Journalists For Human Rights (JHR)

Journalists for Human Rights is a charitable organization committed to using the power of the media to effect positive social change. We design and produce media-driven awareness campaigns to engage and educate students in issues of human rights and justice. By increasing the quality and quantity of human rights reporting, JHR pressures abusers to stop and empowers victims to fight back. Our task, simply put, is to build knowledge about human rights in our communities. We work collaboratively to coordinate domestic and international projects that build capacity for human rights reporting.

Our chapter at the University of Alberta consists of dynamic young individuals who recognize the power of media and journalism to effect positive change. The media plays a larger role in influencing and shaping the social attitudes and behaviors of the youth. The media has the power to motivate and inspire young Canadians to make a difference in their communities, and ultimately in the world community. As student journalists, it is important that we report on human rights issues to ensure that everyone is aware of the global situation.

Our activities and plans for the year include starting up our radio show on CJSR(SpeakRadioJHR), creating a newsletter (online and print), inviting speakers for discussions, and hosting a Fact vs. Fiction Film Festival. In our major national fundraiser in February - "Speak Silence" - members take a collective vow of silence for 48 hours in solidarity with all those in the world who have been silenced by human rights abuses. The main goal of all of our projects is to increase awareness about human rights abuses. By educating others, we hope to make a small difference in a world that has gone astray from the path of justice.

JHR is located on the Lower Level of SUB in the Student's Groups Lounge, office 040B.

Please contact for more details.

JHR NEWS!!

JHR (Journalists for Human Rights) call-out:

1. Are you passionate about human rights and social justice issues? Ever thought of pairing that passion with writing or photography?

The U of A's Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) is seeking volunteer writers, photographers, and artists for our human rights publication - Speak News, an electronic newsletter sent out four times a year. Upcoming issues are slated for June, September, and December 2008, so you still have time to contribute!

If you are interested in contributing to SpeakNews as a writer, photographer, or designer OR if you want to be on our editorial board, please e-mail or subscribing to Speak News, e-mail jhr.speaknews@gmail.com.
Volunteers will be added to a separate volunteer listserv.

For more information on JHR, visit www.jhr.ca


2. SpeakNews E-Newsletter, Vol 1, Issue 1.

In this issue:
• Editor's Message
• Local News - Racial Profiling
• National News - Lubicon Cree
• International News - Human Rights in China
• International News - Domestic Foreign Workers
• Alternative Views - A Soldier in Afghanistan
• Alternative Views - Palestine, Time to Get Informed
• Did You Know...?
• Human Rights Resources

Speak News is part of a growing grassroots media movement aiming to cover those stories and viewpoints that often go under-reported in the mainstream media. Speak News aims to cover human rights and social justice news stories occurring at the local, national and international levels, in addition to presenting alternative opinions on these issues. This e-newsletter will be published 4 times a year.