News and Updates – Page 2

Preparing Cities for the 2026 Elections: LPL Democracy Conversation

by hreusaMarch 1, 2026Leave a comment

Join our friends at Local Policy Lab for a Democracy Conversation about preparing for the 2026 elections.

March 6th at 1pm ET (12pm CT, 11am MT, 10am PT)

Is your city ready for the 2026 Election Cycle?

As local governments gear up for this election cycle, building early, practical, cross-department readiness will be essential to ensuring smooth operations, protecting public trust, and supporting election administrators under pressure.

Join this Local Policy Lab Democracy Conversation where experts will share practical strategies to strengthen public confidence, enhance election readiness, and highlight new resources.

Speakers

Tina Barton, Elections Group & Committee for Safe and Secure Elections

Derek Tisler, Brennan Center for Justice

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

The HRE USA Edmonds Summer Fellowship applications are now open!

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

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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.

Become a Member of HRE USA

by hreusaFebruary 25, 2026Leave a comment

HRE USA is a coalition of hundreds of members across the country, and we continue to grow daily. We are academics, activists, parents, educators, students, unions, policy makers, social scientists, software engineers, professors, artists, and non-profit organizations united with a common mission: promoting human dignity, justice, and peace by cultivating an expansive, vibrant base of support for human rights education (HRE) within the United States.

There are two ways to join the HRE USA community: as an individual or as an organization.

Student rate – $25
Professional rate – $40
Organizational rate – $75+

>> Learn more and become a member today!

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

Apply now: UN Young Leaders Online Training Programme 2026

by hreusaFebruary 24, 2026Leave a comment

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is pleased to open applications for the 2026 editions of its United Nations Young Leaders Training Programme, a 4-week online course introducing youth worldwide to the work and values of the United Nations.The programme combines self-paced modules with expert-led webinars and e-workshops. Participants engage with UN officials and practitioners as they explore the UN system, multilateral conferences, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These sessions offer a clear and practical introduction to how international organizations operate. Across four weeks, participants develop skills in communication, negotiation, leadership, and global citizenship.Each edition admits a maximum of 30 participants. Limited scholarships are available.

Explore

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

The 2025-2026 TAAS Module 8: Digital Rights and Democracy: Navigating AI, Surveillance, and Privacy

by hreusaFebruary 23, 2026February 25, 2026Leave a comment

Monday, March 9, 2026, 7 pm ET

Register here

Flyer

This module examines how digital technologies, including AI, surveillance systems, and data collection, impact democratic participation and individual rights. Participants will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies on privacy, freedom of expression, and civic engagement. The module emphasizes strategies for protecting digital rights, promoting transparency, and fostering informed participation in online and offline democratic spaces. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to navigate the digital landscape responsibly while advocating for inclusive, rights-respecting digital governance.

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.

Upcoming Session…

2025–26 TAAS Sessions>> 2025-26 TAAS Flyer

>> RegisterModule 8: Digital Rights and Democracy: Navigating AI, Surveillance, and Privacy
🗓️ March 9, 2026 7PM-8:30PM ET
>> RegisterModule 9: Action Lab: Strategies for Defending Democracy and Human Rights
🗓️ April 13, 2026 7PM-8:30PM ET
>> Register>> See all recordings of past 2025-26 sessions

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

UHRI: Democracy Dialogue This Week!

by hreusaFebruary 23, 2026February 23, 2026Leave a comment

Please join us to explore our understanding of democracy through an intergroup dialogue lens. This week’s focus will be on Freedom of Speech

Democracy Dialogues

6 sessions, join anytime!

One Friday a month 8am – 9:30am Pacific Time

Feb 27 Civil Disobedience

March 27 Action and Concluding Dialogue

All are welcome

Donations welcome to support this effort! Please Support Our Work

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

Human Rights Virtual Global Youth Summit — March 25-27, 2026

by hreusaFebruary 22, 2026February 22, 2026Leave a comment

REGISTER HERE

Join the University of Arizona and co-sponsors for a Human Rights Virtual Global Youth Summit held online from March 25-27, 2026. Join youth from dozens of countries to discuss and act on critical human rights issues including the following:

Gen-Z Protests
Climate Migration
Conservation and Indigenous Rights
Self-Care for Youth Activists
Girls’ Education
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a Living Document
Human Rights Education
Art and Human Rights

>> Learn more about the conference

To learn more the first Global Youth Summit held last semester, you can read the article From Stories to Solutions: Global Youth Driving Change in Human Rights and Climate Action.

To learn more about how to participate, contact Prof. William Simmons at williamsimmons@arizona.edu.

Sponsored by the University of Arizona Program in Human Rights Practice, based in the School of Global Studies in the College of Social and Behavioral Studies and The Miner Anderson Family Foundation.

Co-sponsored by: Human Rights Educators USA; the Arizona Institute for Resilience; the Miner Anderson Family Foundation; the James L. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona; and the Reiff Center at Christopher Newport University.

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

Apply now for the Master of Science in Humanitarian Action

by hreusaFebruary 19, 2026Leave a comment

Ready to lead humanitarian efforts with confidence? Gain the skills needed – 100% online.

Make a positive impact for your future and the future of others with an MS in Humanitarian Action (MSHA).This 100% online degree program trains students to assess humanitarian needs, navigate the complex landscape of local, national, and international actors, and design and evaluate innovative solutions to humanitarian crises. Offered by University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies and USD Online, this 30 credit degree is designed for working professionals. It is the first humanitarian action Master’s program housed in a school of peace studies.

Explore

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

Human Rights Beyond the Headlines: What is the “Rule of Law?” Is it a Rule… Is it a Law?

by hreusaFebruary 18, 2026Leave a comment

Woven Teaching is happy to share our latest edition of latest edition of Human Rights Beyond the Headlines! This month’s topic: What is the “Rule of Law?” Is it a Rule… Is it a Law?! This month’s topic: What is the “Rule of Law?” Is it a Rule… Is it a Law? Created to support educators in helping young people navigate the current events that impact their lives, Human Rights Beyond the Headlines will provide background information about key current events and strategies for discussing them with young people, including how to understand them through the wider lens of justice and human rights.

What is the “Rule of Law?” Is it a Rule… Is it a Law? These days, we’ve been hearing a lot about the “rule of law.” In the headlines, the news, and our social media feeds, questions are being raised about whether the current US presidential administration thinks it is “above the law,” and whether the rule of law still exists. This is not just happening in the US; other countries are also experiencing a decline in the rule of law in other countries, including those with established democracies.What is the “rule of law?” Is it a rule? Is it a law? Is it both, or neither? And what does it have to do with democracy?

Download

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

Submit an HRE proposal for NCSS!

by hreusaFebruary 18, 2026February 18, 2026Leave a comment

A call for proposals for the National Council for the Social Studies conference in December 2026 has been announced! This conference is the annual gathering of more than 5,000 social studies teachers and teacher educators from across the US and world, and offers a unique opportunity to feature your work as an educator and practitioner.

You can submit a proposal aligned with both the conference theme AND the strand of Human Rights Education. In 2025, we had over 60 proposals submitted with 20 HRE presentations accepted for the annual conference.
The link and guide to submit your proposal is below:

https://www.socialstudies.org/conference/proposals

Proposals are due on February 25, 2026

Feel free to email Jacob Skrzypiec <jacob.skrzypiec@gmail.com if you have questions or would like to discuss your HRE proposal.

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