Volunteer Highlight: Tibetha Kemble
How and why did you first get involved with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC)?
I applied to be a Board member in 2023 based on a public call out for new members. I am/was particularly drawn to the space of human rights based on personal and lived experience as an Indigenous woman in what is now Alberta, and wanting to contribute to JHC in achieving their mission, while also exploring and building space for Indigenous Peoples to see themselves as distinct rights-holders.
How long have you been a volunteer with JHC?
Since 2024.
Can you describe some of the activities you do as a volunteer?
Supporting as a member of the Board of Directors and events as they come up. I also support the Civil Society Organization work led by JHC.
What has surprised you the most about this role?
The depth and breadth of skill, knowledge, and expertise not only among board members, but amongst staff. Being immersed in this space has grown my personal awareness of the vastness of human rights, as well as human rights abuses/violations, and has shown me what it means to show up as a good relative in this space.
What is it like to volunteer with JHC as a whole?
The gift of a lifetime.
Are there any learnings or challenges you have experienced through this work that you’d like to share?
I didn't know what I didn't know until I knew it. Now I can't unknow it.
Anything else you'd like to share with us about your volunteer experience? Or insights you'd share with volunteers interested in supporting this type of work?
This has been the most impressive and safe place to learn and grow as a citizen, relative, and board member.
Thank you to all our volunteers for everything you to do to support the work of the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights!
While we are not actively recruiting volunteers at this time, we work with several wonderful partners and local organizations that we are happy to refer folks to. You can also follow us on social media via our handle @jhcentre or sign up to receive our monthly newsletter to stay up to date on events and volunteer opportunities in the future.