Be The Change: Upstanders for Human Rights

Vanita Gupta: Dedicated to fighting racism, NAACP lawyer Vanita Gupta helped thirty-five African Americans falsely accused of drug-related crimes in Tulia, Texas.

Martin O'Brien: Committed to the practice of non-violence since the age of twelve, peace activist Martin O’Brien worked to advance human rights in Northern Ireland.

Ernest Guevarra: Concerned about helping those most in need, Dr. Ernest Guevarra promoted healthcare and human rights in battle-torn areas of the Philippines.

Arn Chorn Pond: Devoted to peace and human rights education, genocide survivor Arn Chorn Pond helped young immigrant gang members in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Yinka Jegede-Ekpe: Diagnosed with HIV at age nineteen, AIDS activist Yinka Jegede-Ekpe bravely stepped forward to fight for the rights of Nigerian women infected with HIV/AIDS.

During this interactive/ multidisciplinary workshop we will focus on civic choices—the decisions people make about themselves and others in their community, nation, and world. In the early twenty first century, democracy continues to be a work in progress. The choices people make, both large and small, may not seem important at the time, but little by little they shape us as individuals and responsible global citizens.

The workshop will highlight specific activities and approaches educators might use in bringing web-based education to classrooms with varying skill levels of access to technology. There is an abundance of amazing websites for students and teachers that foster social justice and human rights, encourage critical thinking and literacy skills and we will highlight some of them, as well.

Participants will receive a teaching resource packet and a “Choosing to Participate” study guide.

Facing History and Ourselves is an educational non-profit organization that engages students throughout the world in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry.