December 10 is International Human Rights Day, celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On that date this year, 2025, the Ulster County Human Rights Commission held its first annual Human Rights Community Recognition Awards.

Two individuals and two organizations received awards for their commitment to equity, dignity, and justice for all:

  • Jo Shuman, mental health nurse;
  • Diana Zuckerman, coordinator, Amnesty International Mid-Hudson;
  • the Institute for Family Health; and
  • the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network.

Coincidentally, Jo and Diana are long-time friends of UIDN and we have collaborated with Amnesty Mid-Hudson and the Institute for Family Health.

UIDN’s award was presented by Unitarian Universalist minister, Leonisa Ardizzone*, and accepted in honor of Father Frank Alagna. Here are excerpts from Reverend Ardizzone’s remarks.

I began to volunteer with UIDN shortly after meeting Father Frank about eight years ago. During [pandemic] lockdown my family was paired with a UIDN family from Guatemala. We’d bring groceries and gifts…and are still in contact. That’s what sets UIDN apart. It’s not about charity…. UIDN is an invitation to include and support our neighbors in true community.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is shown above at the podium during the awards ceremony.

Since 2020, UIDN has served over 2,000 households and 6,500 individuals, providing  food, transportation, and help with rent and utilities. As it has grown,  UIDN has added case management and free legal clinics and helped start a housekeeping coop and a women’s group.

What’s happening in the USA today reminds me of my time in Guatemala during their civil war, the time of the desaparacidos — the disappeared — when people were snatched off the streets never to be seen again. As we live through the same thing now, we all need to stand with UIDN and be part of caring for these important community members, our siblings.

Thank you to UIDN for upholding, supporting, and advocating for the Human Rights of some of our most challenged and targeted neighbors.

* Reverend Ardizzone is a visiting assistant professor at Vassar College and founder of the Peace Education Center of the Hudson Valley.