On Friday, October 24th, nearly 280 community members gathered to celebrate the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s (WDRC) 22nd Annual Peace Builder Awards, honoring seven award recipients and six inspiring youth poets. The evening reflected on the power of creative conflict resolution and the many ways our community works toward peace and understanding.
The funds raised from this event directly support the WDRC vital programs, helping individuals and families across Whatcom County navigate conflict and build stronger relationships.
In addition to supporting the many mediation and facilitation services offered, these contributions sustain programs that:
- Prevent evictions through Housing Stability Mediation, giving tenants and landlords tools to reach resolution.
- Strengthen families by offering the only free Supervised Visitation program north of King County, helping parents maintain meaningful connections with their children.
- Redirect youth from the juvenile justice system through Youth Diversion, empowering young people to repair harm and learn restorative skills.
- Educate adults and youth in schools, workplaces, and communities on the transformative power of creative conflict resolution.
Listening to the stories of this year’s awardees and youth poets offered a reminder that even amidst today’s climate of chaos and uncertainty, there remains an enduring thread of hope. Their words and actions reflected courage, compassion, and the unwavering belief that peace is not only possible, but already being built — one relationship, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
In a world often marked by division and turmoil, the evening stirred the shared sense of humanity and encouragement that when we choose to listen, connect, and care, we bring light into even the darkest corners.
For more information about the WDRC, please visit whatcomdrc.org.
