EPISODE 5: Marissa Gutierrez-Vicario, Part One

In episode 5 part one, Marissa Gutierrez-Vicario discusses her background and work in human rights activism, particularly in the context of her organization ArteJustice. She talks about her Chicana heritage and the activists who inspired her, as well as the connections between human rights and activism. She explains the development of ArteJustice and the importance of using visual arts to promote activism about human rights issues. 

Topics Discussed:

• Importance of art, creativity, and justice
•  Examining the root causes of social problems using human rights language
• Using the word “resistance”
• Origins and development of ArteJustice

Visit ArteJustice to learn more about the organization’s mission, learn about their projects, and how you can get involved !

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 6: Marissa Gutierrez-Vicario, Part Two

In episode 6 part two, Marissa discusses her spiritual journey and its connections to her work in human rights, particularly in the area of racial justice. She talks about the importance of partnerships in advancing social justice work and the role of the federal government in advancing human rights in the US. Lastly, Marissa shares insights on the critical changes necessary to advance HRE in the USA, including using language to empower and train young people.    

Topics Discussed:

• Unitarian Universalism role towards eradicating racism and 
  oppression
•  Importance of being explicit about addressing racial justice
• Art and personal narratives as an entry point to 
  understanding injustice
• Key insights that would help HRE move forward in the
  USA

Visit ArteJustice to learn more about the organization’s mission, learn about their projects, and how you can get involved !

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 7: Rosemary Blanchard, Part One

In episode 7 part one, Rosemary Blanchard discusses her early interest in human rights issues and the importance of HRE in early education. She shares her background in civil rights law, and how witnessing extreme poverty on a trip to Brazil was transformative in shaping her views on HRE. She shares how working with the Navajo nation as a policy analyst helped her to better understand international human rights frameworks, and how assimilation through education is a problematic issue in Navajo education. Rosemary then explains her views on the role of American exceptionalism in hampering HRE’s advance in the US. Rosemary discusses the NCSS HRE Community’s role in advancing HRE; its connections to humanitarian law; the lack of domestic understanding of international human rights in the USA; the impact of Abu Ghraib torture on her work in HRE; and the contradictions between US ideals and practices at Abu Ghraib. Finally, Rosemary shares her belief in the significance of building civil society on respect for human dignity.

Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to human rights education through civil rights law
•  Navajo work and its connection to her work in HRE
• American exceptionalism’s role in hampering HRE’s advance in the USA
• NCSS HRE Community
• Insuring encounters through public education with humanitarian law
• Abu Ghraib and contradictions between US ideals and practices

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 8: Rosemary Blanchard, Part Two

In episode 8 part two, Rosemary Blanchard continues her discussion of the role of the NCSS Position Statements on HRE; connections between NCSS work and Civic Education coalition; and the problem of eroding civics education in K-12 spaces. Rosemary touches on overcoming the perception that human rights Issues are only “over there,” and the problem of examining human rights as a zero-sum challenge. Rosemary shares her views on avoiding the demonization of opposing views, and the importance of the Council of Europe’s work on democracy and human rights. She goes on to discuss the book chapter she co-wrote with Sandy Sohcot in Mindful Social Studies, and the effectiveness of helping young children create a powerful human rights culture. Rosemary shares her most influential role models in HRE – Nelson Mandela and Thích Nhất Hạnh. Finally, Rosemary shares her belief that HRE should be required in all curriculum standards, at all grade levels and how this belief was influenced by the work of Lawrence Senesh.

Topics Discussed:

• Connections between NCSS work and Civic Education coalition
• Emphasizing “human rights of the playground”
• Avoiding demonizing opposing views
• Understanding how a historic legacy of pain too often translates into inflicting pain on others
• Learning fundamental concepts early in one’s education to advance HRE
• Nelson Mandela, Thích Nhất Hạnh, and Lawrence Senesh

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 9: Sandy Sohcot, Part One

In episode 9 part one, Sandy Sohcot, founder and director of the The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program, discusses her initial interest in human rights, and her work with the Women’s Leadership Alliance. She shares her background as the Executive Director for the Rex Foundation, and about the creation of The World As It Could Be. She expounds upon the significance of using the arts to advance human rights education (HRE), and how projects can help students connect in a more visceral way to human rights issues. She touches on the problem of cutting funding for arts education in the USA, and the importance of having administrator advocates in promoting arts and HRE. She then shares a bit about her work with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, and the ongoing obstacle to using human rights language in public forums. She further explains the importance of creating language that connects HRE to social justice movements  – emphasizing how the Universal Declaration of Human Rights relates to local issues and can be useful in advancing grassroots activism.

Topics discussed:

• Initial interest in human rights
• Women’s Leadership Alliance and connections to HRE
• Work as the Executive Director for the Rex Foundation
• Creation of The World As It Could Be
• Significance of arts in education and its role in advancing HRE
• Work with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission
• HRE and its connections to social justice movements

Visit The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program to learn more about the organization’s mission and projects!

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 10: Sandy Sohcot, Part Two

In episode 10 part two, Sandy Sohcot, founder and director of the The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program, shares more about her work with the Women’s Leadership Alliance and connections to human rights education (HRE). She discusses her ideas around what she thinks ought to be future priorities in human rights education, as well as collaborations between HRE and social justice organizations. In addition, Sandy shares her ideas around the importance of forging links between HRE and social and emotional learning. She discusses co-authoring a book chapter with Rosemary Blanchard in Mindful Social Studies, and how Eleanor Roosevelt has been her most influential role model. Sandy shares her thoughts around one critical change she thinks would help advance human rights education, and what she sees as the federal government’s weak commitment to educating about human rights. Finally, Sandy shares a 2nd grade project as an example of how educators can integrate human rights education to help young people learn about human rights from an early age.  

