Nominations sought for civil rights and social justice awards
The City of Wenatchee is seeking nominations for Civil Rights and Social Justice awards with the deadline coming up on Dec. 8. The awards, organized by the city’s Diversity Advisory Council, honor individuals, groups and organizations for their work on behalf of social justice and civil rights issues.
There are four categories — youth (which was just added this year), nonprofit, organization and business. Nominations can be easily made online by accessing the city website at www.wenatcheewa.gov/diversity.
Last year, retired educator Joan Wright, Molina Healthcare and the Junior Service League of Wenatchee were cited for their contributions to building a more cohesive community.
I am thrilled at the momentum being generated that is bringing together our diverse community. To the extent we can engage more people in civic affairs, our communities will be more resilient.
I have been most impressed local efforts aimed at engaging the whole community. City officials led by Community Development Director Steve King took the initiative to build relationships and listen to neighborhood concerns in South Wenatchee.
The engagement efforts led to the formation of the United Neighborhood Association of South Wenatchee, with Manuel Valencia as its leader. The city has responded by following through on needed infrastructure projects to areas of the community that had been long neglected.
Let’s continue the momentum to make this valley a place for everyone. Nominate an organization, individual or business for the 2017 Civil Rights and Social Justice awards. Those selected will be announced at the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event in January.
