Announcing the 2021 Peace Builder Award Recipients
Announcing the 2021 Peace Builder Award Recipients
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s (WDRC) Peace Builder Awards has returned, and the WDRC invites the community to join in honoring six remarkable individuals, projects and organizations who have helped build peace in Whatcom County during this extremely challenging past year. Each of the award winners represent unique and important efforts to build trust, promote healing for the community and environment, resolve conflicts and contribute to a more peaceful world. The 2021 Peace Builder Award winners will be recognized at the 18th Annual Peace Builder Awards Virtual Gala, presented by Peoples Bank and PSE, on October 22.
The recipients of the 2021 Peace Builder Awards:
Social Justice Award: Shu-Ling Zhao, Kristina Martens, and Heather Flaherty, Racial Equity Commission Formation
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 free Peace Builder Awards Virtual Gala will include features of the award-winners, the youth poetry contest winners and a silent auction