Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian Award

This prestigious award is the highest honor the Human Relations Commission bestows on an individual. Mr. Stevens was a well-known humanitarian in the Wilson community for nearly a quarter of a century. The recipients are those who have given unselfishly to help the neediest in our community. Nominations are accepted for those volunteers that have a long-standing history in the community for helping the disadvantaged. While many have impactful jobs in the community, the Commission is seeking those volunteers who set out to improve the lives of the needy, lift up the oppressed, make an effort to overcome obstacles, and open doors to solutions. The Commission would like to recognize volunteers who have a proven, lifelong track record of leadership and service, focusing on human rights, improving the quality of life and justice for all citizens. This is a lifetime achievement award and may be awarded to an individual only once. 

Nominators must review awards policies and procedures prior to submitting nominations, click here: 2026 Human Relations/WCPD Awards policies

Fillable Nomination Form, click here: 2026 Humanitarian Award form

How to Submit a Nomination:

What should the nomination letter and support letters include?
To help your nominee be seen in the best of light, letters should avoid being vague or general. Here are some suggestions from the review committee to help your nominee rise to the top:

• All letters must include details describing the nominee’s volunteer work, community service and contributions over a long period of time and body of volunteerism.
• Describe how this individual has volunteered and helped others, share the full story.
• Share how the nominee has given unselfishly above and beyond the call of duty to help disadvantaged persons.
• Tell specific examples as to how this nominee has contributed to the Wilson in reducing discrimination, addressing human rights, raising awareness, and providing pathways to solutions for injustice.
• Illustrate unique actions demonstrated by the nominee such as decisions, skills, volunteer work, and leadership.
• If volunteerism is related to an event or program include dates, times, places, attendance, and results and outcomes.
• Do not use form letters. 

***Reminder:

• All award nominations must be made based on volunteer work, not employment or profession. Should the nominations overlap with employment, the nomination letter must clearly provide evidence or going above and beyond job expectations and responsibilities.
• If the nomination is by a family member or is a self-nomination by an organization, a second letter of support is required and must be submitted by a non-family member or by someone that is not a member of the organization. 

For questions or assistance, call the City of Wilson Human Relations Office: 252-399-2308

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