The John Humphrey Centre engages with the public in a variety of way either through our training programs, public events or volunteer opportunities (which we advertise through this blog and on our site). There are always things happening at the JHC so watch this space for updates or if you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter to ensure you get regular updates!
In the interest of building community, most of the projects for non-youth (that is, anyone who doesn’t consider themselves youth) fall under the Human Rights City Edmonton initiative, which seeks to build a collaborative community where the human rights and dignity of all are recognized and respected. The projects for youth (up to the age of 28) are part of the Ignite Change Now! Program, which builds youth capacity for empowerment, future professional and personal development and creating leaders of tomorrow for today.
Training Programs
The John Humphrey Centre believes that change begins with individual actions and thoughts. Our training programs are designed to engage you with topics and issues in our community and in the global community.
1. Human Rights Facilitator Training Program ($199): The Human Rights Facilitator Training Program is an intensive 10 week program designed to ‘train the trainers’–that is, empower local community members with the tools and skills they need to go out into their community and facilitate discussions on human rights issues. Past facilitators of this program have been in high-demand especially in the workplace and amongst community groups.
This is one of the most popular programs offered by the JHC; the Human Rights Facilitator Training Program fills up fast. If you are interested in this program, be sure to sign up for the newsletter to ensure you hear about it from us first.
2. Youth Action Project ($99): This program takes youths between the ages of 15-26 on a journey through Edmonton’s community organizations to learn about the various issues facing our community then take action by volunteering! By visiting different organizations and locations, youth get a close-up look at how Edmonton’s human rights community work.
This is part of the Ignite Change Now! Program which also includes the Rural Youth Forum(s), the Global Youth Assembly and the Youth Voices Publication.
YAP is fantastic for youth looking to build CAS hours (if they are IB students); youth looking for something to do; and students looking for volunteer hours for resume-building purposes.
Public Events
The JHC often holds public events to celebrate, discuss or present ideas, visions and issues relating to human rights in Edmonton. These are offered to the general public for free or at a small cost and everyone is welcomed.
1. Human Rights Cafe Dialogue Series: taking place every first Sunday of the month, this pilot project is an opportunity for the general public to get together with other individuals to discuss human rights issues. The topics are set around recognized International Days (see here for a full schedule) and are led by a Human Rights Facilitator (see above) or invited speakers. We host these at Three Bananas Cafe to help support local businesses.
2. Human Rights City Edmonton Human Rights Awards: held every year in commemoration of International Human Rights Day (December 10), the Human Rights Awards recognizes the contributions and hard-work of Edmontonians in five categories: Individual, Youth, Business, Organization and New/Emerging. Nominations are open to the public and the winners are chosen by committee, usually activists involved with different sectors of Edmonton’s human rights community. This event features the Awards ceremony, a keynote speech, refreshments and silent auction, raising money to help the JHC continue on with its work.
Volunteer Opportunities
The John Humphrey Centre usually recruits volunteers for specific programs such as large-scale conferences, events and programs. Calls go out through our newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and direct emails whenever we are looking for people. We regretfully don’t employ volunteers for day-to-day matters as the JHC is a small office.
1. Youth Educators for Human Rights:Â Educators will gain skills in experiential methods of training for and of human rights to children and youth and will assist with the implementation of our annual Rights in the Sun Summer Camp programming as well as requests throughout the year for human rights sessions for children in schools throughout our community.
One full day training sessions will be delivered in June. You only need to take one of these training sessions and support us with the implementation of a minimum of four sessions throughout the summer to receive your certificate as a Youth Educator for Human Rights.
If you have any questions, concerns or interest in anything you see above, please feel free to contact us!
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