The Advocates for Human Rights Awards 2012

Mike Farrell, best known to many as one of the stars of MASH, is a man whose life is much deeper and richer.  His soul rooted in integrity, humility, and seemingly boundless energy fed through his lifelong quest for human rights and dignity globally.

Last night he received the Don and Arvonne Fraser Human Rights Award at The Advocates for Human Rights 2012 Human Rights Awards Dinner. While a good day or week of retreat or a vacation in the wilderness, warmer climes is often touted as "just what the doctor ordered," being present at this dinner for the past several years has been for me "just what the doctor ordered" and last night followed suit.

Right here in Minnesota is one of the finest human rights organizations on the planet.  Our office works with them on a variety of issues including the human rights of women and children, the SAFE Harbors Law, a national model that holds those who traffic children for sexual purposes accountable while the children are treated as victims rather than as criminals, immigration reform and in seeking permanent resident status for Liberians who have been here "temporarily" for more than 20 years.

The program for the evening highlights the biography Farrell and local volunteer awardees.  Another advocate and I attended together.  Her area of expertise is restorative justice.  Farrell is the President of Death Penalty Focus so much of his speech addressed the need to educate rather than incarcerate humans!  He is no stranger to the struggles of life as he has worked for human rights causes in remote areas of the world, including Asia, and South America.

We both wanted to stay and purchase his book, have it signed.  It was not to be.  Our bodies urged us to end the day and order the book which I will when I get into the office today  It was a 20 minute drive from the event to my home, she as driver and I as her personal GPS.  She said things like, he named restorative justice and the racism inherent in the criminal justice system and the need for quality education for all children and ... and ... It was clear that each of us will move into our work today and in the weeks to come energized by The Advocates for Human Rights staff and volunteers - Don and Arvonne Fraser, and Mike Farrell.  And it is very good, very good indeed.  A retreat for the heart and soul on a Thursday night in June in a mere three hours!