Nominations open for Wenatchee Valley Community Peacebuilder Award

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center is inviting the community to help recognize the people doing the quiet work of holding it together.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Community Peacebuilder Award, an annual honor recognizing individuals, groups, and organizations that strengthen relationships, resolve conflict, and build trust across Chelan and Douglas counties.

The award highlights efforts that often happen out of view. Nominees may come from across the community, including education, healthcare, public service, the arts, and neighborhood-level work, and may include youth, volunteers, and long-time leaders.

Past recipients include Reverend Debbie Sperry of First United Methodist Church, Lance Noell of the Eastmont School District, and Bob Mark of Upper Valley MEND, each recognized for helping create spaces where people can work through differences and move forward together.

Nominations are open through June 7, 2026, and can be submitted online.

The recipient will be honored at the organization’s annual celebration on October 1, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Wenatchee. The event will also mark 20 years of the center’s work in the valley, including mediation services, conflict resolution training, and community education.

The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center is a nonprofit serving Chelan and Douglas counties, focused on helping individuals and groups navigate conflict in ways that build understanding and connection.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.wvdrc.org/events, email info@wvdrc.org, or call 509-888-0957.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media