Topics discussed:

• Work with Women’s Leadership Alliance and connections to HRE
• Future priorities of HRE and collaboration with social justice movements
• Forging links between HRE and social emotional learning 
• Co-authored chapter in Mindful Social Studies
• Eleanor Roosevelt as a role model for HRE
• Federal government’s weak commitment to HRE
• 2nd grade project highlighting the importance of HRE integration

Visit The World As It Could Be Human Rights Education Program to learn more about the organization’s mission and projects!

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 11: Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, Part One

Human Rights Watch Student Task Force is a youth leadership-training program that brings together high school students with educators and empowers them to advocate for human rights issues, especially the rights of children. Pam Bruns is the Founder and Executive Director Emeritus. Kristin Ghazarians is the Senior Manager. Ren Zhang and Clementine Causse are two students working with the Human Rights Watch (HRW) Student Task Force. 

In Episode 11, Pam Bruns details the origins of the HRW Student Task Force (STF), and Kristin Ghazarians discusses her interest in human rights and eventual engagement with STF. Pam, Clementine, and Ren share their initial interest in human rights work, while Ren and Clementine share their thoughts on the STF activism programs. Additionally, Pam and Kristin share their experiences involving school faculty in STF activities, while Pam, Ren and Clementine discuss HRE professional development advances and challenges with faculty, administration and students. Finally, Clementine and Ren expound upon obstacles they have encountered in educating their peers about human rights and climate change.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of the HRW Student Task Force
• Interest in human rights and work with STF
• STF activism programs
• Involvement of school faculty in STF activities
• Professional development advance and challenges 
• Obstacles in educating peers about human rights and climate change

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 12: Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, Part Two

In Episode 12, Pam and Kristin discuss human rights and the intersection of local community issues, as well as deploying the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a framework for rights conversations. They discuss making personal connections to human rights, and the integration of human rights vocabulary into conversations at home and at school. Ren and Clementine share their thoughts on the importance of humanizing rights issues by sharing experiences related to human rights. They go on to discuss the link between compassion and advocacy; strategies to advance faculty understanding of HRE; and the importance of ongoing professional development and self-study about HRE. Pam and Kristin share strategies for advancing HRE in the US, while Clementine and Ren share their thoughts on advancing HRE at home through family conversations, and the importance of learning how to engage with people who disagree with one’s views. The group then shares their most influential role models in HRE, as well as the importance of perseverance in human rights work. Lastly, they each share a significant quote which sums up their views about human rights, and an important action they think would advance HRE in the US.  

Topics discussed:

• Human rights and the intersection of local community issues
• UDHR as a framework for rights conversations
• Personal connections to human rights 
• Integration of human rights vocabulary into conversations at home and school
• Importance of humanizing rights issues by sharing personal experience
• Link between compassion and advocacy
• Strategies to advance faculty understanding of HRE
• Importance of ongoing professional development about HRE
• Advancing HRE at home through family conversations
• Importance of learning how to engage individuals with differing views
• Influential role models in HRE and significant quotes summing up views on HRE
• Ideas about important actions which would advance HRE in USA 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 13: Felisa Tibbitts, Part One

Felisa Tibbitts (www.FelisaTibbitts.com) is Chair in Human Rights Education in the Department of Law, Economics, and Governance at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where she also serves as UNESCO Chair in Human Rights and Higher Education. In addition, Felisa is Human Rights Education Associates (www.hrea.org) Executive Director and co-editor with André Keet of Emancipatory Human Rights and the University: Promoting Social Justice in Higher Education (2024).

In Episode 13, Felisa discusses her initial interest in human rights and Human Rights Education (HRE) and how the Cold War influenced her outlook on the world. She elaborates on her research in Central and Eastern Europe along with her early work in HRE with the Dutch Helsinki Committee. Next, Felisa shares her views on the changes occurring within the field of human rights study in pre-collegiate education, and how ad hoc approaches to HRE remain a challenge moving forward. Felisa then discusses how the lack of a centralized system in the US presents both problems and opportunities, and the challenge of American exceptionalism as an obstacle to HRE development. Felisa addresses globalization and how it may make it more desirable to discuss and apply human rights-based approaches in the USA at the national and local levels. Finally, she explains how rights language is becoming more commonplace in the US, demonstrated by the importance of critical pedagogy and feminist scholarship, as well as her work on three conceptual models for HRE.

Topics discussed:

• Initial interest in human rights and HRE
• The Cold War and impact on world view
• Research and work in Central and Eastern Europe
• Human rights work with Dutch Helsinki Committee
• Changes occurring within the field of HRE
• Lack of a centralized education system and HRE challenges/obstacles
• American exceptionalism and HRE
• Globalization and HRE
• Importance of critical pedagogy/feminist scholarship 
• Three conceptual models for HRE

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 14: Felisa Tibbitts, Part Two

In Episode 14, Felisa discusses issues-based education and HRE and her work in developing Human Rights Education Associates. She then elaborates on the role of the internet in fostering online HRE learning and the challenge of engaging local and universal issues through HRE teaching. She explains the relationship of HRE to social justice scholarship and issues and shares her views on the setbacks for human rights discourse in South Africa as tensions between universalism and particularism on a local level. Felisa then shares her thoughts on the need to revitalize and refresh the field, and the importance of connecting HRE to social problems by using disciplinary approaches from various fields. She describes her perspective on using HRE to create new pathways for research in disciplines and to inform public discourse about social problems and solutions. Felisa then proposes future trends in HRE and elaborates on the progress of human rights, and how human rights are at the forefront of the Ukraine War. Felisa concludes the conversation with her most influential HRE role model along with an inspiring quote. 

