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Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian Award
The Paul Lee Stevens Humanitarian of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Human Relations Commission. Named in honor of Paul Lee Stevens—a respected humanitarian who served the Wilson community for nearly 25 years—this award recognizes an individual whose lifelong commitment to service has made a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Nominees should demonstrate a long-standing history of volunteer service focused on helping the most vulnerable members of our community. While many nominees may hold impactful professional roles, this award is intended to honor those who go beyond their job responsibilities to improve lives, lift up the oppressed, overcome barriers, and work toward meaningful solutions. The Commission seeks to recognize individuals with a proven record of leadership and service that advances human rights, justice, and quality of life for all citizens.
This is a lifetime achievement award and may be awarded to an individual only once.
Before submitting a nomination, please review the 2026 Human Relations/WCPD Awards policies
Nominations may be submitted in one of two ways:
2026 Humanitarian Award - fillable PDF
2026 Humanitarian Award - online 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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