Nominations sought for human rights awards

GOSHEN — The Orange County Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for the 2013 Human Rights Commission annual awards.

Now in its 18th year, the Human Rights awards program honors those who have made a significant contribution to advance human rights and eliminate discrimination in Orange County. Since the award’s inception in 1995, 105 individuals, organizations or businesses from Orange County have been recognized.

To be considered for the award, eligible candidates will have:

Enriched the quality of life in Orange County by building better relationships among diverse people and encouraging them to participate in community life on an equal basis.

Fostered mutual respect and understanding among individuals of different races or national origin.

Relieved tension and conflict between racial, religious, or nationality groups.

Helped to eliminate discrimination in Orange County.

Nominees must either live or work in Orange County and may be from any field, including, but not limited to, education, law enforcement, public service, human services, industry, small and large business and not-for-profit agencies.

Completed nomination forms must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. Nomination forms are available on the Human Rights Commission page on the County web site www.orangecountygov.com, or by calling the office at 615-3680.

Entries should be mailed to: Orange County Human Rights Commission, 18 Seward Ave., Suite 203, Middletown, NY 10940 or e-mailed to humanrights@orangecountygov.com.