The Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award recognizes members in the community who work to build an environment that promotes fair and equal treatment for everyone. It is presented every December in conjunction with Human Rights Day.
While nominations are open year-round, the deadline for submitting nominations for 2025 is Nov 14, 2025, by 4:30 pm. Nominations received after Nov 14 will be considered for the following year's award.
Bill Hobbs
Bill Hobbs served on the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission from 1965 to 1995, joining shortly after moving to Golden Valley.
In 1999, he received the HRC's first Human Rights Award, named after Hobbs himself. The award is meant to recognize an outstanding citizen who has worked to build an environment that promotes fair and equal treatment for everyone.
Since then, the Bill Hobbs Human Rights Award has been presented variety of community members and organizations for their dedication in making Golden Valley a more welcoming and inclusive city.
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by either an individual or an organization (ie, a club, social agency, unit of government, religious denomination, school, or business). Fill out the online nomination form or fill out and drop off this form at City Hall. To submit a nomination in person, fill out this form and bring your submission to the City Manager’s Office at City Hall.
- Nominees must live, work, or conduct business in Golden Valley during the nomination year.
- Nominee activities proposed for recognition should have a positive impact or clearly improved understanding or cooperation in the areas of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or familial status.
- Nominee services must be either voluntary or above and beyond a paid employee's usual job responsibilities.
- Members of the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission are not eligible for the award while serving on the commission.
Selection & Award Process
- The recipient is selected by members of the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
- The DEIC may give special consideration to activities that have occurred for an extended time, at least part of which have taken place during the current year, and that have had a significant impact on an affected group or individual.
The award is presented during a City Council Meeting. The recipient's name is inscribed on a plaque permanently displayed in Golden Valley City Hall. In addition, the recipient receives a similar plaque inscribed with his/her organization's name.
