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New Human Rights Education Initiative Launches in Indianapolis

(Washington, D.C. | February 16, 2016) Thanks to a partnership with the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative (KKMI), Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is proud to announce that teachers from Indianapolis schools will participate in a two day Speak Truth To Power (STTP) training on February 17 and 18, 2016 at the Peace Learning Center in Indianapolis.

“This terrific collaboration with KKMI will enable us to reach thousands of teachers and students in Indianapolis and beyond,” said John Heffernan, Executive Director of Speak Truth To Power. “Students need to commit themselves to holding society to the highest standard of justice and equality.”

Speak Truth To Power, a project of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, is a global initiative inspired by Kerry Kennedy’s book Speak Truth To Power: Human Rights Defenders Who are Changing Our World. The curriculum uses the experiences of courageous defenders from around the world to educate students and others about human rights and urge them to take action. Issues range from slavery and environmental degradation to religious self-determination and political participation.

The training marks the second year in which KKMI has sponsored the STTP training for Indianapolis teachers. “We can’t leave this to chance,” said Judge David J. Dreyer, Board Chair of KKMI. “Our future depends upon our youth becoming conscientious and informed. This curriculum lays the foundation for Indianapolis schools to make a difference.”

“This training is essential for teachers to learn best practices to inspire students to get involved in the community,” said Michelle Haddix of Herron High School, who attended last year’s training.

As Robert Kennedy once said about education [it is] “…the key to human dignity”—the key to a more just and peaceful world.