Each year the Community recognized a person whose work embodied ethical courage. The honor was not a prize for agreement. It was a way of noticing people who put conscience into practice in public life.
The honor roll includes writers, physicians, organizers, journalists, clergy, judges, and public servants. Their fields differ; the common thread is a willingness to act on a moral commitment when it carried a cost.
2016Juliet SchorResearch on work, consumption, and the culture of economics
2015Zygmunt J. B. PlaterLegal and civic work for environmental protection
2014Dr. James O'ConnellCare for patients without stable housing
2013Frances Moore LappéFood justice and citizen action against hunger
2012Fr. Walter CueninA priest who spoke for his congregation
2011Stanley HoffmannStudy of ethics in world affairs
2010Barry BluestoneUrban policy and the life of local communities
2009Pam WilmotLeadership of Common Cause Massachusetts
2008Dr. Jerome KassirerCriticism of industry influence in medicine
2007W. Michael HoffmanFounding work in business ethics at Bentley
2006Joe BergantinoInvestigative reporting for broadcast news
2005Dr. Marcia AngellWriting and advocacy on medical ethics and health reform
2004Jean McGuireMETCO and the struggle for equal schooling
2003Prof. George AnnasEthics in medicine and public health
2002Dr. Joseph GersteinExposing unfair drug pricing
2001Doris HaddockA long walk for fair elections
2000Nikki Nichols GambleDefense of reproductive freedom
1999Dr. David KernHonesty in medical research
1998Anna BissonetteHousing and care for older and ailing people
1997Drs. David Himmelstein and Stephanie WoolhandlerUniversal care and professional independence
1996Rev. Bruce WallViolence prevention and youth organizing
1995Margo Stern StromFounding Facing History and Ourselves
1994Jon HolmesReform of drug policy
1993Jane AlexanderSupport for women without homes
1992Dr. Margot O'TooleTruthfulness in scientific research
1991Jim BraudePublic conversation about fair taxes
1990Stewart GuernseyShelter for people without housing
1989Larry KesslerFounding the AIDS Action Committee
1988Peggy CharrenFounding Action for Children's Television
1987Dr. Jonathan FineAdvocacy for people who are silenced
1986Senator Jack BackmanA legislative voice for human concern
1985Judge Paul GarrityUsing the courts to improve housing and the environment
1984Lewis H. SpenceHousing policy centered on dignity
1983Barbara Ferrer and Carol JohnsonWork on behalf of people without housing
1982Joshua Rubenstein and New England Amnesty InternationalCampaigning against torture
1981Fr. Robert DrinanA life in public service
1980Dr. Helen CaldicottPublic education about nuclear danger
1979Gerald O'Neil and the Boston Globe Spotlight TeamInvestigative reporting
1977Congressman Michael HarringtonDisclosure and public accountability
1976Louise BruynA peace walk to Washington
1975Elma LewisArts and cultural life
1974John BoonePrison reform
The roster is reproduced as a factual record from the Community's previous site. Some titles and descriptions have been shortened for clarity.
For the national humanist community, see the American Ethical Union and the American Humanist Association.