Commentary; Posted: 2/19/03

Forest Lake Human Rights Award is a good idea

Cliff Buchan

Years from now history books will look back on this period in time as a moment when the United States stood on the brink of war and a major military operation in Iraq. And after the tragic days of September 11, 2001, we have become a nation highly suspicious of those different than many Americans today.

On the local scene, this period will be remembered as a time when Forest Lake recognized its first winner of an individual, group or business that has made an outstanding contribution to the understanding of and cooperation between people of all backgrounds.

This spring will see the first presentation of the ìForest Lake Human Rights Award.î The award program was announced this winter by the Forest Lake Human Rights Commission and the first recipient of the ìBridging Our Differencesî award will be announced on March 24.

Nomination deadline is March 1. Itís time for area residents to consider doing just that. Four eligibility guidelines have been established by the commission. They are:

ïThe nominee must live in Forest Lake or is a group or business whose activity or service area included Forest Lake in 2002.

ïThe nomineeís activities proposed for recognition should be related to enjoyment and protection of human rights without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation or age. Added weight will be given for activities of a nominee that have occurred over an extended period of time.

ïThe nomineeís activities must either be performed voluntarily or be above and beyond the usual job responsibilities of an employee or the usual customer relations practices of a business.

ïMembers of the Forest Lake Human Rights Commission, or their immediate family, are not eligible for the award while serving on the commission. Members of the Forest Lake City Council, or their immediate family, are not eligible for the award while serving on council. Judges of the award are not eligible during their tenure as judges.

Nominations may be submitted by either an individual or an organization on behalf of itself or another individual or organization. Nominations should be submitted on a nomination form or may be submitted as letters no more than two pages in length. Forms are available at Forest Lake City Hall.

Completed nominations should be sent to Gena Doyscher, events chair, Forest Lake Human Rights Commission, Forest Lake City Hall, 220 N. Lake St., Forest Lake, MN 55025. For more information, call 651-464-3550, Ext. 9.

The winner will be announced on March 24. The winnerís name will be inscribed on a plaque that will be on permanent display at Forest Lake City Hall. An inscribed plaque will be presented to the winner.

If this nation is to succeed in breaking down racial prejudice and removing the walls that separate our society, the effort needs to start at the local level.

The Forest Lake Human Rights Commission has made a good start in that process with this first time award. It deserves our attention and support.

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