Human Rights Day

Wednesday- Human Rights Day

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

- Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on this day in 1948. The UDHR is a vision of a world where respect for human rights is a way of life.

This year’s slogan, Human Rights 365, reminds us that every day is Human Rights Day, that each one of us is entitled to the full range of human rights, and that human rights bind us together as a global community with the same ideals.

Today I will celebrate what we have accomplished in building equality, freedom, and justice in the world, and consider what remains to be worked on.

1. Investigate:

I want to learn more about current human rights abuses in the U.S. and around the world. Today I will go to the web page for Human Rights Watch and do a little research.

2. Journal:

What issue or need in my community or world is calling me for attention?
What steps might I feel led to take?

Choose the issue I want to take action on.
List what I could do this week or month to put my compassion into action.

3. Speak out:

Tell at least one other person what I have learned and what I am doing to mark Human Rights Day.

Thursday-

1. Take action:

I plan to join in the National Vigil for Gun Violence Victims. My town is having a vigil at the library at 11 a.m. today.

This is an event begun by a coalition of 50 national denominations and faith-based organizations to "remember those who have lost their lives to gunfire, pray for those whose lives have been forever changed because of the loss of a loved one, and to educate one another on proven strategies to reduce gun violence."