The Breaking Borders Award is a new prize created by Google and Global Voices and supported by Thomson Reuters to honor outstanding web projects initiated by individuals or groups that demonstrate courage, energy and resourcefulness in using the Internet to promote freedom of expression. Closing date for applications is February 15. Get your nominations in soon!

We're excited to announce that the Breaking Borders winners will be announced at the Global Voices Citizen Media Summit 2010, in Santiago, Chile on May 6-7, 2010.

Visit the Summit web site for background information on the goals of the meeting, the program of events, and registration details.

Over the next days and weeks we'll be fleshing out the program, adding speaker bios, a list of attendees and more, and do keep checking in at the site for blog posts and commentary from Summit participants and others, as well as to join in the conversation.

You can also help spread the word about the Global Voices Summit and Breaking Borders by flying one of our Summit badges or banners on your blog or web site.

The Breaking Borders Award is open to people of all nationalities. Winners will be selected by a panel of experts in the field of freedom of expression. A cash prize of $10,000 will be awarded in each of three areas:

1. Advocacy, given to an activist or group that has used online tools to promote free expression or encourage political change
2. Technology, given to an individual or group that has created an important tool that enables free expression and expands access to information
3. Policy, given to a policy maker, government official or NGO leader who has made a notable contribution in the field

Nominations for and additional information about the Breaking Borders Award can be submitted at http://breakingborders.net and close on February 15, 2010.

Contact us at nomination@breakingborders.net with any questions.