Topics discussed:

• Issues-based education and HRE
• Human Rights Education Associates
• Role of the internet in fostering HRE
• Challenge of engaging local and universal issues in HRE 
• Relationship of HRE to social justice scholarship and issues
• Setbacks for human rights discourse in South Africa
• Connecting HRE to social problems via disciplinary approaches
• Future trends in HRE
• HRE and the Ukraine War

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 15: Connecticut Educators and Students Panel, Part One

In Episode 15, Chris Buckley, Jake Skrzypiec, Kevin Maysonnet, and Shirin Unvala share their initial interest in human rights issues. They then discuss their thoughts on how to make schools more accepting of human rights issues, and the vision of human rights education (HRE) as a universal requirement for students. Chris, Jake, Kevin, and Shirin discuss misconceptions about Human Rights Education and the importance of emphasizing the “through and for human rights dimensions” of HRE. Next, the group discusses the Human Rights Close to Home program at the University of Connecticut, as well as challenges and obstacles which educators face when implementing HRE into public education spaces. The group goes on to share their thoughts on changing the public conversation to emphasize human rights issues in public discourse in the USA, and the importance of examining local issues from a human rights perspective.

Topics Discussed:

• Curriculum and pedagogy
• University of Connecticut’s, Human Rights Close to Home Program
• Challenges and obstacles educators face
• Highlighting the importance of qualities exhibited by human rights defenders

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

Chris Buckley teaches history and human rights at Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Connecticut. Chris serves on the Steering Committee for the Connecticut Human Rights Partnership (CHRP). He is an instructor for the Introduction to Human Rights course offered by the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience program and an HRE USA Regional Representative for Connecticut. 

Jake Skrzypiec is a social studies educator in Manchester, Connecticut. He developed Manchester High School’s Human Rights class, a required course for all students, and is an Early College Experience instructor through the University of Connecticut. He also serves as secretary of the Connecticut Human Rights Partnership, a non-profit working to advance human rights education and advocacy in the state. He is a frequent educational partner with the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and a member of the National Council for the Social Studies HRE Community leadership team. JJake serves on the HRE USA Steering Committee and a Regional Representative for Connecticut. 

Kevin Maysonnet is a student at Manchester High School and a member of the University of Connecticut’s Human Rights Close To Home Youth Advisory Team, which engages educators and youth in the development and implementation of human rights education for civic action. 

Shirin Unvala is a student at the Center for Global Studies, Brien McMahon High School and is also a member of the University of Connecticut’s Human Rights Close To Home Youth Advisory Team, which engages educators and youth in the development and implementation of human rights education for civic action.

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EPISODE 16: Connecticut Educators and Students Panel, Part Two

In Episode 16, teachers Chris Buckley and Jake Skrzypiec discuss the HRE Community within and in connection to the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Next, students Kevin Maysonnet and Shirin Unvala share their thoughts on using HRE to address human rights challenges in the US by engaging in activities that improve the quality of life for others and mobilizing people to advocate for human rights related to local issues. Chris and Jake further elaborate on connecting HRE to current issues in the US, such as attacks on LGBTQ+ community and restrictions on the study of US history. The group goes on to discuss the importance of envisioning today’s HRE students as change agents and the need for community members to speak out in support of human rights from the local to the federal level. Lastly, the group shares influential role models in HRE and closes with an important HRE quote and one recommendation each which they believe would advance HRE in the USA. 

Topics discussed:

• HRE Community in the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
• Using HRE to address human rights challenges in the USA
• recommended key change to advance HRE in the USA

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 17: Yvonne Vissing, Part One

Sociologist Yvonne Vissing, PhD, is Professor of Healthcare Studies and Director of the Center for Childhood & Youth Studies and the Center for Human Rights Education at Salem State University.  Author of 20 books, including Children’s Human Rights in the USA, she is US policy chair for the Hope for Children CRC Policy Center in Cyprus and on committees of HRE USA and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a former NIMH Post-doctoral research fellow.

In Episode 17, Yvonne Vissing discusses her Initial interest in human rights and human rights education, as well as the significance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and her work in dealing with the social problems of children. She shares her thoughts on the United States’ failure to ratify the CRC, and the connections between her clinical experience and human rights education. Next, Yvonne shares her thoughts on the way in which human rights treaties can inform strategies to address social problems, including strategies for educating the population about homelessness. Lastly, she discusses her work with the Centers for Children and Youth and Human Rights Education at Salem State University and programs delivered by the centers. 

Topics discussed:

• Initial interest in human rights and human rights education
• Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Social problems with children
• The United States’ failure to ratify the CRC
• Connection between clinical experience and human rights education
• Human rights treaties informing strategies to address social issues
• Strategies for educating the population about homelessness
• The Center for Children and Youth and Human Rights Education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 18: Yvonne Vissing, Part Two

In Episode 18, Yvonne Vissing shares her thoughts on the absence of discussion around human rights in public discourse and the lack of US knowledge around the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). She goes on to discuss human rights education (HRE) and social justice connections along with the significance of the human rights framework as a way to encompass social justice concerns. Yvonne then expounds upon the necessity of keeping children safe and protected. She elaborates on the ongoing failure of governments to address children’s needs. She shares her thoughts on the integration of HRE within strategies to address children’s needs and the importance of training childcare workers and educating parents, while holding professionals accountable. Next, Yvonne discusses Felisa Tibbitts’ HRE model of professional accountability and the integration of HRE as a central focus for professional training to protect children. Lastly, Yvonne shares a few of her key role models for her work in HRE. 

Topics discussed:

• Absence of discussion around human rights in public discourse
• Lack of knowledge around the Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Human rights education and social justice connections 
• Human rights framework as a way to encompass social issues
• Necessity of keeping children safe and protected
• Ongoing failure of governments to address children’s needs
• Integration of HRE into training for professionals who work with children
• Felisa Tibbitts’ HRE model for professional accountability 
• Key role models in human rights education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 19: Anita Yudkin-Suliveres, Part One

Anita Yudkin-Suliveres is an educator who works in the field of teacher education. She is a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, and Coordinator of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Peace at the University of Puerto Rico. For over twenty years she has worked in human rights and peace education in formal educational settings and in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations. Her areas of interest in teaching, research, and action include education for peace and human rights, children’s rights, learning to live together in schools, and qualitative research in education from a critical perspective. 

