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WITNESS

http://www.witness.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=931&Itemid=44

 

WITNESS LAUNCHES OUR NORTH AMERICA PROGRAM & ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR CORE PARTNERS TO ADVANCE JUSTICE AND PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE U.S. & CANADA

Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.

-- Eleanor Roosevelt

Over the course of the last 16 years,WITNESS (www.witness.org) has worked with human rights advocates from all over the world to turn images into powerful human stories and strategic advocacy campaigns that make a difference. We are excited that we now have the opportunity to expand our program and make a full-time commitment to strengthen the human rights and social justice movements in the United States and Canada.

North Americans deeply value human rights because of our firm belief that fairness, dignity and equality makes for a better society for all. For the last 60 years, advocates across the continent have been working to expand the application of the human rights principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to eliminate the persistent inequalities in the United States and Canada. But there is much more work to be done.

Today we have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the progress made so far and reclaim the full legacy and meaning of human rights. To support ongoing work in this time of critical need and new opportunities, WITNESS is excited to announce the launch of our North America Program led by Program Coordinator Kelly Matheson.

This program will strengthen the human rights and social justice movements by providing North Americans with strategic video and online advocacy opportunities. Our partnerships, trainings and web-based Hub for Human Rights, will open more eyes to the persistent human rights inequities in North America and give advocates expanded means to address injustice.

CALL FOR CORE PARTNERS

A WITNESS core partnership is focused around a campaign and generally is between one and three years. WITNESS equips, trains and collaborates with the partner organization or coalition to use video and online technologies to create high visibility and impact using video.

We are now accepting applications for Core Partners from organizations and coalitions working to protect human rights in the United States and Canada. We are especially interested in partnering with organizations whose work for change will be enhanced by using online, mobile or networked video to inspire and motivate the human rights movement in North America.

The application process is two stages: the Letter of Interest and the Application. Before submitting the Letter of Interest, please review the Application Guidelines and Application Evaluation Criteria carefully. WITNESS contacts all applicants to let them know whether they will proceed to the Application stage.

Prospective partners may apply anytime throughout the year, however, we will prioritize organizations that submit a Letter of Interest by February 20th, 2009

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEEDINGS

Worldwide, we have experienced an inspiring demand for information about how to most effectively harness the power of video and online technologies to protect human rights. To meet this demand, WITNESS offers short-term trainings through our Seeding Video Advocacy Program. If your organization is interested in hosting a training to learn about the potential of using video and related online technologies in your campaigns for change, please click here.

JOIN THE HUB COMMUNITY

The Hub is a global channel for human rights where activists anywhere in the world with access to the internet can upload, share and view videos, learn about human rights campaigns, connect with advocacy groups and take immediate action.

In North America we will be working with human rights allies to identify editorial content and provide technical trainings on the use of the Hub and other online platforms for human rights advocacy. If your organization is interested in harnessing online technologies to increase the visibility and impact of your campaign and galvanize a movement, please click here to explore the Hub.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For questions and additional information about how we may be able to work together to protect human rights throughout the United States and Canada, please go to http://www.witness.org/northamericanhumanrights or write to kelly@witness.org , 718.783.2000 ext. 302. We look forward to working with you to grow this movement.

Kelly Matheson

Program Coordinator for North America

WITNESS

80 Hanson Place, 5th Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11217

USA

+1.718.783.2000 ext. 302

+1.718.783.1593 (fax)


 





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