The Thomas C. Wales Award for Passionate Citizenship recognizes ordinary citizens who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving their communities. Nominations are solicited from the public and are reviewed by an independent panel.

Thomas C. Wales was a U.S. Attorney and Seattle civic leader. Prior to his death in 2001, he was actively engaged in his community, serving as trustee for the Federal Bar Association and chairing a number of committees of the State and County Bar Associations. He was a member of the Seattle Planning Commission, the Design Review Board and the Seattle Mayor's Citizen Advisory Council. Wales also chaired his local and district community councils and was president of the gun-safety organization, Washington CeaseFire.

The Thomas C. Wales Foundation's award program recognizes a Puget Sound resident who inspires positive activism through passionate citizenship - the energetic, courageous, persistent and informed involvement of ordinary citizens in the issues and challenges that affect their communities. The program seeks to honor highly effective community leaders who have invested a significant amount of time improving their community and have demonstrated the courage and determination to champion just causes.

The nomination period for the 2008 Award for Passionate Citizenship will be announced in the summer of 2008.