In Episode 19, Anita Yudkin-Suliveres discusses the origin of her interest in human rights, human rights education (HRE), and peace education. She then elaborates on her work in El Salvador and with Amnesty International regarding children’s rights in Puerto Rico. Anita describes the project, Teaching for Freedom, and her role as UNESCO Chair in Peace Education at the University of Puerto Rico. Anita, emphasizes the significance of collaborations between university departments, NGOs, and civil society organizations, as well as the growing number of young people engaged in these collaborations. Next, Anita shares her thoughts on the connections between her work and the political status of Puerto Rico, as well as issues of decolonization and self-determination. Additionally, she discusses her work in peace education and the link between Puerto Rico’s lack of political and economic autonomy, and the U. S. Congress’ creation of a fiscal oversight and management board which has had serious impacts on public policy in Puerto Rico. Anita provides suggestions around classroom strategies to address social problems in Puerto Rico, emphasizing human dignity, and her understanding of what peace means in the current Puerto Rican reality while simultaneously addressing global issues such as migration, climate change and global violence along with their interconnections.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of her interest in human rights and peace education
• Her work in El Salvador with Amnesty International
• Teaching for Freedom project
• Role as UNESCO Chair in Peace Education at the University of Puerto Rico
• Collaborations between university departments, NGOs, and civil society
• Connections between HRE and political status of Puerto Rico
• Decolonization and self-determination
• U.S. Congress’ fiscal oversight and impact on public policy in Puerto Rico
• Classroom strategies to address social problems in Puerto Rico

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 20: Anita Yudkin-Suliveres, Part Two

In Episode 20, Anita Yudkin-Suliveres elaborates on her relationships with other scholars in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Spanish-speaking world, as well as her Teaching For Freedom work in Costa Rica. Next, Anita discusses the lack of dialogue between the Global North and South, and the importance of accessing different ways of knowing when educating for peace, such as those from Indigenous voices. Furthermore, Anita shares her thoughts on critical pedagogy and how it has been retained as Latin American Human Rights Education (HRE). She then elaborates on the role of Paolo Freire’s work in HRE and social justice movements in Puerto Rico, along with the practice of applying a critical pedagogical lens to housing, education, and health issues in Puerto Rico. Anita also shares her thoughts on local Puerto Rican issues and their connection to global trends and issues. She then expounds upon future trends for HRE and Peace Education, such as the collaboration of scholars and activists addressing the growing trend of authoritarianism across the globe. Anita further elaborates on the development of new competencies. Lastly, Anita discusses an influential role model for her work in HRE and Peace Education – the late Dr. Betty Reardon.

Topics discussed:

• Her relationships with scholars in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Teaching for Freedom work 
• Lack of dialogue between the Global South and North
• Importance of accessing different ways of knowing 
• Critical pedagogy 
• Paolo Freire’s impact on social justice movements in Puerto Rico
• Future trends in HRE and Peace Education
• Development of new competencies
• Influential role model, Dr. Betty Reardon

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 21 : Dr. Monisha Bajaj, Part One

Dr. Monisha Bajaj is a Professor of International and Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco. She is the editor and author of eight books and numerous articles on issues of peace, human rights, migration, and education, including  Humanizing Education for Immigrant and Refugee Youth and World Yearbook of Education 2023: Racialization and Educational Inequality in Global Perspective. Dr. Bajaj has developed curriculum and teacher training materials—related to human rights, racial justice, ethnic studies, and sustainability—for non-profit and national advocacy organizations as well as inter-governmental organizations, such as UNICEF and UNESCO. In 2015, she received the Ella Baker/Septima Clark Human Rights Award (2015) from Division B of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

In Episode 21, Dr. Monisha Bajaj shares her interest in human rights and human rights education, as well as her work at Human Rights Watch. Dr. Bajaj then discusses the work of Paolo Freire and Richard Pierre Claude. Next, she describes her work with Betty Reardon, and the evolution of the field of human rights education (HRE). Dr. Bajaj expounds upon the significance of social media and internet technologies in spreading HRE along with contemporary HRE challenges, including rising fascism. Later, Dr. Bajaj raises questions about the relevance of human rights and her thoughts on the impact of decolonization scholarship. She also explains the linkages between HRE and peace education; the importance of her work with immigrant and refugee communities; and the heightened presence of human rights across university programs. Lastly, Dr. Bajaj shares her thoughts on the reconceptualization of public discourse on human rights, and how the U.S. remains far behind in integrating HRE in mass public education.

Topics discussed:

• Work at Human Rights Watch
• Paolo Freire and Richard Peirre Claude
• Dr. Betty Reardon
• Evolution of the field of human rights education
• Impact of social media and internet technologies in spreading HRE
• Relevance of human rights 
• Impact of decolonization scholarship 
• Linkages between HRE and peace education
• Work with immigrant and refugee communities
• Reconceptualizing public discourse on human rights

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 22: Dr. Monisha Bajaj, Part Two

In Episode 22, Dr. Monisha Bajaj shares HRE and peace education strategies to apply when working with marginalized groups, as well as her partner project with immigrant students in Oakland, California, and the book that emerged from the partner project. Next, Dr. Bajaj discusses how the HRE framework helps students from all backgrounds by broadening their perspective. Dr. Bajaj then explains the connections between HRE and social justice, and her thoughts on using HRE to focus on social and economic rights and address endemic problems. Dr. Bajaj also shares the importance of having leaders who are human rights-informed and her concerns for a growing authoritarianism in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Bajaj then emphasizes the value of a national HRE conference, and John Terry and the New Jersey HRE conference on human rights and climate change. Lastly, she describes her most significant role models in HRE; a quote that summarizes her views on HRE; and one critical change she thinks would advance HRE in  the U.S. 

