Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project

Kathy with Mayor Jacobs

The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project is proud to announce that Executive Director Kathy McKay has been awarded the 2009 Human Rights Award from the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission. Ms. McKay received the award on January 19, 2010 from the St. Louis Park Mayor and City Council.

According to the Council report, “McKay was nominated for her work with the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project. She became involved in IARP as a volunteer Executive Director in 2007 and… has been involved in a variety of ways to promote (IARP’s) mission. She has worked on letter writing projects between children of both countries; multiple exhibits of original art by current Iraqis including a two month art exhibit at Sabes Jewish Community Center and two nights of multi-faith programming at the JCC; initiation and successful establishment of the sister city relationship between Najaf and Minneapolis; and most recently planning and implementation of a delegation of 13 Iraqi professionals for a two-week visit to the Twin Cities, including St. Louis Park.”

Through her involvement with IARP, McKay has sought to increase awareness, sensitivity and appreciation of the Iraqi people and their centuries-old culture. Under McKay’s leadership, IARP has formed concrete interpersonal, community, business, cultural, and academic connections between Iraqis and Americans. The organization’s mission is to promote reconciliation between the people of the United States and Iraq in response to the devastation affecting Iraqi families, society, and culture. IARP recognizes the common humanity of the people of Iraq and the people of the United States.

IARP Board Member Steve Clemens says, “Kathy has graciously provided leadership and inspiration for IARP and our Board since the beginning. She has worked tirelessly in helping secure the Sister City recognition and directed our efforts to make sure our visiting delegation from Najaf had a meaningful and educational visit. It is especially gratifying that she received this from her own community of St. Louis Park.”

Each year, the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission coordinates an award to honor individuals that contribute understanding and cooperation between people of different backgrounds. Award recipients are recognized as leaders who support the city’s vision of a community in which diversity is a natural part of everyday life. Nominations are made by community members and the winners are selected by the Human Rights Commission.

Al Nettles, another IARP Board Member, added that he is “deeply appreciative of the City of St Louis Park’s recognition of Kathy McKay’s central role in collaborating a very diverse group of approaches to establishing peace and human to

Kathy with IARP Board Members Paul Perkal, Al Nettles, and Steve Clemens

human insight and friendship on a non-governmental level. There were no maps or outlines beyond willingness to be flexible and inclusive of the many ideas, religions and strengths that the various committees and board members had to offer. Kathy blended them gracefully and positively. The City’s award is a reward for the ecumenical goal we share: “May the children of Abraham–Christians, Jews, Muslims–awaken to their kinship as brothers and sisters.”