The Drum Beat 298 - Human Rights Advocacy and Activism in the United States

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The United States has been described as a "melting pot", a place characterised by people of varied cultural, spiritual, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. In the context of this diversity, advocacy for human rights in the US often focuses on protecting the freedom of pluralistic expression and challenging racial, gender, and economic inequity. The presence of these distinct voices also makes the theme of participation key, as evidenced by activist efforts to address such issues as educational, health, and women's rights and roles.

This issue of the Drum Beat highlights some of the initiatives and strategies that shape human rights communication and advocacy work in the United States.

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ADVANCING DIVERSE VOICES: MEDIA RIGHTS AND ROLES

1. Let's Do It Better: Workshop Program on Journalism, Race and Ethnicity - United States
The 2000 census indicates that the United States' 281 million people include 87 million (nearly 1 in 3) who are African-American, Asian-American or Hispanic; 56 million (1 in 5) who are immigrants or children of immigrants; and nearly 7 million who self-identify as "multiracial". In this context, "Coherent, complete and courageous coverage of race and ethnicity in America is an urgent journalistic duty. Yet, the news media - print and broadcast - often falter." The Let's Do It Better workshop programme uses a positive, story-based method to advocate for better coverage of race and ethnicity. Each year, the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism extends a call for applications to an award programme that highlights "best practice" media pieces; these pieces then form the centrepiece of a workshop in which the award recipients deconstruct their work for a group of "gatekeepers" (editors, news directors, and journalism educators). This interactive process is meant to foster dialogue about issues of racial inequity, ethnic stereotypes, and other rights-based themes and to promote similar work in the newsrooms of the media executives who attend. There is evidence that the programme is having an impact: "11 of the 20 winners in 2002 were produced by news organizations that had sent gatekeepers or presenters to previous workshops".
Contact Arlene Morgan am494@columbia.edu

2. Communicating Race in American Life - United States
Implemented by the FrameWorks Institute, this research initiative is an effort to analyse the relationship between how the US media frames racial issues, on the one hand, and the public's understanding of race, on the other. Qualitative research methodologies drawing on interpersonal modes of communication were used to solicit US citizens' viewpoints about the place of race in the media. The research is designed not only to learn how Americans think and talk about race - and how their media represents it - but to effect change in these patterns. "Overall, the results of our research to date are sobering...It is imperative that we begin with the observation that few people in the society find this a comfortable and welcome conversation."
Contact info@frameworksinstitute.org

3. Progressive Media Project - United States
This non-profit initiative solicits, edits, and distributes commentary ("op-ed") pieces to daily US newspapers on a range of domestic issues, as well as on issues of foreign policy, peace, and international cooperation. A key strategy is using communication to help increase public awareness, build tolerance, and challenge discriminatory attitudes by ensuring that diverse voices can participate in national debate. This strategy is based on the belief that, "over the long term these educational pieces lift the level of national discourse", as well as the reality that "many newspaper editors don't know where to turn to find diverse voices for their op-ed pages, and many writers don't know how to access these pages". Training in communications strategies and media outreach is offered; the writing clinics explore the role of op-eds in policy-making and provide tips on how to write an op-ed. As part of the "Voices of Diversity" initiative, the project distributes 150 pieces a year by African Americans, Arab Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and persons with disabilities.
Contact pmproj@progressive.org

4. Committee to Protect Journalists, Inc. (CPJ) - Global
Headquartered in New York, CPJ works to defend the right of journalists to inform the public without fear of reprisal. In an effort to protect the rights and interests of journalists who may be endangered or harmed, CPJ uncovers, documents, and disseminates (through the Internet, email, and printed materials) information on attacks on the press. Each year, CPJ commemorates World Press Freedom Day (May 3) with a list drawing attention to places around the world where press freedom is threatened. CPJ takes action to intervene whenever foreign correspondents are in trouble, and then notifies news organisations, government officials, and human rights organisations of the violations. Advocacy as a strategy is evident in CPJ's "vigorous protest at all levels - ranging from local governments to the United Nations"; when necessary, CPJ "works behind the scenes through other diplomatic channels to effect change."
Contact Wacuka Mungai info@cpj.org

5. MediaRights - United States
A project of Arts Engine, Inc., MediaRights promotes the use of film to foster social change by encouraging action and inspiring dialogue on contemporary social issues. Media Rights has created an online community to link emerging and established filmmakers, journalists, and advocates working on human rights topics through interactive features, a searchable database of over 6,000 films, and online workshops designed for 4 different user groups. Among the offerings in the Activist/Nonprofit Workshop are strategies for using video to provoke discussion and mobilise communities or organisations to take action, and an Advocacy Checklist ("Talk back to your government! Sharpen your political goals and make the best use of even the slimmest resources.") One of its online initiatives is designed to empower the next generation of young media makers and activists through the exchange of resources, ideas, and "digital stories". MediaRights also offers an annual film festival to recognise excellent use of film for human rights advocacy in the USA.
Contact Shira Golding shira@mediarights.org OR info@mediarights.org

