The word most commonly associated with the Brower Youth Awards is “inspiring.” Last night was just that: totally, completely and one hundred percent inspiring. I had the pleasure and honor of attending the 2011 Brower Youth Awards at the Hearbst Theatre in San Francisco, California. ACE believes in the power of the youth to make a true difference and it was amazing to see the diverse work of such inspired youth.

Now in its 12th year, the Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards honors six innovative, strategic and visionary individuals ages 13-22, who are eco-activists in their community. These young people are making a difference every day and the Awards ceremony is a way to share their accomplishments with the community at large. Here’s a run down of this year’s winners:

Victor Davila, 22 from New York educates other youth in his community about climate change using skateboarding as an educational tool.

Alex Epstein, 20, Philadelphia, co-founded the Philadelphia Urban Creators who make connections within the community to help them develop sustainable food options.

Tania Pulido, 21, California, created a community urban garden in her home town of Richmond, which is a food island. She uses the garden as a tool to discuss the overarching themes of human health and social equality.

Junior Walk, 21, West Virginia, travels across the country teaching people about the brutal impacts of coal mining, especially the long term environmental, health and community problems it causes.

Kyle Thiermann, 21, California created a video series called ‘Surfing for Change,’ which combines surfing with showing people that they can make small changes in their daily actions to help the environment.

Rhiannon Tomtishen and Madison Vorva, 15 and 16, both from Michigan, created Project ORANG (Orangutans Really Appreciate and Need Girl Scouts) and started a campaign to get the Girl Scouts to replace palm oil with a more eco-friendly option.

Check out more about the winners here. Inspired to take take action? You should be! Tell us what YOUR vision is. Who knows, you could be the next Brower Youth Award winner.