Education – HRE USA

The HRE USA Edmonds Summer Fellowship applications are now open!

by hreusaFebruary 27, 2026March 6, 2026Leave a comment

Deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 27th at 11:59 PST

Summer Fellowship Project Summaries can be found HERE

In August of 2020, Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA) lost one of its sustaining sources of inspiration and committed leadership – Kirby Edmonds. As a founding member of HRE USA, Kirby was instrumental in the establishment of HRE USA, directly shaping our mission statement, organizational structure, and most importantly our values framework and the consensus-based policy for decision-making. He served as Co-Chair of HRE USA for nearly a decade.

In honor of his legacy, HRE USA has created the Edmonds Summer Fellowship program to support hands-on leadership experience in human rights education and further Kirby’s work to engage young people in building human rights-friendly schools and communities. Fellows are supported with ongoing mentoring, guidance, and human rights learning opportunities throughout the summer.

The Edmonds Summer Fellowship program is supported in partnership with the Dorothy Cotton Institute (DCI) which carries on the legacy of civil rights legend Dorothy F. Cotton. Kirby served DCI as a Senior Fellow and Program Coordinator. DCI’s vision is a just and peaceful beloved community in which all people understand, protect and exercise full human rights. Their mission is to develop and train leaders for a global human rights movement and build a network of civil and human rights leadership. DCI’s Project Director, Laura Branca, said “Our Steering Committee proudly supports the Edmonds Fellowship to nurture young leaders and promote practices that transform individuals, schools and communities, opening new pathways to peace, justice and healing. What a fine way to honor Kirby’s legacy!”

Eligibility & Compensation

Ability to commit 100 hours between June 1-August 28, 2026
18 years old or older
$1500 stipend
Reside in the United States
Commitment to vision and mission of HRE USA

Donations to support the Edmonds Summer Fellowship can be made online or checks can be made out to the Center for Transformative Action with “HRE USA Edmonds Fellowship” in the memo line and mailed to the Center for Transformative Action, P.O. Box 760, Ithaca, NY 14851

Donate to Support the Edmonds Fellows

HRE USA is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.

HRE USA Resource: Human Rights Education and Linkages Climate Action

by hreusaJanuary 20, 2026January 20, 2026Leave a comment

We’ve created a new set of resources in our HRE & Linkages series: Climate Action and Human Rights Education (HRE) are interconnected. The linkages are explored through this slide deck and this lesson plan, which expands on how to teach about the impact of climate change, understand the connection of these impacts to climate change, and how to take action to address these impacts. These issues are also discussed in Human Rights Here and Now, Bulletin #11.

>> See all HRE linkages

HRE USA is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.

Reimagine 1776 With Historian Jane Kamensky

by hreusaJanuary 13, 2026Leave a comment

On Thursday, January 15, join historian Jane Kamensky and the Center for Civic Education for “America 250: Reimagining 1776 for Today’s Classroom.” Join us to examine how the founding era is taught as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

We will spend a thought-provoking evening on how to teach the founding era in ways that empower and include all students. Whether through the civic ideals of equality and participation or the complex legacies of liberty and exclusion, this session invites teachers to explore 1776 as both a historical turning point and a living civic promise.

Join the Discussion

HRE USA is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.

HREA and Pedagogy Futures release AI and Human Rights module

by hreusaSeptember 14, 2025Leave a comment

HREA, in collaboration with Pedagogy Futures, has just released a six-lesson module addressing AI Human Rights and Education! The curriculum empowers educators and students to critically engage with how AI shapes society, from education to governance, public services, and civil liberties. Through interactive lessons and real-world case studies, participants build essential literacy around AI’s potential and risks, all grounded in a commitment to dignity and human rights.

The curriculum is free and can be downloaded here: https://lnkd.in/etAJzB2D

Online course on Monitoring & Evaluation in the NGO Sector

by hreusaSeptember 4, 2025Leave a comment

HREA is offering an online course “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in the NGO Sector“ from October 1 – November 11. There are still spots available!

