Article 26: Amnesty International's Human Rights Education Update (July 2005)



Article 26
Human Rights Education
Amnesty International - USA
July 13, 2005

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Dear Educator Activist,

For many of you, the transition to summer is well under way, for others, it
is just beginning, and for some, well...  Whether in a school, in your
community or at home, the work that we have all committed to continues.

This issue of Article 26 will be a short one but keep your computers on, as
the next full issue will be sent within the month.  We are very pleased to
be able to commit a whole issue to a report out on the first year of the
School for Human Rights.  Along with our friends and colleagues at HREA and
the school, we hope to provide you with some insight into all of the work
and energy - success and challenges  - faced by the school.

Over the past year, we have heard from many of you.  You have volunteered
to help with projects, reviewed new materials, shared success, asked
questions and generally helped us gain a better understanding of how we can
best support your work.  That said, I know that there are more of you out
there and we need to hear from you.  I know that there are teachers
reaching their students in creative, real and powerful ways...challenging
communities to engage with human rights in ways that are relevant and
necessary if we are to bring to life the positive value system of human
rights.

We want to hear from you!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

HRE HIGHLIGHTS

I always enjoy sharing highlights of the past year, so please indulge me:

NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Our partnership with the NEA continues to grow on many fronts.  In addition
to the very much-appreciated financial donation, a representative from
AIUSA co-presented a session at Civil and Human Rights Joint Conference and
the next issue of the 4th R will feature our newly co-branded page.  As we
continue to roll out this partnership, ideas are welcome!

- - - -

SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER

Human rights activists who have and continue to speak truth to power also
speak truth to young and old alike and, along the way, inspire many to take
action in their communities and globally.

Events in Atlanta and Pasadena included programs with area students, the
stunning photo exhibit, and the production of Voices from Beyond the Dark.

Over the course of the next year, AIUSA hopes to partner with Speak Truth
to Power to bring this program to 20 cities across the US.  Visit their web
site to learn more about Speak Truth to Power and the events in Atlanta and
Pasadena.

READ MORE
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=305607&l=13641

- - - -

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TOLERANCE EDUCATION

Located in the DUMBO section of Brooklyn, the center houses many
organizations working for human rights and social justice.  Walking through
the center, it is clear that good and important work is happening.  In
addition, the center supports meetings, trainings and workshops coordinated
with organizations such as HREA, a number of public schools and the
University of Minnesota, Center for Human Rights.  Activism and coalition
work at another place to call home in New York!

READ MORE
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=305607&l=13649

LEARN MORE
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=305607&l=13642

- - - -

HUMAN RIGHTS 101, PBS 13

As always, an amazing experience as young people from schools throughout
the New York metro area bring human rights to life.  	My words cannot do
this program justice so visit their website to learn more.

LEARN MORE
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=305607&l=13643

- - - - - - - - - - - -

INSPIRING EDUCATORS

Charles Engle from Florida, Edwina Lynch from California, Sara Bokhari from
New York, Maureen Irvin from Illinois, Barbara P. Koller from Pennsylvania,
Lori Reed from Arizona, Genine L. Black from Georgia, Jennifer Norby from
South Carolina...just to name a few.  Thank you.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

NO TIME TO REST: STAY STRONG, STAY INSPIRED

So much to celebrate and yet, no time to rest.  Torture, violence against
women, juvenile incarceration (and the thriving business), the continued
challenges of No Child Left Behind in ensuring that all of our children get
the education they deserve, and the growing struggle for economic rights
and justice both in the US and globally continue to chip away at the
dignity of too many people.

How do we stay inspired?  In addition to the amazing efforts and
partnerships noted above, I would like to reference a person and a group of
people - my inspirations.  Mukhtaran Bibi of Pakistan.  The strength, the
power, the vision, and the hope that she exudes certainly reached me.  Her
actions, her decision to start a school in her community and her story must
be kept alive so that she can continue to be the force that she is.

LEARN MORE
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=305607&l=13645

My second inspiration?  A group of people without whom AIUSA's HRE program
would not exist: the National Steering Committee, the 4th R advisory, the
incredible interns - Cristine Barbaglia, Madhuri Kumar, Allisa Phillips,
Ryan Harrity, Janet Lee and of course, Pinar.

I wish you all a wonderful summer and hope that you find time to reflect
and rekindle your soul.  Look out for the next issue of Article 26,
covering year 1 of the School for Human Rights.  And please, share with us
what you are doing and let us know what you need so that together, we can
bring human rights into our worlds in real and tangible ways.  We may not
be able to do it all but collectively  - we will find a way.

Peace,
Karen



======== North American Human Rights Education listserv ========
Send mail intended for the list to <hr-education-na@hrea.org>.
Archives of the list can be found at:
http://www.hrea.org/lists/hr-education-na/markup/maillist.php
If you have problems (un)subscribing, contact
<owner-hr-education-na@hrea.org>.
**You are welcome to reprint, copy, archive, quote or re-post this item,
but please retain the original and listserv source.


[Reply to this message] [Start a new topic] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Author Index] [Subject Index] [List Home Page] [HREA Home Page]