Kicking off during Characters Unite Month in February, a time when the Network leverages all its platforms to shine a special spotlight on the importance of combating hate and discrimination, the program recognizes extraordinary individuals who have made significant and lasting efforts to champion civil and human rights in their communities.

In addition to the awards, the month includes news PSAs, original programming, the documentary “NFL Characters Unite,” digital content, events across the country, and more.

Winners in recent years have included advocates in Cox markets, including Las Vegas, NV, and New Orleans, LA.  Those winners honored at local Cox and USA Network-sponsored events recognizing their work.

The nomination period for the 2013 Characters Unite Awards runs through March 15^th.  Entries, including a maximum 500-word essay on how the nominee meets the criteria of character, impact and influence, can be submitted online at charactersunite.com.  Complete rules and regulations are also posted on the website.

Consumers are encouraged to nominate an extraordinary individual working to champion civil and human rights and combating hate and discrimination and promoting tolerance and respect in their communities. Winners, announced in the spring, will receive $5,000 grants to support their project or related nonprofit organization and will be featured by USA on-air and online. They will also be honored this year at a local market ceremony presented by Cox and USA. 

Last year, ten Characters Unite Awards recipients were selected from hundreds of nominees for their successful efforts to combat prejudice and discrimination in their communities. 2012’s winners included May Elementary School counselor, Kahina Parrish, of Las Vegas, NV, who has been the driving force behind several programs designed to raise awareness of many important topics, such as bullying and diversity.

From planning several anti-bullying assemblies to coordinating an extraordinary line-up of guests to speak to students on a regular basis, to delivering ongoing presentations about compassion and kindness, Kahina has worked tirelessly with her students, school, staff, parents and community members to unite people and promote acceptance and respect. She is an example of the positive impact one person have on a community.

To learn more about previous Characters Unite Award recipients or to find more information on Characters Unite, www.charactersunite.com.

About Characters Unite

Characters Unite, USA Network's award-winning public service program, was created to address the social injustices and cultural divides still prevalent in our society. Inspired by USA Network's iconic "Characters Welcome" brand and with the support of leading national nonprofit organizations, the ongoing campaign is dedicated to supporting activities and messaging that combat prejudice and intolerance while promoting understanding and acceptance -- on-air, online, and in communities across the country. www.charactersunite.com.

About USA Network

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  A division of NBCUniversal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

Acerca de Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.