The City of Bismarck’s Human Relations Committee (HRC) is seeking applications for its annual Humanitarian Award. The award honors a community adult, youth and business or non-profit organization that has exhibited leadership in the areas of human and civil rights during the previous year, with a focus on recognizing persons in the community who educate, identify issues and address human rights.
This year HRC has moved its 2024 nomination window earlier in the year. Traditionally, nominations were accepted in August and awards were presented in December.
“The Human Relations Committee identified the disconnect of a person or organization recognized in December, for work they had done 12 to 24 months earlier,” said Sargianna Wutzke, the committee’s chair. “By moving the nomination closer to the start of the year, this allows the award to be more connected to the good work being done in our community.”
Also new this year is the addition of a third nomination category: Youth.
“There are so many impactful ways the youth in our community contribute. Maybe it is through a service organization or school project. Maybe they have just decided they want to make a difference,” said Wutzke. “With all the directions youth are pulled these days, recognizing that selflessness and effort really aligns the spirit of this award.”
The City of Bismarck will accept nominations through Sunday, April 20:
- Nominations may be submitted through a form on the City of Bismarck website by 11:59 PM on April 20. The form is available online.
- Nominations may be emailed by 11:59 PM on April 20. Email nominations must include all applicable information from the online form questions.
- Nominations may be dropped off with the Bismarck Administration Department by 5 PM on April 17. These nominations must include all applicable information from the online form questions. The Administration Department is located on the fourth floor of the City/County Building (221 North Fifth Street in Bismarck).
- Nominations may be mailed to the Administration Department, but submissions received after April 20 will not be eligible. Mailed applications must include all applicable information from the online form questions. Please address the envelope:
City of Bismarck
Administration
Attention: Human Relations Committee
221 North Fifth Street
Bismarck ND 58506-5503
The most recent Humanitarian Award recipients were Sanford Health and Micah Olson. Sanford Health was recognized for its initiatives that provide, expand and scale lasting and meaningful impact to its employees, clients and community by helping underrepresented populations feel valued and comfortable to seek out preventative healthcare and overcome health disparities. Olson, an attorney with North Dakota Protection and Advocacy was recognized for using his own experience with a disability to motivate his work and give a voice to issues affecting individuals with disabilities.
The purpose of the HRC is to create an atmosphere of inclusion, equality and accessibility through education and outreach to recognize the value of a diverse community. For more information about the committee and to see the full list of award recipients visit the HRC page on our website.