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Episodes 64 & 65 with Jefferson R. Plantilla are available on Human Rights Education Now!
We are pleased to announce the availability of our latest installment of podcast episodes in Human Rights Education NOW! Episodes 64 & 65 feature conversations with Jefferson R. Plantilla.
Jefferson R. Plantilla started legal education work in the Philippines in 1985 in the Structural Alternative Legal Assistance for the Grassroots (SALAG). He became the Coordinator of the Asian Regional Resource Center on Human Rights Education (ARRC) in Thailand from 1992 to 1995. From July 1995, he started working at the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center (HURIGHTS OSAKA) in Japan. He conducts research, develops international teaching materials, and edits the annual Human Rights Education in Asia-Pacific publication, as well as several training resources used throughout the region. He participates as a resource person in workshops and conferences in Asia. His writings are available at HURIGHTS OSAKA website, https://www.hurights.or.jp/english/publication.html, and also in Academia,https://hurights.academia.edu/JeffersonRonanPlantilla.
Episode 64: Jefferson R. Plantilla Part One
In Episode 64, Jeff Plantilla recounts his journey into human rights education (HRE), beginning with his law school training and the impact of living under martial law during the Marcos regime in the Philippines. His early exposure to human rights violations shaped his activism and lifelong dedication to Human Rights Education (HRE).
Jeff describes his influential work with the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center, where he advanced education initiatives during the UN Decade for Human Rights Education. With support from local governments in Osaka, his work included collaborating with national human rights commissions, organizing workshops, and producing instructional materials. These efforts contributed to the creation of regional networks that shared resources and strategies across the Asia-Pacific.
The episode also explores human rights education in Japan, highlighting the legal mandate for HRE, challenges of addressing systemic human rights conflicts versus interpersonal relations, and anti-discrimination education focused on the Burakumin community in western Japan. Jeff notes the lack of public awareness about discrimination against Burakumin and stresses the importance of embedding these topics into legal and educational frameworks.
Topics Discussed:
- Origins of interest: Law school training and life under Marcos’ martial law
- Impact of violations: How Philippine human rights abuses shaped his activism
- Asia-Pacific HRE work: Building networks, workshops, instructional materials, and government support in Osaka
- National human rights commissions: Their role in advancing HRE
- HRE in Japan: Legal mandates, human rights conflicts vs. human relations, and anti-discrimination work with Burakumin communities
- Closing reflections on sustaining HRE initiatives in the region
Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.
Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.
Episode 64: Jefferson R. Plantilla Part Two
In Episode 65, Jeff Plantilla offers insights on strengthening human rights education (HRE) by emphasizing diversity, supporting local initiatives, and adapting messages to cultural contexts. He highlights the importance of addressing concrete issues, such as housing as a human right, and reflects on the challenges facing HRE in Japan.
Jeff shares that the individuals who have influenced him are those who show humility, respect, patience, and determination. He cites a quote from a Filipino farmer leader—“We should not entrust to people with full stomachs, the resolution of problems of us who are hungry”—which echoes Paulo Freire’s approach of listening to people and empowering communities.
For advancing HRE in Asia, Jeff recommends targeting concrete issues central to people’s lives, basing actions on careful study of their lived experiences, and co-developing solutions with communities from the ground up.
Topics Discussed:
- Leadership recommendations: Diversity in HRE and prioritizing local initiatives
- Housing as a human right and specific challenges in Japan
- Cultural adaptation: Tailoring HRE messaging to local norms
- Influences: Humility, patience, and determination as guiding traits
- Key quotes: Empowerment through listening to marginalized voices
- Strategic recommendation: Ground HRE work in local issues and community-driven solutions
- Closing reflections
Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.
Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.
Thank you for supporting the Human Rights Education NOW! podcast!
Join Us October 6–10: Teach Central America Week
While it is always important to teach about Central America, this year the need is amplified by the dehumanizing policies of this administration towards Central American immigrant communities. Teachers across the country have joined the call to teach about Central America, during Teach Central America Week October 6–10. We ask you to join us.
Looking for ideas for what to do during Teach Central America Week? Read below to learn about a lesson for 3rd grade: Who Deserves a Monument and a high school unit on Panama, two books on deportations, and our online workshop for elementary teachers on Monday, October 6.
Open call Spotlight on Education for Societal Change
How can education catalyse the evolution of society? In HundrED’s newest “Spotlight on Education for Societal Change” we are looking for innovative educational practices from the Global South that catalyse societal change through approaches such as, but not limited to, peace education, gender equity, inclusivity, climate action, and social justice.
Ultimately, we aim to bring together a selection of high-quality, evidence-backed, scalable innovations that inspire positive change across education ecosystems and can strengthen the quality of education through reshaping values and opportunities.
This initiative is being carried out in partnership with VVOB and eNSPIRED.
Apply now (Deadline December 8): https://loom.ly/Ilc5N3Q
Global Human Rights Direct: Virtual Speakers Bureau
With our virtual speakers bureau you can connect with human rights experts who are willing to join your class, meeting, or conference. Search the speaker database for folks with expertise on a given human rights issue. Decide on a speaker and email them. Their profile will tell you their areas of expertise, their fees (or suggested donations to NGOs), their biography, publications, and more. Once you have successfully held a video conference, let us know so that we can keep track of the use of this feature.
