Nominations for the 2026 Upstander Awards, hosted by the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, are officially live. It’s part of the 2026 Cohen Family Upstander Month, an entire month dedicated to showcasing the inspiring upstanders in our community, bringing neighbors together, and highlighting the best of humanity.
We understand the term “upstander” may not be part of your everyday vocabulary. That’s why we’re breaking down exactly what it means, and how you can identify and nominate upstanders in your community.
#1: What is an upstander?
Upstanders are people who stand up for themselves and others. They harness their character strengths to meet their moment and pursue justice, both great and small, inspiring others to do the same.
#2: What kinds of actions do upstanders take?
The possibilities are endless! Our Upstander Award finalists and winners each have a unique story that creates a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.
For example…
Dan Meyer, recipient of the 2025 Business Upstander of the Year Award, provides second-chance employment to individuals facing barriers such as past incarceration, addiction and poverty.
Terrisenia Denham, recipient of the 2024 Frank Bergstein Award for Bravery, rescued three people from a burning vehicle after it exploded outside her home.
LeTecia Cunningham, recipient of the 2023 Edith Carter Award for Love, is an Emergency Shelter Case Manager, and walks the streets of Cincinnati giving out sandwiches, hygiene products, and blankets to the city’s unhoused community.
Rev. Kate Smith, 2022 Upstander Award recipient, organized a multi-site food distribution program during the early height of COVID-19, ensuring local children could still access lunch every day, despite not going to school.
Anyone, at any time, has the capability to be an upstander. Upstanding can happen at any age, and in any place. For the 2026 Upstander Awards, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- A nominee must be at least 10 years old.
- A nominee must live, study, or work within the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.
- A nominee exhibits what it means to be an upstander.
#3: How do I submit a nomination?
Nominations are accepted online via this form. All nominees will be carefully reviewed by an esteemed committee, and finalists will be contacted in spring 2026. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Upstander Awards Gala on June 14, 2026 at historic Union Terminal, featuring a special guest speaker.
#4: How many people can I nominate?
There is no limit to the number of people you may nominate. We appreciate you identifying so many upstanders who inspire the best of humanity!
#5: What can I do next?
- Take the VIA Character Strengths survey to understand how you can impact the community for the better.
- Visit the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center to learn why being an upstander is important, and how upstanders have played a role throughout history
- Bring upstander programs to your community. Contact Brittany Pavely, Director of Youth and Professional Learning, to learn more about the customizable trainings and workshops available to your organization.