This course will introduce key M&E concepts, methods and strategies, including theories of change, logical frameworks, measurement and preparation of research findings. Learners will explore participatory methods and the human rights-based approach and develop an initial M&E plan.

The course will be taught by Dr. Felisa Tibbitts who has over 30 years’ experience as an evaluation specialist and done studies for the UNOHCHR, UNDP, UNICEF and the OSCE/ODIHR as well as for civil society organizations such as Amnesty International. She has taught monitoring and evaluation at Columbia University and trained adult learners in development, humanitarian and human rights organizations throughout the world.

For more information, including fees and how to register visit https://www.hrea.org/courses. The enrollment deadline is September 22nd. Queries can be directed to learning@hrea.org.

With best wishes

HREA: Online course Implementing Human Rights Locally

by hreusaSeptember 3, 2025Leave a comment

HREA is offering a new online course Implementing Human Rights at the Local Level from September 10 -October 21. A half hour information session with course instructor Corey Barr will take place on Wednesday, June 25th at 9:30 am EDT. Register here for a Zoom link or to have future access to the recording.

The course is designed to equip municipal leaders, local human rights commissions, CSOs and community advocates with knowledge and tools to implement international human rights law and a human rights-based approach at the local level. Learners will develop an action plan for advancing human rights in their own community.

For more information, including fees and how to register, visit here. Queries can be directed to learning@hrea.org.

The HREA Team

HREA: AI, Human Rights & Education

by hreusaAugust 25, 2025August 25, 2025Leave a comment

HREA in collaboration with Pedagogy Futures has just released a six-lesson module addressing AI Human Rights and Education! The curriculum empowers educators and students to critically engage with how AI shapes society, from education to governance, public services, and civil liberties. Through interactive lessons and real-world case studies, participants build essential literacy around AI’s potential and risks, all grounded in a commitment to dignity and human rights. Download this free curriculum here.

HRE Resources on the Right to Protest

by hreusaJune 24, 2025Leave a comment

Recognized in international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the right to peaceful assembly and the freedom of expression together empower both individuals and communities to advocate for justice and systemic change.

HREA offers more than 40 resources on freedom of assembly and associationand 80 resources on freedom of opinion and expression, all of which can be used to support educators, activists, and policymakers. These include lesson plans, toolkits, fictional stories, and other materials designed to promote civic participation and human rights education.

In preparation for educational activities supporting human rights throughout the year, you are welcome to explore HREA’s Online Resource Center.

HREA: Online course Implementing Human Rights Locally

by hreusaJune 4, 2025Leave a comment

HREA is offering a new online course Implementing Human Rights at the Local Level from September 10 -October 21. A half hour information session with course instructor Corey Barr will take place on Wednesday, June 25th at 9:30 am EDT. Register here for a Zoom link or to have future access to the recording.

The course is designed to equip municipal leaders, local human rights commissions, CSOs and community advocates with knowledge and tools to implement international human rights law and a human rights-based approach at the local level. Learners will develop an action plan for advancing human rights in their own community.

For more information, including fees and how to register, visit here. The enrollment deadline is September 1st. Queries can be directed to learning@hrea.org. You are warmly welcomed to participate!

The HREA Team

HREA Updates: Essay and Proposals for Digital Learning Week

by hreusaMay 19, 2025Leave a comment

From Felisa Tibbitts, HREA Director:

Many of us are struggling with how to understand AI from the human rights lens – both the risks and opportunities.

I am delighted to share my essay on AI, Human Rights and Education, developed with Saah Agyemang-Badu and Sage Phillips. I will shortly announce the open access six-lesson module that has been developed on this topic in cooperation with PedagogyFutures.

Those of you who are interested in digital literacy from an ethics perspective may want to register for UNESCO’s upcoming Digital Learning Week, which will take place in Paris September 2-5. The deadline for proposals is May 26.