6. Respect for All Project (RFA) - United States
A programme of GroundSpark, RFA encompasses a series of documentary films, printed curriculum guides, and professional diversity training. This 3-pronged approach is designed to create safe, hate-free schools and communities throughout the USA by providing tools to foster open discussion between children and adults about all kinds of diversity, including differences in race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ability. The film "Let's Get Real" takes an honest look at the epidemic of name-calling and bullying among middle school youth, featuring over 50 young people speaking directly about racial tension, anti-gay taunting, and sexual harassment. In an independent research study evaluating the effectiveness of RFA's diversity-training programme, 93% of participants said they felt better equipped to discuss diversity issues of all kinds with young children. By reaching children early, GroundSpark hopes to foster respect, combat prejudices, and reduce hate crimes.
Contact info@respectforall.org

PROTECTING BASIC RIGHTS: IMMIGRANT VOICES

7. Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride (IWFR) - United States
Today there are an estimated 8 to 10 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. The IWFR was organised by labour, business, immigrant and civil rights groups, religious bodies, and student associations seeking reform of immigration laws that would benefit both "legal" and undocumented immigrants. Organisers observe that, in addition to anxiety related to avoiding deportation, undocumented immigrants often face abuse on the job because they are not aware of their right to speak out without fear of deportation. Thus, in 2003, approximately 900 immigrant workers and their allies traveled by bus across the USA to raise awareness and advocate for immigrant workers' rights. After stopping for community-based events in various cities, the IWFR culminated in a rally in New York that drew approximately 100,000 people. One purpose was to show the public that immigrants "are real people" and to urge lawmakers to recognise the contributions that immigrants make to the US economy.
Contact Maria Elena Durazo mariaelenadurazo@aol.com

8. Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR) - United States
BNHR was launched in 2000 with the goal of stopping abuse against Mexican immigrants on the US-Mexico border and demanding justice, equality, and human rights for these immigrants once they have relocated to the USA. While BNHR does work to monitor law enforcement and to lobby for changes in anti-immigration policies, the emphasis is on organising immigrant communities so that they are aware of - and empowered to exercise - their rights. Immigrants who have been trained to act as local organisers take action in their communities to pursue awareness-building, networking, advocacy, and communication (e.g., going door-to-door to collect testimonies and document cases of abuse). BNHR's Director claims that, because of such community-based leadership, the anti-immigrant policies imposed after September 11 2001 moved immigrants to action instead of paralysing them: "Many social spaces fell apart at that time, but that is when the Border Network grew most."
Contact Fernando García bordernet2001@yahoo.com

9. Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC)
FIAC works to protect and promote the basic human rights of immigrants of all nationalities in Florida through advocacy efforts that include undertaking research and public education; distributing informational materials in Spanish and Haitian Creole; training pro bono attorneys, law students, volunteers, grassroots leaders, and others; creating and sustaining the Florida Immigrant Coalition; and encouraging community-based lobbying by sharing online "action items" and other resources.

10. Speak Up! Act Up! For a New America - United States
Created by the international non-profit media organisation Breakthrough, this project is working to enable and encourage a diverse range of American youth to participate in the political process, based on the belief that "Because young people don't vote, policy makers don't consider our needs. So we are marginalized." The advocacy effort uses public forums and voter registration efforts featuring a mix of information, motivation, and entertainment. At the Youth Forum for Change in April 2004, hundreds of South Asian, Arab, and Muslim youth gathered in New York City to discuss how the presidential election would affect their lives and how they could get involved by learning about the issues, registering to vote, and joining non-profit organisations at a fair set up on-site. The purpose of such activities is to educate immigrant youth communities about challenges to their rights, and to spur them to use their voice by voting.
Contact Radhika Singh radhika@breakthrough.tv

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PULSE POLL

Rather than getting back into the trenches of the 1990ies, the challenge today - in times of a strong treatment agenda - is to reassess our communication science, models and practice when putting HIV/AIDS prevention on the agenda.

[For context, please see The Drum Beat 297]

Do you agree or disagree?

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PARTNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION: HEALTH AND EDUCATION RIGHTS

11. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) - Global
The USA-based AVAC is a community- and consumer-based advocacy organisation working to accelerate ethical development and delivery of AIDS vaccines to populations worldwide by enabling and encouraging the informed participation of affected populations. AVAC critiques the work of industry and government, provides education and mobilisation services, and speaks on behalf of affected communities. One AVAC focus is mobilising the public and government to cooperate to meet the deadline set in 1997 by then-President Bill Clinton, who urged that an AIDS vaccine be developed in 10 years' time. To that end, each May AVAC publishes a report on the global status of the effort. By providing specific guidance on its website - e.g., information about and contact details for trials currently being carried out - and through its e-newsletter, AVAC hopes to galvanise the global community to meet Clinton's challenge by 2007.
Contact avac@avac.org

