Announcing Launch of Human Rights Educators USA!!-December 10-International Human Rights Day

Announcing Human Rights Educators USA–Official Launch

Ithaca, New York (December 1, 2012) – Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA), a newly established network, is officially open for membership as of International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2012. Inspired by the 2011 UN Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training, which emphasizes the importance of human rights to every child’s education, HRE USA joins the global movement to use research-based methods to build a culture of respect for human rights though education.

Human Rights Education (HRE) is a lifelong process of teaching and learning that helps individuals develop the knowledge, skills, and values to fully exercise and protect the human rights of themselves and others; to fulfill their responsibilities in the context of universal human rights principles; and to achieve justice and peace in their communities and the world. The Human Rights Educators USA network facilitates its members’ collaboration and supports their efforts to:

• integrate HRE into formal and non-formal educational settings, such as schools, universities, and organizations working with youth;
• foster education that promotes respect for every child’s dignity, provides opportunities for meaningful participation, and upholds freedom from discrimination and all forms of violence;
• advocate for the inclusion of HRE in national and state education policies, standards, curricula, and pedagogy;
• provide pre-service and in-service teacher training programs and HRE resources;
• contribute to global research and scholarship on HRE; and
• empower educators and learners to enjoy and exercise their rights and to respect and uphold the rights of others.

Through its website, hreusa.net, the network offers educators, activists, scholars, and organizations working with youth a wealth of information, curriculum resources, and current research. The network also provides members with opportunities for direct engagement through its working groups on topics of interest such as policy and advocacy, higher education, after-school and community-based programs, K-12 curriculum, and early childhood education.

For more information, please contact:

Felisa Tibbitts, Co-chair                                          Sarah Herder, Co-chair

Phone                                                                                    612-746-4691

Email                                                                          sherder@advrights.org