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How we’re engaging the next generation of human rights defenders
We know that empowering students is an investment in the future. As we reflect on the first half of 2024, we are filled with pride for the strides we have made advocating for human rights and justice.
Robert F. Kennedy believed that “our youth are our greatest natural resource.” To that end, here is what we are up to:
Empowering Through Education
Our Human Rights Education (HRE) program has continued to thrive:
- Theater and Human Rights Workshops: Our partnership with El Dia Despues in Mexico empowers students to highlight local human rights defenders through inspiring monologues. These workshops have reached over 500 community members, showcasing stories of resilience and advocacy.
- Youth Organizing and Arts: In New York City, we have engaged students in organizing workshops and music programs, helping them connect their lived experiences with broader human rights issues.
- Innovative Educational Partnerships: We collaborate with notable institutions like SUNY Stony Brook, the United Federation of Teachers, and the TriBeCa Festival to enrich our programs and expanding our reach.
- Youth Engagement: 30 New York City students participated in our organizing workshops, learning how to effect change in their communities.
- Educator Training: Over 100 educators attended our seminar in Athens, enhancing their ability to teach human rights.
- Empowering Young Leaders: The John Lewis Young Leaders (JLYL) welcomed a new cohort for the 2024-2025 academic year, providing mentorship, resources, and access to an extensive human rights network for college students who are working to galvanize effective and sustainable change in their communities.
- Creative Outreach: Our video contest received over 400 submissions, including a new university category, reflecting the growing interest and engagement in human rights issues.
Looking Ahead
We are excited about initiatives already underway for the second half of 2024:
- Honoring Human Rights Heroes: We recently celebrated Arely Westley, an transgender rights and immigration advocate with the 2024 RFKHR Human Rights Award.
- Public Hearings: We plan to bring the families of police killing victims before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to seek justice.
- Continued Educational Outreach: We will host summer workshops focused on service-learning and human rights education, with screenings and discussions planned for the fall.
A Legacy of Justice
As we look to the future, we are reminded of the words of my father, Robert F. Kennedy: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” Our work today is a continuation of his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights.
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