The Positive influence one person can have on the life of another is powerful. That’s what the “JIMMY” Medal is all about.

The “JIMMY” Medal is a unique grassroots, self-perpetuating program designed to recognize and honor people who have made a positive difference in the lives of others – and to empower those individuals to Pass It On.

The program was inspired by the life of Jimmy – a son, brother, husband, father and friend who embodied the ideals of Resiliency, Empathy, Humility and Loyalty. The “JIMMY” Medal is given to a Youth, Educator, Parent or Guardian who exemplifies these ideals in their lives, recognizes the goodness and potential in everyone and strives to “Make a Positive Difference” in the lives of others.

Recipients of the “JIMMY” Medal are recognized and celebrated for their outstanding qualities. They are also required to honor someone else who fulfills the criteria for this recognition. The recipient is asked to Pass It On, giving their “JIMMY” Medal to a deserving individual, helping to create a vibrant, ever-expanding program that promotes the idea that one life can positively impact another.

To date, we have awarded the “JIMMY” Medal to 73 deserving recipients. Each honoree is asked to Pass It On to someone who inspires them because of the way they…

• Embody the spirit of Jimmy:
  Resiliency       Empathy       Humility       Loyalty
• Recognize the goodness and potential in others
• An ordinary person doing extraordinary things
• Non-judgmental

When a “JIMMY” Medal recipient passes his or her medal along to someone else, they are asked to fill out an online nomination form detailing the noteworthy attributes of the individual to whom they’ve passed their Medal. This information is incorporated into a commemorative certificate that is presented to the recipient and becomes a lasting tribute in the permanent archives of the “JIMMY” Medal.

We invite you to nominate a Youth, Educator, Parent or Guardian who has inspired you with their own spirit of Jimmy so we can honor and celebrate them as someone who “Makes a Positive Difference”.  A selection committee of AIDS Alive and SpeakUp! will review all nominations received.

Catch the Spirit -- and Pass It On!

The “JIMMY” Medal program was originated by SpeakUp!, a middle and high school educational program that brings together urban and suburban Youth, Educators, Parents and Guardians to explore and discuss the issues affecting the quality of their lives and society as a whole. Through intensive interaction, SpeakUp! events promote informed decision making, positive life choices, enhanced communication skills and the appreciation of differences.