Esther and Carl Robinson have long been known in California’s Central Valley as diligent advocates for peace and justice for all – for the Common Good, in other words.  Our award is named for this couple who have shown many the way to foster positive community change.

Esther’s Quaker roots  may account for the fact that she is a bit more low key and patient than Carl.  Nonetheless, she has had many leadership roles in several Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) parishes over the last six or seven decades, was a founding member of Fresno Metro Ministry and served on its board for a number of terms, has worked with the League of Women Voters, was a board member for Church Women United, and a board member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship of the regional Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada.  She was an instrumental part of the Fresno House Church (Disciples of Christ) for 25 years and has participated in several area peace and justice groups.

Carl, on the other hand, cannot in any way be called low key or patient – at least not about matters of social justice.   With a Bachelors of Divinity granted in 1946, he has served several Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) parishes in Missouri, Iowa, and here in Fresno.  He concluded his professional (i.e., paid) career as chaplain at the then-Community Hospital (now, Community Health Systems).  Before and after retirement, Carl has been heavily involved in community activities, including:

Fresno Metro Ministry:  25 years on the board (including as president); Board Member Emeritus
Fresno Migrant Ministry:  Board Member
Fresno Ministerial Association:  Treasurer
University Religious Center, California State University, Fresno:  Board Member
Peace Education Task Force, Christian Church and United Church of Christ:  Member
Local VA:  Chaplain, part time, 1983-1996
Board of Directors of the Christian Church, N. California-Nevada:  Member (current)
Beth Harnish Lecture Board (CSUF): Member, 1963 to present

Carl offered up a list of qualities by which to judge prospective nominees for this award.  Persons worthy of this honor, Carl felt, should embody and value integrity, responsibility, mutual respect and trust, equality, freedom of expression, reverence for life, a capacity for shame and remorse, and a dedication to community-based projects. 

By these qualities, both Carl and Esther deserve this award.  Instead, we have chosen to honor these two wonderful citizens of this community, this nation, and this world in an on-going basis though the name of this award.