The EDI Committee is excited to share with you the December issue of our newsletter: Kaleidoscope: The Views, Voices, & Vision of Our CFF Family. In this month’s edition, we will be focusing on Universal Human Rights Month, a time for people in the United States and around the world to join together and stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals.

DECEMBER 2022

Universal Human Rights Month

Awareness

Let's talk!


The holiday season is here, another year came and is soon to be gone. The sense of hustle and bustle is in the air as many are attempting to tie up “loose ends” before the clock strikes midnight on the last night of the year. It is a joyous time of year for many who experienced a realization of their goals but for far too many, and in this case just one is far too many, the holiday season and end of the year is a reminder of what they don’t have; family, prosperity, and good health. Will you join me this holiday season in giving but giving beyond how we usually define it? Giving a continual fight for rights for every human being? How macro or micro you see your fight to be, it is needed. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are". Really, every act toward equity is a step in the right direction.


Aside from the holidays of the season and their common theme of giving that many celebrate, there is one observance held throughout the month of December that goes unmentioned in many circles; that is the International Human Rights Month. Less than three years after World War II ceased, countries around the world created a core list of inalienable rights; rights that could not be taken away from anyone (including minorities). These were codified and adopted by the United Nations on December 10th, 1948, and have been celebrated since. However, it is not enough to merely celebrate these core rights. Instead, they should be enforced and the systems that make these rights seem unattainable to so many need to be thrown out and replaced with a system that works for everyone.


In Delaware and throughout our nation, there are people who in 2022 still don’t have equitable access to healthcare, employment, education, financial stability, stable homes, and even food. Women suffered a great blow and lost their right to choose, and the LGBTQ+ community’s rights are being targeted and their lives are being taken just as we saw the weekend before Thanksgiving this year at a Colorado gay bar. People of color are treated unfairly, physically, and verbally attacked, and even murdered over race. The caliber of education that children from impoverished communities learn from is subpar, to say the least, and our country suffers the consequence. No good comes out of a lack of equity and the reservation of rights for only some.


This December, please enjoy your families and friends, your traditions and festivities, because they are indeed wonderful and worthy of celebration. On the other hand, remember and fight for those who are marginalized and unable to celebrate too because of a lack of equity and the ever-present systemic reservation of rights. You might ask, but where do I even begin to fight for my rights or the rights of others so that they can partake of these freely and without fear? First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt answered this question perfectly when she said – “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works.” It starts with YOU and ME.


Written by: Edgard Martinez

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager


Understanding

Resources to help further your knowledge and learn more! 

Click any of the following below to learn more! 


*These resources have been found based on suggestions and research.

They were not fully studied in depth by the EDI Committee.

United Nations: Human Rights Day

10 December


This website provides information about Human Rights Day including a history of the holiday’s origin, information about past observances, and the theme for each year. The events section on the website lists how countries around the world will celebrate Human Rights Day.

 Picture Books for Universal Human Rights Month


This children's book illustrates what a typical school day looks like for children around the world. The book is ideal for kids under the age of 10. It promotes cultural awareness among children. Education is a basic human right. This is a good way to teach children about this subject.

Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice by Jack Donnelly


Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice covers various aspects of human rights including theories and strategies on how to approach the issue. The importance of human rights is also discussed by providing context through examples including revolutions, regimes, and empires. The book was written by Jack Donnelly, a tenured professor at the University of Denver. He received a Ph.D. in political science and has many publications on the topic.

The Courage of Strangers

by Jeri Labor


The Courage of Strangers tells how Laber became a founder and the executive director of Helsinki Watch, which grew to be Human Rights Watch, one of the world's most influential organizations. She describes her secret trips to unwelcoming countries, where she met with some of the great political activists of the time. She also recalls what it was like to come of age professionally in an era when women were supposed to follow rather than lead; how she struggled to balance work and family; and how her fight for human rights informed her own intellectual, spiritual and emotional development.

Action

Here are some ways YOU can stand up for Human Rights!


Take the Pledge! 

Take the pledge with the United Nations Association! It's time to stand up for human rights!

SIGN THE PLEDGE


Make an Expression Wall! 

You can set up an expression wall at home, work, or school. Put up a big piece of paper where people can write what Human Rights mean to them!


Host an Event!

Host a movie night, talent show, or virtual workshop! Anything that will bring people together to raise awareness as to why Human Rights are necessary for ALL!


Share your Story!

Have you stood up for yourself or someone else's rights and think others would benefit from hearing your story?

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

Civic Engagement

Working to make a difference.


Thank you to all of you who exercised the right to vote. Election results can be found here!


Our work as advocates is not over, though. Our voices whether through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings are powerful. We can advocate for our ideas, upcoming bills, and funding resources. Your local representatives and their contact information can be found here. You can also find information about legislative bills, a bill's status, and House and Senate agendas. Let your voices be heard. Advocate for what you believe. 

Holidays & Observances


Universal Human Rights Month


12/1 - World Aids Day

12/2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

12/3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities

12/10 - Human Rights Day

12/18 - 12/26 - Hanukkah

12/25 - Christmas

12/26 - 1/1 - Kwanzaa

Questions? Please contact Edgard Martinez, edgard.martinez@cffde.org