GREENFIELD — The town’s Human Rights Commission has presented its 2016 Human Rights Award to Joan Featherman, who Chairman Philippe Simon called “an excellent example of human rights work in the community.”
“I really appreciate this award,” Featherman said. “I’ve been doing activism of one sort or another all of my adult life.”
She said her biggest piece of work, which helped change the social conversation, was in the area of violence against women and children.
“I was lucky enough not only to be able to work locally and was one of many people involved in starting NELCWIT (New England Learning Center for Women in Transition), but also the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. I was involved in the formation of that group, which still exists today.”
Featherman was also on the Human Rights Commission from 2004 to 2008, serving as chairwoman from 2005 to 2007.
“Now more than ever, we need people with big ideas who are willing to really devote themselves and their lives to peace and justice,” she said.
Simon said a plaque with Featherman’s name on it will be displayed among past award winners in Town Hall.
“That you so much for your work in the community, you’re an inspiration to all of us,” Simon told Featherman.