Washington, D.C. - On September 14, 2006, the National Human Services Assembly honored Sherry Stanley Whitworth, CEO of Capitol Advantage, with the Award for Excellence in National Civic Leadership at the 2006 Essence of Leadership awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The National Human Services Assembly, an association of leading national nonprofit organizations, annually recognizes individuals that have illustrated leadership in advancing the effectiveness of health and human services.

Sherry Stanley Whitworth received this award for her outstanding contributions in the successful launch of the Youth Policy Action Center, a youth advocacy Web site dedicated to increasing awareness for legislative issues surrounding young adults, which was also used by many Assembly members as an effective tool for e-advocacy. Capitol Advantage generously donated free use of Capwiz·XC, the award-winning online advocacy tool, by awarding the Youth Involvement Award to six organizations committed to youth, which included Youth Service America, 18-to-35, and the Forum for Youth Investment. In addition, Sherry has continued her support of the Youth Policy Action Center through several pro bono support hours.

With the combined efforts of Sherry and the rest of the Capitol Advantage team, the Youth Policy Action Center had more than 375,000 hits from more than 30,000 visitors in the first six months. Their site also had a total of over 10,000 messages sent out advocating child and youth issues. Capwiz·XC additionally helped the Center build an unprecedented partnership with more than 80 leading local, state, and national organizations committed to children and youth. Their youth advocacy Web site paved the way so that young citizens - who represented an interest group less prominent in public affairs - could have a voice in the democratic process.