Recipients of the Courage of Conscience Award
The Courage of Conscience Award has been presented to deserving individuals and organizations worldwide for their various peace and humanitarian activism work. On this page, we take pride in giving recognition to these awardees for their noble advocacies. The following are the honorees of the award from 1988 to 2021.
101. Ruth Hiller and New Profile
American-born, Israeli Jew for her unswerving devotion to the ideals of New Profile which strives to change the military mindset in Israel and create a civil society.
102. September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
For their courage in turning grief into action by creating solidarity with victims of terrorism, violence, and war throughout the world.
103. Paul and Tatiana Rusesabagina
In honor of their extraordinary efforts that saved the lives of over twelve hundred innocent people at the Hotel Milles Collines during the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.
104. Camilo Mejia
Iraq War Conscientious Objector, Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience, and ethical vegetarian.
105. Dadi Janki
Spiritual leader, ethical vegetarian, member of the UN “Wisdom Keepers” for 70 years of humanitarian work throughout the world.
106. Cindy Sheehan
Mother, author, and ethical vegetarian for the power of her witness against the war as generated through her profound sense of loss following the death of her son Casey in Iraq.
107. Military Families Speak Out
For bringing together thousands of families and loved ones of those serving in the military to speak out against the illegal war in Iraq.
108. Robert Coles
Child psychiatrist, oral historian, social anthropologist, and teacher for the depth of his commitment to the health and well-being of children through their telling of their own stories.
109. Juanita and Wally Nelson
Farmers, civil rights activists, pacifists, and war tax resisters for their love and generosity and their spirited life of service to the movements of social justice, activist non-violence, and peace.
110. William Kelly
International artist, humanist, human rights advocate, and founder of the Archive of Humanist Art, which features art that addresses humanist peace concerns.
111. Anuradha Koirala
Founder and director of Maiti Nepal, (“Mother’s House”) to rescue, rehabilitate, and support some of the thousands of girls and women who have been trafficked from Nepal to India to be sexual slaves in brothels.
112. Sos Galgos
A Greyhound adoption and advocacy group based in Spain for their tireless and courageous effort to save and protect these animals.
113. Huston Smith
For his life-long commitment to bringing the world’s religions together to promote understanding, social justice and peace.
114. Survivors of Gernika Bombing
For their promotion of reconciliation, their commitment to peace for the children of Gernika and the world, and for sharing their remarkable journey with grace and dignity.
115. Frances Crowe
For her lifelong commitment to the Peace Movement and her unrelenting opposition to war through war tax resistance and eco-pacifist lifestyle.
116. Grassroots Soccer: Ethan Zohn and Dr. Tommy Clark
For their combined humanitarian efforts to spread HIV education throughout Africa via soccer teams for youth and young adults.
117. Codepink: Jodie Evans
For the passionate and driven direction women have given the peace movement through this organization that blends tenacity with hope, pranks of conscience with in-your-face challenges to war waging political figures in Washington.
118. Jackson Browne
For promoting peace and justice through his music and his unrelenting support for that which promotes non-violent solutions to problems both nationally and internationally.
119. Will Tuttle
For spreading an understanding of the many costs of our exploitation of animals through his book “The World Peace Diet” which furthers the vegan revolution and its outreach worldwide.
120. Burmese Order of Buddhist Monks (In Absentia)
For leading the people of Burma in non-violent Gandhian protest against the cruel and oppressive Burmese military junta.
121. Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute
For extraordinary humanitarian effort and commitment to build schools for girls and create bridges of peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
122. Gene Sharp
For his lifelong commitment to the defense of freedom, democracy, and the reduction of political violence through scholarly analysis of the power of non-violent action.
123. Facing History and Ourselves
For engaging students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry.
124. Tommie Smith
For his life-long commitment to athletics, education, and human rights following his silent gesture of protest at the ’68 Olympics in Mexico City.
125. International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers
For their individual and collective efforts to give a voice for all indigenous peoples and Mother Earth through education and prayer.
