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American Citizens Abroad (ACA, Inc.) has created several awards over the years to recognize public servants and members of the media who have rendered outstanding service to the global American community, and to Americans living abroad who have enriched their local community through their voluntary service.

Thomas Jefferson Award

ACA created the Thomas Jefferson Award in 1993 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, who, while serving as Ambassador to France, understood the vital contributions being made by Americans living abroad and who worked creatively and effectively to promote their interests as well as those of his country and its citizens back home.

Purpose: To honor an employee of the State Department for outstanding services to the community of Americans living abroad.

Frequency: Occasional

Previous Thomas Jefferson Award Winners: 20162015, 20122010, 20092008

Eugene Abrams Citizenship Award

ACA initiated the Eugene Abrams Award in 1995 in memory of Eugene B. (Gene) Abrams, ACA's first Executive Director, who served from creation of the post in 1992 until his death in June 1994. 

Purpose: To recognize outstanding volunteer service to their communities by American citizens residing abroad.

Frequency: Occasional

Previous Eugene Abrams Citizenship Award Winners: 2017, 2014, 2008, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995

Nominations: Nominations are welcomed. Winner is determined by American Citizens Abroad.

Thomas Paine Award

Thomas Paine, the author of Common Sense, lived in the nascent United States as an American, and abroad as an expatriate, and in both places demonstrated the extraordinary power of the pen in stoking revolutionary fires to promote greater freedom and a more equal sharing of human rights by all mankind.

Purpose: To acknowledge common sense, creativity and boldness in the journalistic coverage of overseas Americans

Frequency: Occasional

Previous Thomas Paine Award Winners: 20232021, 1995

Nominations: Nominations are welcomed. Winner is determined by American Citizens Abroad.

Benjamin Franklin Award

Benjamin Franklin was a giant among giants in Revolutionary America – a businessman, inventor, scientist, patriot and statesman. Yet it is often overlooked that he spent much of his life abroad, learning from the cultures and traditions of other countries and passing on our own unique heritage.

Purpose: To recognize members of Congress who, understanding the valuable role played by United States citizens living abroad in building a stronger America, have rendered extraordinary service to this community.

Frequency: Occasional

Previous Benjamin Franklin Award Winners: 2018, 2008, 1982, 1978

Nominations: Nominations are welcomed. Winner is determined by American Citizens Abroad.