Topics discussed:

• HRE strategies when working with marginalized groups
• Partner project with immigrant students in Oakland, California.
• HRE framework supporting students from diverse backgrounds
• Connection between HRE and social justice 
• HRE as a framework for working on social and economic rights
• Importance of having leaders who are human-rights informed
• Growing trend toward authoritarianism
• HRE National conference
• John Terry and the New Jersey HRE Conference
• Significant role model and inspiring quote 
• Critical change that would advance HRE in the U.S.  

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 23: Sandra Sirota, Part One

Sandra Sirota, EdD is Assistant Professor in Residence in Human Rights and Experiential Global Learning and Director of Dodd Impact’s program, Human Rights Close to Home (HRCH), at the University of Connecticut. Her work explores human rights and social justice education in the United States and South Africa. Her current research focuses on how students and teachers conceptualize and actualize human rights in conjunction with HRCH. Sandra’s recent articles have appeared in Comparative Education Review and the International Journal of Human Rights Education. She co-chairs the University and College Consortium for Human Rights Education. Sandra earned her doctorate from Columbia University.

In Episode 23, Sandra Sirota shares her early interest in human rights and human rights education, her work with Human Rights Watch, the creation of the Advocacy Lab, and the Connections Project at Cornell University. Next, she discusses the Human Rights Close to Home Program, the importance of civic engagement for students, and the challenges of implementing human rights education (HRE) in schools. Furthermore, Sandra elaborates on Tibbitts’ three models of HRE, the importance of diverse approaches to HRE in varied communities, and research with the Social Justice Project in New London, Connecticut schools. Sandra then explains the challenges and strategies for educating pre-service and veteran teachers about HRE, resistance to HRE implementation in schools, and approaches to civic engagement with HRE. Lastly, Sandra highlights the importance of intergenerational collaborations, and the significance of peer support that strengthens solidarity among students. 

Topics discussed:

• Early interest in human rights and human rights education (HRE)
• Human Rights Watch
• Advocacy Lab
• Connections Project at Cornell University
• Human Rights Close to Home Program
• Importance of civic engagement 
• Challenges to implementing HRE in schools
• Tibbitts’ three models of HRE
• Importance of diverse approaches to HRE 
• Research with the Social Justice Project 
• Challenges and strategies for educating pre-service & veteran teachers 
• Importance of intergenerational collaborations 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 24: Sandra Sirota, Part Two

In Episode 24, Sandra Sirota describes the influence of Paulo Freire’s work, the  significance of structured dialogue in social justice pedagogy, and the role of emotions in the classroom. Next, she discusses the changing public human rights discourse in the USA; the power of human rights language; and using tools from peace, anti-racist, and social justice education. She then shares her thoughts on using human rights education (HRE) to advance the rights of children, and how expanding HRE into new places has the potential to impact cultural values and laws by changing patterns of thinking, and how young people educated in HRE can act as change agents. Sandra elaborates on her concerns over rising authoritarianism and the importance of using global HRE during these times as well as increasing opportunities for teacher and teacher educator training in HRE. Lastly, Sandra highlights the ways Dr. S. Garnett Russell and Jane Goodall have been influential role models for her work in HRE, and one critical change which she views would advance HRE in the US.

Topics discussed:

• Influential work of Paulo Freire
• Dialogue in social justice pedagogy
• Role of emotions in the classroom
• Changing public discourse around HRE in the USA
• Power of human rights language
• Using tools from peace, anti-racists, and social justice education
• Human rights education as a way to advance childrens’ rights
• Potential of HRE to impact cultural values, laws, patterns of thinking 
• Young people in HRE as change agents
• Rising authoritarianism and importance of global HRE
• Teacher training and HRE
• Dr. Garnett Russell and Jane Goodall as influential role models
• One idea for critical change to advance HRE in the U.S. 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 25: Audrey Osler, Part One

Audrey Osler is Professor Emerita of Citizenship and Human Rights Education at University of Leeds, and Editor-in-Chief of Human Rights Education Review. She is the Co-Chair of International Association for Human Rights Education (IAHRE). Audrey is known internationally for HRE research addressing policy, curriculum, racial justice, and child rights in established democracies and post-conflict settings. In addition to a long UK-based career, Audrey has worked for 13 years as professor in Norway, and extended periods in the US (University of Washington, Seattle and Utah State); China (Beijing Normal and Hong Kong University of Education); and Japan, where she held Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) fellowships. Her books include Human Rights and Schooling: An ethical framework for teaching for social justice (2016); Where are you from? No, where are you really from? (2023) exploring empire, migration, and her family history in India and South-East Asia; and Nordic Perspectives on Human Rights Education (2024 with Beate Goldschmidt-Gjerløw). Audrey can be heard discussing her views on authors that have influenced her here. 

In Episode 25, Audrey Osler shares her origins of interest in human rights and human rights education and the importance of human rights education (HRE) language in working with anti-racist education in the UK. She then explains the impact of transnational activities on her approach to HRE, including her work in Louisiana, Beijing, and Japan, and how listening to peoples’ stories and understanding their meanings have enriched her life. Audrey goes on to discuss the relationship between universal human rights standards and local experience as critical to advancing HRE and sustaining concepts of humanity in conflict-ridden situations, as well as her efforts in developing education for cosmopolitan citizenship alongside Professor Hugh Starkey. Audrey emphasizes the centrality of migration in history and contemporary society, and the significance of collecting and gathering stories from marginalized groups as critical to reducing the “othering” of said groups. Next, Audrey describes the legacy of colonialism and the broader impact on the UK population as well as the oversimplification of history currently taught to students. She underlines the pervasive influence of colonialism as interpreted differently by various social groups and the need for serious reconsideration of history curriculum as one that embraces a critical approach. 

