As part of the OBA’s mandate to promote discourse over division in an increasingly polarized society, the Abdalla Barqawi Bridge Builder Award was established in honour of OBA Equality Committee Chair Abdalla Barqawi, whose approach to even the most difficult conversations helped to combat polarization and focus people on their common humanity.
The award will be presented annually to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to reducing polarization in the profession or in broader society.
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Criteria
The award recipient shall be an eligible individual or group who has developed or implemented an initiative, strategy, tool, communication campaign, policy or program that:
- Created safe venues or fora for productive conversation on difficult issues;
- Effectively encouraged respectful discourse on divisive issues;
- Improved the civility of conversations through enhanced understanding of opposing positions and the issues at stake for both sides; or
- Bridged divides in a way that was respectful to both sides.
(the “Activity”)
The chosen winner(s) should stand out in terms of:
- Creativity
- Courage; and
- The effectiveness and lasting impact of their activity.
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Deadline for Applications
Deadline for the return of Nomination Form and supporting materials is Friday, January 23, 2026.
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Eligibility
In order for an individual or group to be eligible for consideration:
That individual must be a member of the OBA who is not a member of the current OBA Board of Directors or the current OBA Awards Committee. A group is eligible where one of the group members is a member of the OBA and none of the group members is a member of the current OBA Board of Directors or the current OBA Awards Committee.
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Selection Process
The Awards Committee, a standing committee of the OBA, chooses the winner of the Award by consensus where possible and otherwise by majority vote of the committee members in attendance at the award selection meeting where the nominations for this award are considered.
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Nominations
A nomination requires the signatures of three OBA Members in good standing. To assist the Committee in its selection, please include the nominee’s resume and up to three supporting letters.
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Presentation
The Award will be presented at the annual OBA Award Gala.