12. Survivor Advisory Caucus - United States
The Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) is organising a group of trafficking survivors who are active in communications and advocacy work, particularly in the areas of reproductive health (RH) policies, services, and protections for victims. Through cross trainings, collaboration, and community organising, CAST will mobilise coalitions to expand their base for social change to be inclusive of trafficking survivors. Working with these survivors, CAST is developing advocacy strategies at local and national levels, such as engaging media outlets to cover trafficking with an RH angle. Other collaborative efforts include sharing RH coalitions' expertise in the form of a Reproductive Health Kit tailored to the needs of trafficking survivors. CAST also plans to build a national network of community-based organisations to set up Health Access Workshops with sub-committees by type of forced labour, including prostitution, domestic work, and sweatshop work.
Contact Kay Buck kay@castla.org OR info@castla.org

13. Report on Civil Society and School Accountability: A Human Rights Approach to Parent and Community Participation in New York City Schools
by Elizabeth Sullivan
Produced by Center for Economic and Social Rights in collaboration with the New York University Institute for Education and Social Policy's Community Involvement Program, this report offers a civil-society perspective on developing a rights-based governance structure for schools in New York City (NYC). Noting that in 2001 70% of NYC public school eighth graders tested below grade level and 20% of high school students dropped out before graduation, the report addresses "the many wrongs in education, ranging from the well-known racial profile of the denial of the right to education, to the absence of any help for immigrant parents in understanding how the system works, to the widespread incomprehension of the jargon used by education bureaucracy, or to the simple fact that most teachers do not have telephones." Drawing on a series of interviews with parents, community organisers, and education advocates, the paper identifies and critiques obstacles to participation (especially on the part of low-income families) in the school system, including long work hours, limited English, single parenthood, and inadequate public transportation.

14. African American HIV University (AAHU) - USA
Aimed at strengthening Black organisational and individual capacity to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in their communities, AAHU is a training and internship programme designed to decrease stigma and misperception and increase HIV science literacy. AAHU aims to build on HIV prevention and science knowledge and to promote activities that address the underlying social, economic and cultural factors that prevent Black people from fully accessing and using HIV services. The 2-year Treatment Education Fellowship is designed to foster understanding of the fundamentals of HIV, as well as the importance of community mobilisation - always within the cultural context of the Black experience in America.
Contact Antonne Moore antonnem@blackaids.org

15. U.S. Training Material on the Right to Education
The Center for Economic and Social Rights prepared 5 printable flyers as part of a series of New York City trainings held on the right to education. They are meant to guide activists who seek to enlarge their understanding of the meaning of educational rights, to explore advocacy strategies for protecting those rights, and to expand the community of those participating in educational activism. "Human Rights Advocacy: How Can We Use Human Rights in the U.S.?" provides a chart illustrating the relationships between different kinds of human rights work.

RESEARCH AND RESOURCES

16. Assessing the Status of Women at the County Level: A Manual for Researchers & Advocates
Offered by the Institute for Women's Policy Research, this report provides instructions for analysing the status of women in counties throughout the USA. Intended for policymakers, researchers, and advocates who seek data about women in order to advance policies and programmes that promote gender equity, the manual is being "widely utilized to improve state policies that affect women's status."

17. Pluralism Project - United States
A team of scholars and graduate students affiliated with Harvard University is mapping the USA's growing religious diversity. Questions animating the research include: How can Americans of all faiths - and those who are secularists - go beyond mere diversity and begin to genuinely engage one another's differences? Can they shape a new and healthy pluralistic society? In an effort to ensure that the USA "remains committed to defending all forms of religious practice and worship as a bulwark of democratic freedom", the team develops resources for scholars, policy makers, religious leaders and activists, and the media. For instance, the multimedia CD-ROM "On Common Ground: World Religions in America" provides an overview of America's religious traditions through text, images, voices, and music. It also offers perspectives on questions related to religious freedom, religious diversity, and interreligious encounters.
Contact staff@pluralism.org

18. Movement Support Resource Center (MSRC) - United States
The MSRC is envisioned as a neutral place where individuals, movements, and organisations committed to human rights and advocacy work can gather on a regular basis. The MSRC serves to facilitate the exchange of information, experiences, and resources. (Details about forthcoming rights-related events are also available though tools such as CCR's online calendar of events). Users of the MSRC together identify areas where "know-your-rights" training sessions and publications might be useful. In this sense, the MSRC aims to facilitate networking and the regular flow of communication and information between organisations/agencies/constituencies and to explore ways and means of building operational unity.
Contact info@ccr-ny.org

19. Something Inside So Strong: A Resource Guide on Human Rights in the United States
Offered by the US Human Rights Network, this guide is meant to offer activists and advocates a human rights vision, framework, and set of tools to use in their collaborative struggles for justice in the United States. It provides concrete models and case studies of the use of the human rights framework; identifies resources for education and action; and offers practical approaches to applying human rights domestically.

20. Close to Home: Case Studies of Human Rights Work in the United States
The Ford Foundation has collected 13 case studies of human rights work in the USA. These organisations use traditional human rights tools - such as fact-finding, litigation, organising, and advocacy - in an effort to reduce poverty, promote workers' rights and environmental justice, abolish the death penalty, and end discrimination. This publication is designed for activists, funders, and policy makers seeking different perspectives and tools to guide efforts toward positive social change in their communities.

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This issue was written by Kier Olsen DeVries.

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The Drum Beat seeks to cover the full range of communication for development activities. Inclusion of an item does not imply endorsement or support by The Partners.

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