The International Academy of Digital Arts And Sciences (IADAS) and The Webbys are collaborating to launch a new awards platform, the Anthem Awards, to acknowledge internet pioneers who strive to bring positive, tangible change to the world. 

“The Webby Awards has a long history of using its platform to celebrate change makers with real impact, bringing global attention to their work and their cause,” Claire Graves, President of The Webby Awards, said in a press release obtained by Blavity. 

The Webbys were founded in 1996, while the World Wide Web was still in its early years, and recognizes online luminaries and visionaries. The international awards have also been dubbed “the internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times. 

At this year's Webbys, entertainer Pharrell Williams received the inaugural Anthem Achievement Award. 

“For the launch of Anthem, we thought it was critical to work with that community of organizations and companies — as they are best positioned to know what real impact looks like. They are helping to guide everything from categories to criteria and many of their leaders will be jurors helping to select our first honorees,” Graves continued. 

In their inaugural year, the Anthem Awards are calling upon purpose-driven, not-for-profit people and organizations to celebrate those paving the way for a better future in seven categories: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Education, Arts and Culture, Health, Human and & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action and & Services, Responsible Technology and Sustainability, Climate and Environment.

The Anthem Awards' foundational partners include the Ad Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, Mozilla, GLAAD, World Wildlife Foundation, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, and XQ Institute. Media partners include Blavity Inc., Wall Street Journal, The Dots and Fast Company.

“In a time where purpose-led organizations are impacting the world in so many new ways, we’re incredibly honored to serve as a foundational partner and recognize mission-driven work across the globe,” Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council, one of the leading cultural impact media agencies said. “We remain committed to using the power of communications to spur social change and look to use this platform to celebrate those raising awareness and inspiring action.

Blavity’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, Jeff Nelson, will also be among the the Anthem Awards’ jury members where he'll be tasked with selecting honorees. 

Jessica Lauretti, who was recently named managing director of the Anthem Awards, said she's thrilled to join the platform and bring awareness to the globe’s most innovative leaders.

“Whether we’re talking about climate, equity, or human rights issues, 2020 marked a conscious shift in society that has been building for decades. Individuals, communities, and corporations are putting a stake in the ground around critical issues that we’re facing,” Lauretti said. 

A portion of the program revenue from corporate entries will help fund a new grant initiative supporting up-and-coming individuals and organizations who are doing social impact work. 

The entry deadline to be considered for an Anthem Award is Aug. 6 and late entries will be accepted until Nov 5. Winners will be announced in Feb. 2022.