Dean Murakami chaired the CFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Committee for multiple years, and brought hundreds of critical racial and social justice issues to the attention of our union. He introduced and helped pass countless resolutions on issues ranging from the internment of Japanese Americans to the Poor People’s Campaign. Dean, a psychology professor, long-time president of the Los Rios College Federation of Teachers, and a long-serving CFT Vice President, will forever be known for his racial, social and climate justice advocacy.

CFT has instituted this award in Dean’s name, to bestow this recognition on those individuals or organizations that demonstrate dedication, continuing commitment and advocacy to racial, social and climate justice issues in the workplace and beyond. Locals are invited to submit nominations for this award on behalf of an individual or organization that engages in work that positively impacts marginalized populations and focuses on racial, social or climate justice.

Such work should be demonstrated and measured by contributions to areas such as:
• scholarship, research and curriculum development;
• educational innovation;
• culture change;
• entrepreneurship;
• community engagement; or
• public policy, just to name a few

The deadline for nominations this year TBD. You may nominate a member or organization for the Dean Murakami RSCJ Advocacy Award. Please submit the enclosed nomination form, along with other documentation, telling us about your nominee and why they should receive the Dean Murakami RSCJ Advocacy Award.