The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for WDRC’s 19th Annual Peace Builder Awards.
What: The WDRC seeks nominations for individuals or groups in Whatcom County that creatively resolved conflict, contributed to peaceful dispute resolution, promoted reconciliation between divergent individuals or groups, or otherwise promoted peace in the past year.
When: This year’s nomination deadline is 5 PM on Friday, July 15th.
How: Online at https://www.whatcomdrc.org/nominate. For questions or more information, contact tim@whatcomdrc.org.
“I invite everyone in Whatcom County to help us recognize those community members who inspire collaboration, embody peace, and give hope to our community.” – WDRC Executive Director, Moonwater.
Over the last 18 years, more than 150 individuals and groups have received Peace Builder Awards for contributions to peace building in Whatcom County. In 2021, six Peace Builder Award recipients were honored, including:
Social Justice Award: Shu-Ling Zhao, Kristina Michele Martens, and Heather Flaherty, Racial Equity Commission
For the collaborative efforts to lay the foundation for a Racial Equity Commission, bringing the community together to seek common ground rooted in justice.
Youth Equity Award: Vamos Outdoors Project
For their efforts to link Latinx and ELL youth to one another and the outdoors, by increasing safe activities and providing spaces for students to learn, connect and be supported during the pandemic.
Health and Wellbeing Award: Jenny Lawrence and Nyla Thursday, Bellingham Public Schools COVID response
For their efforts to support the health and well-being of Bellingham schools, families and youth during the pandemic.
Empowerment Award: Monica Koller, Connecting Community
For efforts to build community through story-telling and collaboration with the library and local community members.
Environment Award: Jay Julius, Se'Si'Le & Red Road to D.C. Journey
For efforts to elevate the indigenous perspective and amplify the common ground we all share as a community, a nation, as an organization and through the recent Red Road to D.C. Journey Project.
Creative Conflict Resolution Award: Sandi Heinrich, Whatcom County Covid-19 Community Helpers
For efforts to connect people across our community to meet basic needs during the pandemic.
The winners will be announced in September, and this year’s recipients will be celebrated at the 19th Annual Peace Builder Awards Gala held in October. This event celebrates people putting the pieces together for creative conflict resolution in our neighborhoods, our schools and our community. Proceeds from the Gala benefit the WDRC’s mission to provide and promote constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict.
The WDRC is a non-profit dedicated to providing and promoting constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict. More information can be found at www.whatcomdrc.org or by calling (360) 676-0122.