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interest in human rights and human rights education
• Importance of human rights language in anti-racist education
• Impact of transnational activities on approaches to HRE
• Listening to others’ stories as enriching to one’s life
• Universal human rights standards and local experience in conflict resolution
• Educating for cosmopolitan citizenship 
• Migration in history and contemporary society
• Reduction of “othering” with regards to marginalized groups
• Legacy of colonialism on history curriculum, need for revision

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 26: Audrey Osler, Part Two

In Episode 26, Audrey Osler shares her thoughts on the impediments to implementing HRE in the USA. She then explains the importance of recognizing children as citizens and the Convention of the Rights of the Child. Audrey then examines the lack of public dialogue in the US around human rights. Next, she discusses how educating journalists about human rights is critical, and how there is a lack of focus on human rights in dealing with domestic policy issues in the USA. Audrey offers a comparison to Norway and its human rights image, including an analysis of Norwegian exceptionalism with regards to human rights, as compared to the UK. Audrey then describes how education can act as a counter-socializing force and challenge notions of exceptionalism, and the need for international perspective and curriculum to challenge nationalistic education through advancing human rights education (HRE), while sustaining a love for one’s nation and still recognizing one’s common humanity. Next, she shares her sentiments and concerns regarding the rise of authoritarianism, and the importance of examining underlying causes and revisiting definitions of power and democracy. She elaborates on confronting the rise of dictatorial tendencies in political parties, and identifies our fascination with personality and spectacle as problematic. Audrey then discusses how her mother was her most Influential role model in challenging injustice, and how an important recommendation to advancing HRE would be for all governments to abide by their international commitments to human rights norms and treaties.   

Topics discussed:

• Impediments to implementing HRE in USA
• Importance of recognizing children as citizens
• Convention of the Rights of the Child
• Deficient public dialogue around human rights in USA
• Education of journalists about human rights 
• Human rights and domestic policy
• Exceptionalism in Norway, UK, and USA 
• Rise of authoritarianism, need to reexamine democracy and power  
• Fascination with personality and spectacle as problematic 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

EPISODE 27: Maria Hantzopoulos, Part One

Maria Hantzopoulos earned her B.A. from Boston University in History, her M.A. in Social Studies Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and her doctorate at Teachers College in International Educational Development. Her work broadly considers how educational processes structure inequity in their contexts and beyond. Her research interests include school culture and climate, project-based assessment, peace and human rights education, migration and education, and social studies curricula. She is the author of the book Restoring Dignity: Human Rights in Action (Teachers College Press, 2016).

In Episode 27, Maria Hantzopoulos discusses her origins of interest in human rights and human rights education, as well as her entry into public school teaching and her advocacy of social justice pedagogy. She then shares her practices of HRE and peace education in her teaching, and the importance of critiquing mainstream narratives. Next, Maria discusses her involvement in the doctoral program at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the importance of Paolo Freire’s work on critical consciousness. Maria then goes on to describe what she views are the challenges of educating teachers to act as transformative agents of change. Lastly, Maria explains Henry Giroux’s concept of schools as contested spaces.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interest in human rights and human rights education
• Entry into public school teaching 
• Advocacy of social justice pedagogy 
• Practice of HRE and peace education in teaching
• Importance of critiquing mainstream narratives
• Involvement in doctoral program at Teachers College, Columbia University
• Paolo Freire’s work on critical consciousness
• Challenges of educating teachers as transformative agents  
• Henry Grioux’s concept of schools as contested spaces 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

EPISODE 28: Maria Hantzopoulos, Part Two

In Episode 28, Maria Hantzopoulos discusses her work with non-governmental organizations, as well as her work in designing curriculum, which deals with human rights. Maria then shares what she views are challenges to mainstream narratives in global history, and the idea of curriculum interventions as contested spaces. She emphasizes the intersections of HRE and peace education, as well as the challenges of meeting students who have skill deficits. Next, Maria talks about the relationships between HRE and social justice and the development of a critical consciousness, as well as the heightened emphasis on decolonial education. Maria then describes the importance of using human rights language and concepts when addressing social change movements in the US, along with highlighting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a tool with young people. Maria shares influential role models for her work in human rights education and a significant quote, which guides her work in HRE.

Topics discussed:

• Work with non-governmental organizations
• Work designing human rights curriculum 
• Challenges to mainstream narratives in global history 
• Curriculum interventions as contested spaces
• Intersections of HRE and peace education 
• Challenges in meeting students’ needs who have skill deficits 
• Relationship between HRE and social justice 
• Development of critical consciousness
• Heightened emphasis on decolonial education
• Importance of using human rights language and concepts in social change movements
• UDHR as tool to use with young people
• Influential role model and significant quote  

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 29: Lina Lenberg, Part One

Dr. Lina Lenberg has been an educator for over 20 years. Lina  works as a middle school classroom teacher and a part-time professor in the  International and Multicultural Education Department at the University of San  Francisco. Lina serves on the editorial board for the International Journal of  Human Rights Education. Lina wrote her dissertation on the Uyghur genocide in  East Turkestan and the Uyghur diaspora’s resistance to Chinese state violence. Her latest project is the Uyghur Genocide Online Resource Center. Her publications include the article Uyghur Diaspora Activism in the Face of Genocide; a book review (from 2017): Human Rights and Schooling: An Ethical Framework for Teaching Social Justice.

In Episode 29, Lina Lenberg shares her origins of interest in human rights and human rights education, and how she sees herself as an educator/activist. She shares the influences of her family’s exile experience on her HRE work, and the importance of identifying and confronting biases and celebrating universal human attributes. Next, Lina discusses how she integrates HRE curricula and pedagogy into her daily teaching, and about the formation of a human rights club and developing volunteer opportunities for students. Lina discusses how she helps teachers include HRE content and strategies in their daily practice, and seeks to center the voices of marginalized groups in her daily teaching. She discusses her work with graduate students in HRE at USF. She explains her doctoral study work of the Uighur genocide, and her public advocacy work on behalf of the Uighur community. She explains how little has been done to hold China accountable for their genocidal policies against Uighur communities, and her work at the International Journal of Human Rights Education. 

