David Kaczynski to Receive Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award

NYSDRA is pleased to announce that the 2010 Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award will be presented to David Kaczynski, the executive director of New Yorkers for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NYADP) and the brother of Theodore Kaczynski - the so-called Unabomber.

Theodore Kaczynski was arrested in 1996 after David and his wife Linda approached the FBI with their suspicions that Theodore might be involved in a series of bombings that caused three deaths and numerous injuries over 17 years. After leading a successful statewide campaign to end New York’s flawed and ineffective capital punishment system, David has focused his organization’s work on promoting community initiatives that address the root causes of violence and that provide meaningful assistance to those directly affected.

He has also found a unique friendship and partnership with Gary Wright, one of his brother’s bombing victims. Together, the two have traveled the country sharing their insights about healing with academics, victims’ groups and the public.

David's dedication to finding solutions to human problems through understanding and compassion as opposed to violence and coercion led NYSDRA to recognize him with this award. His story touches on the things we must learn and the balances we must achieve to keep our sense of humanity alive through adversity and crisis.

The Andrew Thomas PeaceBuilder Award was established in 1996 to honor individuals and organizations that have promoted the field of alternative dispute resolution.  Selection of recipients is based on such criteria as promoting the welfare of society as a public official, community volunteer or social service organization in support of a peaceful community, and advocating for peaceful alternative dispute resolution means for resolving conflict.

The 2010 award will be presented to David at NYSDRA’s 25th Anniversary Conference in October.