Nominate someone
for a Dixon Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 William S. Dixon First Amendment Freedom Awards, which recognizes up to five individuals in New Mexico that champion government transparency and accountability.
To nominate someone for a Dixon Award, please complete the online Nomination Form
​The deadline for nominations is July 31, 2026
ABOUT NOMINATIONS
​For 23 years, the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government (NMFOG) has presented these awards to individuals who best embody the principles of the late William S. Dixon — a First Amendment advocate, attorney, and co-founder of the nonprofit.
To be considered for a Dixon Award, a nominee must have worked to defend, protect, or investigate government transparency, the First Amendment, and/or New Mexico’s Sunshine Laws, which include the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA).
Nominees may work or advocate in any field, including — but not limited to — business, law, education, government, health, science, technology, the arts, media, and citizen advocacy.​​
ABOUT THE NOMINATION FORM
To make a nomination, please fill out our online nomination form. If you would like a PDF version pf the form sent to you, please email us at info@nmfog.org or call/text (505) 764-3750.
The Nomination Form requests the name and contact information of both the individual or being nominated and the person submitting the nomination. Self-nominations are not permitted.
Additionally, the form asks for the name of someone who can serve as a reference and speak to the nominee’s work in promoting government transparency. This may be the same person who is submitting the nomination.​
A photo of the nominee (either candid or professional) should also be included.​
The person completing the form will also be asked to include a brief summary — 500 words or less — describing the nominee’s contributions to open government. Attachments are welcome. The nominee’s past efforts in championing transparency will also be taken into consideration.​
While nominees do not have to be residents of New Mexico, preference is given to New Mexico residents by the selection committee.
THE AWARD PROCESS
A selection committee made of NMFOG board members will review the nominations and award recipients will be announced on September 1, 2026.
On Oct. 15, 2026, the award winners will be honored at the Dixon Award Banquet, which will be held at the Sandia Golf Club in Albuquerque.