Music National Service (MNS): When Barack Obama campaigned for president, Kiff Gallagher served as an adviser for national arts policy. After Obama was elected, Gallagher successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a “musician and artists corps” in the recently passed Kennedy Serve America Act. Part of MNS, Musician Corps (MC) trains musicians to serve full time in schools, youth centers, hospitals and other high-need community settings. Fellows have empowered more than 3,200 under-served youth in New Orleans, Seattle, Chicago, Oakland and San Francisco with music education, leadership and innovation skills. Musician Corps has also reached more than 7,000 community members through youth performances, outreach events and the creation of recording projects, bands and ensembles.
John Prendergast, co-founder, Enough Project and former director of African affairs, National Security Council (NSCA): Prendergast, the author of eight books (most recently, The Enough Moment with Don Cheadle), has been a tireless human rights activist for more than 25 years. He’s worked to bring an end to genocide and crimes against humanity, not only in Africa, but throughout the world. He also helped create the Raise Hope for Congo campaign, highlighting the issue of conflict minerals that fuel the war in Congo.
Photo 1 by The First Response Team, photo 2 by herwick via Flickr, photo 3 by Milosz Reterski, photo 4 by Center for American Progress, photo 5 by Ralph Alswang.