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interest in human rights and human rights education
• Influences of her family’s exile experience on her HRE work
• Importance of identifying and confronting biases
• Celebrating universal human attributes
• Integration of HRE curricula / pedagogy into daily teaching
• Formation of human rights club and developing volunteer opportunities for students
• Helping teachers Include HRE content and strategies in daily practice
• Work with graduate students in HRE at University of San Francisco
• Doctoral study work of the Uighur genocide
• Work at the International Journal of Human Rights Education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 30: Lina Lenberg, Part Two

In Episode 30, Lina Lenberg discusses bridging the gap between Holocaust/genocide studies and human rights education, and the importance of addressing genocide as embodying many human rights violations. Next, she shares her ideas around the conceptualizing links between HRE and social justice. Next, Lina explains how it requires a concerted and consistent effort to create the conditions to envision and develop a just world, and how a universal ethos of care is needed. Then, she discusses deploying HRE to address human rights violations against children in the USA, and the importance of recognizing threats to the rights of children and encouraging activism. Then, Lina discusses advancing HRE in an environment of rising authoritarianism, and the importance of incorporating HRE within teacher preparation and professional development programs. Next, she shares how she finds strength in networks like HRE where there is a collective of individuals focused on social change, and the critical importance of making HRE an institutional priority in educational policy-making. Lastly, Lina shares that Monisha Bajaj is her most significant role model for HRE, as well as the work of bell hooks. Then, she shares an influential quote and a recommendation for the HRE movement. 

Topics discussed:

• Bridging the gap between Holocaust/genocide studies
• Importance of addressing genocide as many human rights violations
• Links between HRE and social justice
• Importance of concerted and consistent effort to create the conditions to envision and develop a just world
• Universal ethos of care
• Deploying HRE to address human rights violations against children
• Advancing HRE in an environment of rising authoritarianism
• Importance of incorporating HRE within teacher preparation
• Influential role models and significant quotes
• Recommendation for HRE movement 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

EPISODE 31: Dr. Alex Red Corn, Part One

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Dr. Alex Red Corn is a citizen of the Osage Nation in what is now Oklahoma. He is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Kansas State University (K-State), but is transitioning to the University of Kansas this summer where he will serve as Director and Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies, as well as Associate Vice Chancellor for Tribal Relations. Alex specializes in teaching qualitative research and Indigenous educational leadership. In addition to his university position, he serves as Executive Director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education (KANAE), and has collaborated with Native Nations and communities across the region, and is also the Chair of the new Kansas Advisory Council for Indigenous Education (KACIE). 

In Episode 31, Dr. Alex Red Corn shares his origins of interest in human rights and human rights education, as well as his evolution from being a social studies teacher to a human rights educator and expert on Indigenous education. Next, he discusses the challenges of helping others learn about American Indian cultures and history, and his thoughts on engaging with educational systems to improve understanding of Native cultures and society for all people in the US. Alex then explains the importance of meeting learners at their current state of knowledge while helping them recognize areas for growth. Furthermore, he addresses problems with existing social studies standards and stereotypical presentations of Indian life, as well as the importance of examining Indigenous issues within a human rights framework. He shares his thoughts on emphasizing the study of American Indian cultures and society as a political issue, not only through a racial/ethnic lens, and the Importance of studying the history and culture of specific Native tribes to counter the dominant assimilationist approach to education of American Indian children. Alex then expands on the importance of partnerships and collaboration between Indigenous nations and state/local educational systems, and various obstacles in changing education about Indigenous cultures and history. Next, he shares his thoughts on placing emphasis on sovereignty, collaboration, and co-governance in reforming educational systems through a problem-solving approach, as well as strategies for Indigenous students and academics to navigate the higher education system linked to settler colonialism. Finally, Alex links how helping one’s community is a core value of American Indians that leads to code-switching and navigating non-tribal systems in various situations.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interest in human rights and human rights education
• Evolution from social studies teacher to human rights educator 
• Challenges of teaching about Indian cultures and histories
• Importance of meeting learners at their current state of knowledge
• Problems with existing social studies standards and presentations of Indian life
• Importance of examining Indian issues through a human rights framework
• The study of Indian cultures and society as political, not merely racial/ethnic
• Countering dominant assimilation approach to education of Indigenous children
• Importance of partnerships between Indigenous nations / state and local education 
• Sovereignty and co-governance in reforming education systems 
• Strategies for Indian students and faculty in navigating higher education
• Code-switching and navigating non-tribal systems

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 32:  Dr. Alex Red Corn, Part Two

In Episode 32, Dr. Alex Red Corn discusses leadership programs in Indian education in the Western US and the need for such programs in states east of the Mississippi. Next, he expands on the lack of knowledge among the public about federally recognized tribes. Alex then describes conflicts emerging from ignorance of tribal sovereignty, and the role of treaties between tribes and the US government when addressing Indian rights. He goes on to explain connections between Indian rights in the US and Indigenous Peoples across the globe, including collaborations across boundaries in the field of Indigenous studies. Alex then discusses the Maori work in education, and the continuing impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples. Next, he discusses the importance of strategic decision making by Indigenous Peoples to combat oppression and sustain native resistance. Alex emphasizes the power of education to address human rights abuses against Indigenous tribes and Indigenous Peoples. He then shares how critical thinking about federal policies is essential. Alex concludes by describing influential role models and key quotes he is inspired by.

Topics discussed:

• Leadership programs in Indigenous education
• Lack of knowledge among public about federally recognized tribes
• Conflicts emerging from ignorance of tribal sovereignty
• Role of treaties between tribes and US government
• Connections between Indian rights in US and Indigenous Peoples across globe
• Collaborations in the field of Indigenous studies
• Maori work in education
• Continuing impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples
• Importance of strategic decision making by Indigenous Peoples to sustain native resistance
• Power of education to address human rights abuses against Indian tribes

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 33:  Karen Robinson, Part One

Karen Robinson has over 35 years of experience in human rights, human rights education, community and youth development, and community organizing. Karen started her career at American University where she helped start the Center for Volunteerism and Community Service. Later, Karen moved to Amnesty International, USA where she served as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Deputy Director and Director of the Human Rights Education program. In that capacity, she served six years as the Chair of the International Human Rights Education Coordinating Committee for Amnesty International globally. As the Director of Human Rights Education at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (RFKHR), she led the creation of the  Speak Truth To Power Human Rights Education program. Working with local partners, she has helped start HRE programs in South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Greece and numerous schools across the U.S. 

