The Ames Human Relations Commission is currently accepting nominations for the 2007 Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individual contributions in making Ames an accepting community of diversity.

According to the nomination form, the award winner will be chosen based on his or her contributions to making Ames community members feel welcome, regardless of race, religion, culture, gender or age.

The ceremony will “recognize and honor young people that have exhibited the six pillars of character,” said Mary Jo Mattila, coordinator for the event.

Other guidelines for award nominees are depth of involvement in the community’s human relations, the impact of their efforts, the number of activities that the nominee is engaged in to help promote equality amongst residents and the amount of time the nominee has donated in promoting healthy human relations in the community.

Application and nomination forms are due Feb. 1 to the city manager’s office, 515 Clark Ave. Individuals, businesses or organizations can be nominated.

The commission will meet 7 p.m. Thursday at the City Council chambers to further discuss the award and to review the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration that took place over last week’s holiday.

The event, which usually takes place at the Boys and Girls Club of Story County, was held at Ames High School.

“The number of people attending outgrew the space at the Boys and Girls Club [so it] seemed to work out quite well having it at the high school,” said assistant city manager Sheila Lundt.

The commission will also talk about the CHARACTER COUNTS! recognition ceremony that is planned for March 22.