MORGANTOWN, WV, October 2016 – The Morgantown Human Rights Commission will be spotlighting local residents and organizations that exemplify the spirit of diversity and human rights in the community with the Human Rights Day Awards. The awards will recognize contributions toward helping to make Morgantown a more inclusive community and to protect the human rights of all. The awards will be presented on December 6th at 7 p.m. in the Morgantown City Council chambers in conjunction with International Human Rights Day.
The Commission is asking for nominees for the awards. There will be an award presented to an individual as well as an award presented to an organization. Beginning October 17th, city residents can make nominations by completing a form found at www.morgantownwv.gov under the NEWS tab or in the lobby of City Hall on Spruce Street. Nomination must be submitted in writing and received no later than November 16th by email to hrc@morgantownwv.gov, dropped off in-person at the City Clerk’s office, or mailed to Jan Derry, Chairperson, Human Rights Commission, c/o NWVCIL, 601-3 East Brockway Avenue, Suite A&B, Morgantown, WV 26501.
The purpose of the awards is to acknowledge outstanding works taking place in Morgantown. More specifically, the awards will give recognition to those who put forth the effort to make a difference and working toward the global purpose of Human Rights.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was a shout across the world by the leading countries in the world, stating loud and clear that no matter where we live, what we believe, or how we love, we are each individually deserving of the most basic fundaments of human needs. Every year Human Rights Day marks conferences around the world dedicated to ensuring that these ideals are pursued, and that the basic Human Rights of every person is made a priority in the global theater.
HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Human Rights Day was established in 1948, and ever since that auspicious day it has stood as the first major stride forward in ensuring that the rights of every human across the globe are protected. From the most basic human needs such as food, shelter, and water, all the way up to access to free and uncensored information, such has been the goals and ambitions laid out that day.
ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to provide leadership for addressing community interaction and fairness concerns. It works to ensure that the City is not only providing services, but maintaining ways in which a community can live together inclusively, functionally, and justly despite differences, complexities, and conflicts. The Commission focuses on stewardship and service, but also on the quality of community life and the protection of the community from preventable unfair damage to the lives of individual citizens and families.