Always in Our Hearts: National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding School Survivors
In recognition of the National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, observed each year on September 30, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) honors the lives of Native children taken from their families, remembers those who never returned home, and stands with survivors, their descendants, and Tribal Nations who continue to carry the weight of this history.
From the early 1800s through the mid-20th century, the U.S. Indian boarding school system sought to erase Native identity by forcibly removing children from their homes, languages, and cultures. Many endured neglect, abuse, and deep loss; thousands never made it back to their families. The generational trauma caused by these institutions continues to impact Native Nations today.
“We remember the children who never made it home, and we honor the survivors whose strength ensures their stories are not forgotten. They remain always in our hearts.” said NABS Chief Executive Officer Deborah Parker (Tulalip Tribes). “The Day of Remembrance brings us together to honor a painful history while reaffirming our collective commitment to truth, justice, and healing within our communities.”
As the Nation confronts this painful chapter in history, the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition urges all Americans to learn about the enduring impacts of the boarding school system and to actively support efforts that promote healing and justice for Native communities.
“We honor the lives forever impacted by this painful legacy, recognize the courage and strength of Survivors and Native communities, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to support healing, truth, and understanding,” said NABS Board President, Chief Benjamin Barnes (Shawnee Tribe).
NABS encourages communities across the country to take part in events, conversations, and actions that promote truth, healing, and understanding. By coming together, we can honor survivors, amplify their voices, share their stories, and support their healing journeys.
Below are five simple yet meaningful ways to observe the Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools (Orange Shirt Day):Wear Orange – Put on an orange shirt to honor survivors and remember those who never came home. Share why you’re wearing it to spark conversations.Learn and Share – Take time to learn about the history and impact of Indian boarding schools, then share resources or stories with friends, family, or on social media.Support Survivors – Donate to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) to help fund truth, healing, and justice efforts.Create Space for Reflection – Observe a moment of silence, light a candle, or attend a remembrance event in your community.Uplift Native Voices – Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch films created by Native authors and filmmakers, and recommend them to others.To learn about the impact of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, and to explore organizations, states, and communities that support and honor the Day of Remembrance, please visit boardingschoolhealing.org.
The Teacher Toolbox resources
The Teacher Toolbox resource collection features free printables to help you teach with film and other media to enrich your classroom and boost student engagement. These resources can also help you facilitate film screenings in a wide variety of settings.
The Teacher Toolbox resources are designed to support educators in a wide range of learning environments. New to our materials?—Start here!
Lesson Grades: TK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College, Adult Learning
Zero Waste Fest 2025
Climate Generation is a proud member of the Zero Waste Coalition, a group of environmental justice organizations working to advance policies that would challenge our throwaway and single use culture. As a coalition, we have advocated for several solutions like expanding our Electronic Waste Recycling programs, requiring additional toxins testing for our food packaging, and overall policies that would eliminate our need for single use plastic.Solutions like these and many others will be highlighted at our upcoming Zero Waste Fest!
Register for the Zero Waste Fest happening on October 11th!
This free community event will be taking place at the Burroughs Community School from 10am – 4pm and will have:Inspiring panels on zero waste, plastics, and reuseTabling from local groups and ways to get involvedClothing swaps and mendingFood trucks, art, and musicZero Waste Fest is a day to come together, celebrate solutions, and build momentum for a zero waste future in Minnesota. From reuse and repair to composting and recycling, we’ll share bold policies and build community power to address our waste and climate crises. Enjoy thought-provoking panels, delicious food, local art, and hands-on activities that make it easy to take action.You can RSVP here!
The 2025-2026 TAAS: Module 2: Protecting Civic Space and Civic Power: Mobilizing for Rights and Democracy
Monday, September 29th, 7 pm ET
This module highlights youth activism, digital advocacy, and civic participation, with intergenerational dialogue on how adults can support youth leadership. Focuses on global and local efforts to restrict civic space and protest.
Register here
Human Rights Educators USA’s annual Training as Action Series (TAAS) is a virtual training series focused on bridging personal and collective action on some of the most critical human rights issues of today. TAAS creates an educational space to connect and collaborate with others in human rights education and training. It also gives participants the skills and information needed to take action on rights issues in their communities.
The 2025–2026 Training as Action Series will center on the theme, “Defending Democracy and
Human Rights in a Changing World.” This year’s sessions will explore urgent issues such as misinformation, protest rights, climate justice, and digital surveillance, highlighting how human rights education can equip communities to respond with clarity, courage, and collective action. Those who attend six or more sessions will receive a certificate from HRE USA. 2025-26 TAAS Flyer
HRE USA is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.
Books for Latinx Heritage Month
During Latinx Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), we see the same shortlist of influential figures. How often do we hear the names of Afro-Latinos, Central Americans, and contemporary activists? Check out books on the lists below to fill these gaps.
We also encourage you to join us for Teach Central America Week October 6–10. We are hosting an online workshop on Central America lessons for elementary on October 6.
Visit our booklist for recommendations related to themes, including Afro-Latinx, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexican American / Chicana / Chicano, Spanish / Bilingual, and more.
Visit Teaching for Change’s website TeachingCentralAmerica.org for more resources to teach about Central America, including lessons, films, websites, biographies of noted historical figures, and readings for free use by classroom teachers.
Visit our booklist for links to related titles on El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
Our booklist features titles we recommend on immigration policy and politics, the immigrant experience, and human displacement due to many factors, including climate injustice, capitalism, and militarism, with a focus on the United States.
HRE USA 