MTA Human & Civil Rights Awards Nomination

MTA Human & Civil Rights Awards

The MTA Human and Civil Rights Awards were established in 1983 to recognize individuals and groups working to advance civil rights and human relations. The awards, presented by the Human Relations Committee, are named for two longtime MTA members whose lives and legacies reflect their extraordinary dedication, perseverance and idealism.
Nomination Guidelines
Do you know an individual or a group in your local, school or community deserving of recognition for:
- Promoting equal opportunity for women and people of color?
- Improving the lives of people traditionally excluded by society?
- Helping to eliminate racism and sexism?
- Demonstrating creativity in providing and improving opportunities for children, families and underserved members of the community?
- Promoting an appreciation of diversity?
- Community service and volunteerism?
The MTA Human and Civil Rights Awards were established in 1983 to recognize individuals and groups working to advance civil rights and human relations. The awards are named for two longtime MTA members whose lives and legacies reflect their extraordinary dedication, perseverance and idealism.
- Louise Gaskins Lifetime Civil Rights Award. This award is named for Louise Gaskins, a pioneer for the involvement of women and people of color in education, the MTA and the NEA. Nominees for this award should embody the qualities of humility, leadership and tenacity that Louise Gaskins has brought wherever she has served.
- Kathleen Roberts Creative Leadership Award. This award is named for Kathleen Roberts, a former MTA president whose extraordinary commitment to service made her a tireless advocate for public education, communities and the profession of educators. Nominees for this award should exemplify the volunteerism and leadership that characterized Kay Roberts' selfless contributions through political action, community organizing and mentoring.
The MTA will make a substantial charitable donation in the name of each recipient.

Award recipients will be recognized at the Human Relations Committee's 2026 Human and Civil Rights Awards Banquet on July 26. Please plan to attend this year's awards ceremony and encourage your local and school colleagues to join you!
Nominations
I'm nominating an individual who is: (Please select one.)

A member of a local association or MTA Retired.Not eligible for MTA membership.
If the nominee is a member, please list the local association they are affiliated with:
Name of individual, group or organization being nominated.
Address of nominee

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Home phone number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Work phone number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email
example@example.com
My nomination is for: (Please selection one.)

Louise Gaskins Lifetime Civil Rights AwardKathleen Roberts Creative Leadership Award

MTA Human & Civil Rights Awards

Nomination Guidelines

Nominations

Submitted by

Supporting Documents for Nominations

Materials must be received by the MTA no later than April 20, 2026.