Bismarck, N.D. – The City of Bismarck’s Human Relations Committee is now accepting applications for its annual Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the areas of human and civil rights over the past year.
The award will honor one adult, one youth, and one business or non-profit organization that has made significant contributions to promoting human rights, addressing issues, and educating others in the community.
This year marks a shift in the nomination timeline. Traditionally held in August, the 2024 nomination window has been moved earlier to better align the recognition with the work done in the preceding year.
Previously, nominees were honored for work that took place up to 24 months earlier, which led to a disconnect between the award presentation and the contributions it celebrated.
“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 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.”
For 2024, there is also a new nomination category for youth. The addition of the youth category acknowledges the impactful ways young people contribute to their community, whether through service organizations, school projects, or independent efforts to create positive change.
“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 with the spirit of this award.”
The City of Bismarck will be accepting nominations for the 2024 Humanitarian Award through Sunday, April 20.
Nominations can be submitted through the City of Bismarck website, via email, or by dropping off forms at the Bismarck Administration Department located at the City/County Building.
Nomination forms must be submitted by 11:59 PM on April 20, or delivered to the Administration Department by 5 PM on April 17.
For full details on submitting a nomination or to access the nomination form, visit the City of Bismarck website.
