The Mediators’ Choice Award
Celebrating People Making a Difference in Oregon Communities
2011 RECIPIENTS OF THE MEDIATORS’ CHOICE AWARD
In celebration of OMA’s 25th anniversary, we wanted to recognize people in Oregon who have made an extraordinary contribution towards peacemaking in Oregon's communities. We sought to identify people who are not "mediators," but who have exemplified mediator values through their actions. Specifically, we looked for individuals or groups who have made positive contributions by building understanding, healing communities, resolving complex problems, establishing trust, and/or enhancing relationships. As a result, OMA revealed that we would be presenting our first Mediators’ Choice Award at the annual Gala.
- The Awards Committee chose recipients based on the following criteria:
- Made a difference in a difficult situation and as a result, created a positive change.
- Timeframe – event/activity occurred within the past year.
- Made a difference to more than one community or groups within a community.
- Not a politician or well-recognized person/group.
- Within the state of Oregon.
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Mana Morimoto, PSU Student
Asami Katayama, PSU Student and Mercy Corps Intern Mayuko Yamamura, PSU Student Sho Ito, Interactive Designer and U of O Graduate |
Mohamed Siala, Salman Alfarsi Islamic Center
John Evans, First Christian Church John Dennis, First Presbyterian Church Benjamin Barnett, Beit Am Jewish Community Elizabeth Oettinger, First Congregational Church Laurie Childers, Fellowship of Reconciliation USA Wajdi Said, Muslim Educational Trust Rania Ayoub, Muslim Educational Trust Bart Bolger, Veterans for Peace Chapter 132 Judi Kloper Jessica Campbell |
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Complex Problem: On Friday, March 11, 2011 no one can forget the earthquake and resulting tsunami that devastated Japan and shook the world. Although the natural disaster occurred thousands of miles away, it affected everyone. Positive Contribution: Quick to respond and just one week later, Mana Morimoto, Asami Katayama, Mayuko Yamamura and Sho Ito organized a candlelight vigil and fundraiser the evening of Friday, March 18, 2011 at Pioneer Square in Portland, Oregon. Their goal was to support grief, bring the community together, and help with relief efforts. With overwhelming community support, the two hour vigil was attended by close to 1,000 people in the pouring rain, and raised about $8,000 for Mercy Corps and Peace Winds Japan to bring aid to those who have survived the disaster. |
Complex Problem: Mohamed Osman Mohamud, a 19 year-old Corvallis resident was arrested for plotting to set off explosives at the tree-lighting ceremony in Portland’s Pioneer Square on November 26, 2010. Two days later, on November 28th, the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center in Corvallis was victim to an arson attack.
Positive Contribution: In the ensuing weeks and months, citizens from the Corvallis and Portland communities led a multitude of people and activities that provided emotional and physical support for the general population and specifically to the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Quaker communities. In addition to the candlelight vigil in Corvallis, significant events included a peace rally held in Portland at Pioneer Square, and a ceremonial tree planting. Since then, cross-cultural exchanges and sharing are frequently held to promote good will and understanding. In addition to the candlelight vigil in Corvallis, significant events included a peace rally held in Portland at Pioneer Square, and a ceremonial tree planting. Since then, cross-cultural exchanges and sharing are frequently held to promote good will and understanding. |
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