September 2023 Volunteer Highlight: Lisa Vance and Vanja Spirić
What part of the province do you both volunteer from?
Lisa & Vanja: Edmonton, Alberta
What program(s) do you volunteer with at JHC?
Vanja: Stride Advocacy (Including poverty advocacy), Administration Support, Human Rights Facilitator, Human Rights Awards Planning Committee
Lisa: 75th Anniversary of the UNUDHR - Ignite Change Global Human Rights Convention, and the Human Rights Awards Event Planning Committee
How and why did you first get involved with JHC?
Vanja: I stumbled upon JHC back in 2018 when I had just moved to Edmonton. At that time, Stride Advocacy initiative was still in its early stages. I was looking to connect with people and build a sense of community in the new city. I attended one of the meetings and I was amazed by how friendly and welcoming everyone was.
Lisa: I first volunteered with JHC a couple of years ago. I really like and respect the work that JHC does around Human Rights.
What are your volunteer activities and what do they involve?
Vanja: Initially, I was involved with the Stride Advocacy but then later on I supported several other initiatives. More recently, I was involved in planning the 2023 Human Rights Award Ceremony.
Lisa: Currently I am helping organize the 15th Annual Human Rights Award event for the end of September as well as volunteering a bit with the 75th Anniversary of the UNUDHR - Ignite Change Global Human Rights Convention.
How long have you been a volunteer with JHC?
Vanja: I have been involved in JHC's work since 2018, but on a very irregular basis. I consider myself an ad hoc volunteer - I engage as needed and when my schedule allows. I appreciate that JHC allows for that type of engagement. I regularly attend workshops and events and that helps me stay informed about the work of JHC.
Lisa: I first volunteered as an Anti-Racism Facilitator in I believe 2021. I have been involved with the current initiatives since I believe April or May.
What is it like to volunteer for this initiative?
Vanja: I appreciate that I can offer my time and expertise to the initiatives that advance human rights education. Volunteering for JHC is unique because the roles are not strictly defined and rigid but everyone gets to bring their experiences, talents and interests to the table and shape the work that we are doing together towards advancement of freedom and dignity. And sometimes there are stretch opportunities! JHC will provide opportunities for volunteers to learn and grow and try something new.
Lisa: I enjoy it. I feel I learn a lot about human rights in Alberta and in Canada and some of the work that is being done.
Are there any learnings and/or challenges you have experienced through this work?
Lisa: Sometimes it is hard to contribute meaningfully because the staff and some of the other volunteers already know more than me about what is happening.
Vanja: The work that JHC leads comes with some inherent challenges related to pressures, and tensions that reflect those in our broader communities. Sometimes I think that JHC actively creates safe spaces where those tensions come to the surface. I learned to accept those experiences as part of being a human and to actively engage in reflection, debrief, and dialogue.
Interested in volunteering with JHC?
Visit Volunteer — John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (jhcentre.org) to check out the available volunteer positions and apply!