The Champion of Change Advocate Award is an opportunity to honor individuals or groups leading policy advocacy. This Freedom Express Award recognizes those who strive to create a safer environment and improve rights for victims and survivors. These champions work tirelessly in legislative corridors, ensuring the voices of the oppressed are heard and acted upon.
Nominees must have a documented history in policy advocacy, emphasizing the rights and protection of vulnerable individuals. They should demonstrate success in influencing policies and collaborating with NGOs, governmental bodies, or other organizations. Efforts to raise public awareness, such as organizing campaigns and using media platforms, are essential. Nominees must maintain a sustained commitment to advocacy. They must adhere to ethical standards, and possess a deep understanding of coercive control and cultic situations. The Champion of Change Advocate Award uplifts those who epitomize the spirit of change. They commend those who relentlessly pursue a world where every individual is protected from coercive control and exploitation.
2023 Recipient of the Champion of Change Advocate Award
We proudly announce Lisa Kendall as the recipient of the Champion of Change Advocate Award. This recognition honors Lisa’s exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to advocating for children impacted by cults and coercive control. Additionally, we honor her tireless efforts to create policies for change have garnered the attention of congressional leaders. In fact, this showcases her influence and dedication to making a real difference.
Works
Lisa Kendall holds an MPA from Oregon State University. Presently, she is the Executive Director of Counter Cult Coalition, an Oregon-based nonprofit. Counter Cult Coalition is dedicated to protecting and providing for individuals who have grown up in cults. Since 2012, Lisa has been a prominent figure in the cult awareness community. Also, she is actively writing and speaking about the impact of coercive group involvement. Her current project focuses on creating legislation to protect children leaving cults. She wishes to ensure they have access to basic needs and training.
Lisa’s nominator praises her as “not just someone who talks a big talk, but makes real change in her corner of the counter cult arena.” Her passion for ethical interactions and her relentless work in helping disadvantaged children achieve freedom set her apart. Additionally, she has volunteered for numerous nonprofits in Oregon, making tangible changes in the counter-cult arena. As a founder and director of Counter Cult Coalition, she continues to support advancements in the counter-cult community and advocates for better public policies to improve the lives of children in cults.
Therefore, Lisa Kendall’s exemplary contributions to the field of advocacy make her a truly deserving recipient of the Champion of Change Advocate Award. Her dedication, expertise, and compassion have profoundly impacted the lives of many. As a result, she is guiding them toward freedom and empowerment. We wholeheartedly congratulate Lisa on this well-deserved honor.
About Lisa Kendall
Lisa is the founder and director of Counter Cult Coalition, an Oregon based nonprofit working to improve public policy to protect and provide for people who have grown up in cults. She has been active in the cult awareness community since 2012. A Masters in Public Administration with a focus on public-private partnerships supports her work with policy makers. Kendall owned and operated an eco-friendly gift shop, taught nature education, and founded an organization to provide mentorship for civic engagement to low-income youth.
Lisa was instrumental in shutting down horse and greyhound racing in Oregon. She is also proud to have improved the quality of life for people in places she has visited, such as acquiring books for a library in rural South Dakota, supporting animal welfare events in Florida, working with legislators to provide enrichment activities for animals in a North Dakota zoo, and supporting women’s rights on the Turkish/Syrian border.
Lisa lives with two cats in beautiful. Portland, Oregon