Stride ADVOCACY
Stride Advocacy began in 2016 as a collaboration between the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights and the Alberta Somali Community Centre, with the goal of educating and equipping community members with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. After a year, it became clear that while this education was critical, there was also a significant gap in supports to help community members navigate advocacy efforts. In response, Stride evolved into a volunteer, community-based initiative providing advocacy for individuals experiencing human rights violations in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), on Treaty 6 Territory. From there, it quickly expanded across Alberta and now operates nationally, continuing to grow and support individuals and communities across the country.
Another key element of Stride was the collaboration of agencies working together on human rights advocacy through a hub model—supporting clients collectively and leveraging each other’s strengths. This collaboration led to the development of the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights, with the John Humphrey Centre serving as the backbone agency until the Coalition formally incorporated and achieved charitable status in 2024.
Notice
After much reflection, we’ve made the thoughtful decision to conclude the individual advocacy support element of JHC’s Stride Advocacy Program, as this model is not financially sustainable in the long term. While we will no longer be accepting new individual cases, all active files will continue to be supported and closed with care.
Going forward, our focus will be on building community capacity, offering training, and driving systemic change, continuing our commitment to advancing human rights and creating broader impact.
For any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@jhcentre.org. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Stride Advocacy Portal
Have your rights—or someone else's—been violated?
If you're ready to speak up for yourself or advocate on behalf of someone else, the Stride Portal is here to help.
Whether you’re looking for clear steps to take, helpful tools, or ways to get connected, our portal offers practical resources for self-advocacy and community action.
You'll also find information about our journey in human rights advocacy through training, education, and community engagement.
Explore the Stride Portal and take the first step toward informed, empowered action.
Be part of the movement for lasting change.
Human Rights Advocacy Trainings
Since 2022, Stride Advocacy has been leading a 5-year initiative (2022–2027) to deliver human rights and advocacy training across Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. These sessions strengthen understanding of human rights and anti-discrimination frameworks, build connections among advocates, and equip participants with practical tools to address issues in their communities.
With support from the McConnell Foundation, the program has helped individuals and organizations increase awareness of rights, challenge discrimination, and foster long-term, community-led change. Participants who complete the 3-day training receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their commitment to equity and justice.
If you would like to bring a training to your organization or community, or to check for upcoming sessions, please visit our events calendar or email us at info@jhcentre.org.
Research Reports
Stride Advocacy advances human rights through community-driven, evidence-based research. Our projects highlight systemic gaps in human rights mechanisms, amplify lived experiences, and inform advocacy and policy solutions.
Here are some of our recent reports:
Alberta Human Rights Commission: Identifying Barriers and Solutions to Access (2023)
Examines the barriers individuals face when filing complaints with the AHRC and offers insights for improving access to justice.
👉 [Read the full report]Federal Commission Report: Identifying Barriers and Building Solutions (2021–2022)
Explores how the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Tribunal meet the needs of vulnerable populations, with recommendations for change.
👉 [Read the full report]Understanding the Role of Community-Based Advocacy in Access to Remedy (2024)
Analyzes Stride’s impact in helping marginalized communities navigate human rights systems.
👉 [Read the full report]
STRIDE ADVOCACY: BLOG POSTS
Here, you’ll find a collection of blog posts from various Stride events—including training, community engagements, and heartfelt testimonials from community members who have benefited from our advocacy work. These stories offer insight into the real-world impact of our efforts and the voices driving change. Take a read and see how Stride is making a difference—one community at a time.
In April 2024, a former staff member attended one of our Stride Trainings in Edmonton — and their experience left a lasting impression. They shared their reflections in a heartwarming blog post, capturing the impact of the training and the powerful moments of connection, learning, and growth. Take a moment to read their story — it's honest, inspiring, and a true reflection of what Stride is all about.
In May 2024, the Stride team travelled to Winnipeg for a powerful 3-day Human Rights Training series. The sessions brought together passionate participants, deep conversations, and transformative learning — all centered on advancing human rights and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Following the training, one participant shared a deeply moving reflection on their experience. It’s honest. It’s insightful. And it’s incredibly impactful. Take a moment to read it — you’ll be glad you did.
👉 [Winnipeg HR training 2024]
Regina was buzzing with excitement this past November as we hosted a 3-day Stride Human Rights Training in the city! Participants showed up with enthusiasm and open hearts, ready to learn, share, and grow together. The energy in the room was powerful — folks came not only to deepen their understanding of human rights, but also to explore how to become champions for themselves and others, especially those in vulnerable communities. It was a meaningful few days filled with connection, courage, and commitment to justice.
Portage was an absolute blast — and honestly, words can hardly capture the experience. Small towns deserve advocacy, and Portage proved just how powerful and needed that work is. During our 3-day Human Rights Training, we witnessed consistency, deep conversations, shared emotions, love, and trust among all who attended. Hosting the training on a reserve, just a short walk from a former residential school, added a profound emotional layer to our time there. The space held so much history — and the community met us with open hearts. Portage showed us love, and we’re deeply grateful. Highly recommend giving this reflection a read. It speaks to the strength of community and the importance of showing up — especially in places where it’s long overdue.
Human Rights Advocacy Training in Lethbridge, Alberta (2022)
Human Rights Advocacy Training in Winnipeg, Manitoba (2023)
