Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission Seeks Nominations for Human Rights Awards
September 8, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission will be holding its Human Rights Awards celebration on December 10, 2025, from 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m., at the Cape Cod Conference Center at the Hyport Conference Center (35 Scudder Ave., Hyannis). The event will highlight the legacy of human rights work done in Barnstable County over the years, as well as highlight new faces and ideas in the work of preserving and protecting basic rights for all. This year’s ceremony will honor International Human Rights Day and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission (now advisory) and its legacy of making a difference on Cape Cod.
Nominations are being sought for several awards, and recipients will be honored at the celebration. The awards are the Rosenthal Community Award, the Tim McCarthy Award, the Cornerstone Award, and the Unsung Heroes Award. Nominations should contain contact information for the person making the nomination, as well as the candidate, and an explanation of the reasons for the nomination. The deadline for submitting nominations is the close of business on October 15, 2025. The award descriptions and application forms are linked below.
The Rosenthal Community Champion Award, named after Irving Leopold Rosenthal, is given to individuals in the public sector (for example: law enforcement, town employees, public officials, government representatives, public agencies, educators, librarians, etc.) recognized by their peers, community, and associates as individuals who have fostered and supported human rights concepts and ideals, particularly those who have worked to advance human rights and eliminate discrimination against immigrants in Barnstable County.
Submit a nomination here: www.capecod.gov/Rosenthal-Award-2025
The Tim McCarthy Human Rights Champion Award, named after Provincetown activist Tim McCarthy, recognizes an activist individual or organization with a Cape Cod connection working effectively to promote human rights, as affirmed in the United Nations 1948 “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” These include dignity, liberty, equality; spiritual, public, and political freedoms of thought, opinion, religion, conscience, and peaceful association; cultural rights including the right to health care and an adequate standard of living; and the establishment of these rights and the organizational structures to empower the individual. The Tim Fund also adds the following considerations: environmental rights and LGBTQ rights.
To submit an application, visit www.thetimfund.org or send it to “The Tim Fund, c/o The Provincetown Community Compact, PO Box 819, Provincetown, MA 02657” by October 10, 2025. The annual award recipient will receive a $2,000 award grant to further their activism and human rights work.
The Cornerstone Award recognizes an individual and/or organization whose work builds a strong foundation for human rights and civil rights protections in Barnstable County. This award is given to an individual who is recognized by their peers and community as someone who fosters, supports, and uplifts human rights ideals and who has helped to impact change or improve their community (for example: volunteer(s) or workers from private organizations, faith-based organizations, non-profits, etc.). Submit a nomination here: www.capecod.gov/Cornerstone-Award
The Unsung Heroes Recognition is recognition given to individuals and/or organizations in Barnstable County who play an important role in advocating for human rights and civil rights. This award can recognize individuals and/or organizations that have uplifted human rights and dignity for many years. It can also recognize emerging leaders working to preserve and protect human rights and civil rights in our communities. Submit a nomination here: www.capecod.gov/Unsung-Heroes
ABOUT THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMISSION: The mission of the Human Rights Advisory Commission is to promote equal opportunity for all persons of Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual or affectional preference, marital, family, or military status, source of income, neighborhood, or disability, where unlawful discrimination exists in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town or county services, insurance, banking, credit, and health care. Learn more at www.capecod.gov/humanrights
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at https://www.capecod.gov/