126. Sir Ben Kingsley
For his extraordinary portrayal of Mohandas K. Gandhi in the 1982 motion picture GANDHI that brought to life the power of non-violence and pacifism.
127. Paul Farmer and Partners in Health
For saving lives by providing free health care to people in the world’s poorest communities and working to improve health care systems globally.
128. Pete Seeger
For his commitment to peace and social justice as a musician, songwriter, activist, and environmentalist that spans over seventy years.
129. Combatants for Peace
Courageous individuals from Israel and Palestine who transformed their lives and now work together to educate the public and political leaders about how to create dialogue and stop the cycle of violence.
130. House of Peace
Founded by Carrie and John Schuchardt to provide physical refuge and spiritual sanctuary to victims of war.
131. Suzanne and Brayton Shanley and the Agape Community
Co-Founders of a Catholic retreat center with a focus on non-violence, peacemaking, and sustainable-living.
132. Father John Dear S.J.
Jesuit Priest, author, lecturer, peace activist, and vegetarian, for his solidarity, and leadership in non-violent resistance and Gospel living.
133. China Galland
Author, filmmaker, and university lecturer for her immense social consciousness, spiritual courage, and devotion to telling the story of reclaiming Love Cemetery in Texas.
134. Mother Antonia Brenner
Catholic nun, founder of the order of Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour for her prison ministry in Tijuana living in a cell for over thirty years.
135. Benebikira Sisters of Rwanda
Catholic nuns and educators for their compassionate voices and work in caring for and sheltering the victims of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.
136. Greenpeace
International peace and environmental organization for decades of engaged activism that serves to inspire citizens of the world to embrace their moral authority and bring about needed social change in the world.
137. Desmond Tutu
Anti-apartheid spiritual leader of South Africa who provided his country and the world with a moral understanding of the evils of apartheid and the importance and power of truth and reconciliation on the path to healing his nation.
138. Frank Robinson
Visionary and founder of Camp Arrowhead and Camp Warren for working with the Amputee Veteran’s Association to create America’s first day camp for children with physical disabilities and creating camping opportunities for children and young adults for over a half a century.
139. Dennis Kucinich
U.S. Congressman from Ohio for speaking out against the obscenity of war, Wall Street greed, and materialism, while giving voice to the needs of all people as well as animals as a Vegan Peacemaker.
140. Nelson Mandela
Anti-apartheid leader and first president of a free South Africa for his courage, commitment, and extraordinary willingness to forgive and reconcile after 27 years in prison.
141. Joan Baez
Singer, songwriter, and musician for her extraordinary commitment to peace, social and economic justice, human rights, and the environment, on and off stage throughout the world, for over a half of century.
142. Anne Montgomery
Catholic nun, pacifist, educator, and peace activist for a lifetime of service to those in need in America and in war-torn countries throughout the world.
143. Fiona Jensen / Calmer Choice
Occupational Therapist, educator, and founder of Calmer Choice for her impassioned commitment to address the urgent issues of violence, suicide, and self-destructive behaviors in young people through mindfulness training on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
144. Vicki Poppe
Culinary philanthropist and spiritual teacher for her commitment to the study and practical application of the principles of unconditional love and service through A Course in Miracles.
145. Jane O’Hara
Artist and animal rights activist for her paintings of companion and food production animals that stir the conscience and attitudes toward the animals we claim we love.
146. George Greenamyer
Public art sculptor for creating works of art that challenge corporate greed, religious hypocrisy, and corrupt politics in American society.
147. Matt Mitchell
Impassioned Artist for his commitment to sharing the stories of soldiers who went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan through portraits and words that tell the true cost of war.
148. Mary Lampert / Pilgrim Watch and Pilgrim Coalition
Educator and anti-nuclear activist for her decades-long challenge to Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station and her commitment to educating the public about the potential dangers and risks with nuclear energy.
149. Pam Benjamin / Sense of Wonder Creations
Educator and camp founder for 25 years of encouraging the inherent talent, beauty, and creativity of young children through peace and environmental programs.
150. Maureen Gaynor
Author, activist, and musician for her dedication, personal example, and extraordinary leadership in the Disability Rights Movement in the United States.
