Previous Embrace Civility Award honorees include Dr. Steven Jacobs. (photo courtesy of the city of Beverly Hills)

Beverly Hills residents have until Monday, Aug. 31, to nominate community members who exemplify kindness, respect and compassion for the city’s annual Embrace Civility Award.

Presented by the Beverly Hills Health and Human Relations Commission, the award recognizes individuals who make meaningful contributions to civility and positivity in the community.

Commission Chair Rose Kaiserman said nominees can demonstrate those values in many ways, including serving as role models for positive behavior, standing up for respect and responsibility and fostering relationships between neighbors.

Kaiserman said recognizing those contributions is particularly important at a time when kindness and civility can sometimes feel in short supply.

“It recognizes people in the community who make a difference simply by treating others with kindness, respect and compassion,” Kaiserman said. “That may be something we’re lacking within the last few years, and I believe we can come back to that place and promote it again.”

Past recipients include Beverly Hills Education Foundation President Tina Wiener, whom Kaiserman highlighted for her years of work supporting local schools and raising money for students.

“She’s always promoting our schools to our community,” Kaiserman said. “She does fundraisers that help the children. She’s just a very positive person overall.”

Kaiserman also noted past recipient Karen Setian, who established the Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation following the death of his son. She said Setian has supported Beverly Hills schools and the city’s police and fire departments and helped organize programs educating students about the consequences of drinking and driving.

The award is intended not only to recognize one community member, but also to encourage others to reflect on how their own actions can contribute to a more respectful community, Kaiserman said.

“I believe small acts of kindness can have a big impact,” she said. “I also hope that this award inspires all of us to be a little kinder and to do more thoughtful things towards one another.”

Nominees may be of any age but must be a Beverly Hills resident, city employee or affiliated with a business or organization that has operated in Beverly Hills for at least one year. Nominations must be submitted by Aug. 31.

For information and to submit a nomination, visit  beverlyhills.org /1412/embrace-civility-award.