Named “Community Collaborator of the Year” by Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona
Dr. Paul Friedman will be recognized by the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona as one of five “community heroes” who go “above and beyond “ to contribute to their local community, and gives each a “Spirit of Sedona” award. There are five categories for annual awards including Philanthropist, Volunteer, Nonprofit Organization, Business Benefactor, and Community Collaborator of the Year. Paul is being recognized as the Community Collaborator or the Year as someone “who demonstrates effective community engagement and leadership by working collaboratively across the community to improve the quality of life in Sedona and the Verde Valley.”
Paul is being honored for his work at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) including having facilitated two new classes per term for the last 12 years. He also facilitates the Lunch & Learn/Sedona Community Forum program, which has hosted nearly 200 community leaders for the whole community to meet, hear from, and dialogue with.
In addition, Paul founded and runs the Sedona Mediation Service (hosted by the Sedona City Manager’s Office), which helps local residents resolve disputes. And he has contributed to public education programs hosted by the Sedona Public Library, the League of Women Voters, the Sedona Women, Chamber of Commerce, Restorative Justice, the Jewish Community of Sedona, the Yavapai County Detention Center, the Verde Valley Forum, Hope House, the Humane Society, the Historical Society, SedonaKind, and several other groups.
This award comes with a grant of $1,000 from the ACF of Sedona that the honoree can donate to the non-profit organization of his choice.