We're glad you've sighted someone who may be a Giraffe. In order to present your nomination to our volunteer jury, we ask that you answer fully all the questions in this report and send us any articles, brochures, videotapes, etc. that help tell the story. If a particular question doesn't apply to your candidate, please say so in the given space. It may take you some time to track down this information, but without it, your nomination can't be sent to the jury, which will read what you send, plus the comments of the three other people you refer us to (see last section).

Please note that the jury will be looking for risk and common good. By risk, we mean the possibility of losing a job, health, safety, significant amounts of money, or acceptance by the community or by peers (especially important if your nominee is very young). Civil disobedience and wrenching changes in lifestyle have also been seen by the jury as sufficient risk to qualify.

"Joe Selfless," who's volunteering a lot of hours at a homeless shelter, is doing something fine, but the Giraffe in the operation is probably "Sally Pioneer," who stuck her neck out to start the program, even though the neighbors and City Hall were against her.

By common good, we mean that nominees' actions should benefit many people, rather than being solely self-serving or limited to their own families' well-being.

"Joan Assertive," who was unjustly fired and is fighting to get her job back, would not be considered unless she also championed others who had been wrongly fired.

Nominations of people who advocate violence, hatred, prejudice or unconstitutional actions will not be sent to the jury.