In Episode 33, Karen Robsinson discusses her journey into human rights education; her early career work at the Close Up Foundation, American University, and Amnesty International; challenges and successes of the human rights education movement; her time at the Man Up Campaign; and her Directorship at RFKHR, where she developed and currently runs the Speak Truth to Power Program.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interest and work in human rights education 
• Work at the Close Up Foundation
• Time at American University
• Work with Amnesty International 
• Challenges and Successes of the human rights education movement in the US
• Time at the Man Up Campaign
• Directorship at RFKHR
• Speak Truth To Power program

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 34: Karen Robinson, Part Two

In Episode 34, Karen Robinson continues her discussion regarding the Man Up Campaign, as well as the Speak Truth to Power Program at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. She talks about the RFKHR annual video contest, as well as the theater program. Karen goes on to highlight the importance of sharing stories and raising awareness about human rights issues, particularly for marginalized communities. She also touches on the intersections of human rights with other fields such as science and math, and the potential for human rights to be incorporated into any area of education, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and solidarity in the face of persistent violence and injustice.

Topics discussed:

• Man Up Campaign
• Speak Truth To Power Program at RFKHR
• RFKHR Annual Video Contest
• RFKHR Theater programming
• Importance of sharing stories and raising awareness around human rights issues
• Intersection of human rights with other subject areas 
• Importance of maintaining solidarity and hope in the face of persistent injustice 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 35: Karen Robinson, Part Three

In Episode 35, Karen Robinson describes her spiritual grounding, as well as the impact and influence of great thinkers like Khalil Gibran. Next, she discusses the current challenges facing academic freedom and intellectual safety in education, and the connection between human rights and sports. Lastly, Karen shares her most influential role model on her journey in human rights, as well as one critical change she would like to see happen to advance HRE.

Topics discussed:

• Spiritual grounding 
• Khalil Gibran
• Challenges facing academic freedom and intellectual safety in education
• Connection between human rights and sports
• Influential role models and inspiring quotes
• One critical change which would progress the HRE movement forward 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 36: Glenn Mitoma, Part One

Glenn Mitoma is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Human Rights and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University.  His research and teaching focus on the history of human rights and human rights education, with current projects on the mid-20th century history of human rights education. He has served on the Connecticut State Advisory Committee on Genocide and Holocaust Education and the Executive Committee for Human Rights Educators USA, and was a founding member of both the Connecticut Human Rights Partnership and the University and College Consortium for Human Rights Education. His publications include: Preparing Educators, Advocates, and Allies: Teacher Education in the HRE Movement and Human Rights and the Negotiation of American Power

In Episode 36, Glenn Mitoma shares the origins of his interest in human rights and human rights education (HRE) and his work at the University of Connecticut. Next, he describes partnership programs between the university and K-12 education, as well as professional development programs in HRE for K-12 educators and their students. Glenn then discusses challenges in forging partnerships within a university setting, as well as the hurdles and opportunities for HRE at Columbia University and other higher education institutions, and his thoughts on the creation of the University and College Consortium for HRE. Glenn highlights what he sees as a growing interest among  students in programs that advance justice and the barriers constraining non-traditional programs in HRE. Later, Glenn expounds upon the relationships between higher education and popular education in HRE, in addition to popular and community education connections to transformative HRE. Glenn then examines the connections between HRE and active K-12 citizenship education, as well as ideas around revisiting history education and the concept of shared memory using an HRE lens. Lastly, Glenn illuminates his views on U.S. history as part of a global, transnational process, along with efforts at censoring history and social studies instruction.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interests in human rights and human rights education
• Work at the University of Connecticut
• Partnership programs between university and K-12 programs
• Professional development programs in HRE for K-12 educators
• Challenges in forging partnerships within university setting 
• Hurdles and opportunities for HRE at Columbia University and other institutions
• Creation of the University and College College Consortium for HRE
• Growing interest among students in social justice programs
• Relationship between HRE and K-12 citizenship education 
• Revisiting history education through shared memory using HRE lens
• Views on U.S. history as global, transnational process

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 37: Glenn Mitoma, Part Two

In Episode 37, Glenn Mitoma discusses the relationships between HRE and social justice, as well as his thoughts on social justice as a dynamic force advancing human rights in the pursuit of justice. Next, he shares his thoughts on the Indigenous rights movement as a force for collective rights. Glenn also describes the use of CRC as a pathway to support childrens’ rights, including ideas for engaging youth voices in decision making about education. He then elaborates on HRE and the challenge of authoritarianism and confronting leaders and others who reject universal human rights. Later, he shares his views on education as a force for human rights, and the significance of mobilizing the broader public in defense of human rights and education writ large. Glenn then underlines the importance of building alliances between HRE and educators from K-university as a way to challenge inequality and support academic freedom. He shares his role models who inspired his HRE work, such as Miles Horton and Hannah Arendt. He recommends advancing HRE in the U.S. by establishing a national truth commission regarding human rights violations and genocide against Indigenous Peoples along with constructing a new historical memory through an open, democratic forum, citing the California Reparations Task Force as an example. 

Topics discussed:

• Relationship between HRE and social justice 
• Social justice as dynamic force for advancing human rights
• Indigenous rights movement as force for collective rights
• CRC as pathway to support childrens’ rights 
• Engaging youth voices in decision making about education
• Challenges of authoritarianism 
• Confronting leaders who reject universal human rights 
• Views on education as force for human rights 
• Mobilizing the broader public in defense of human rights 
• Alliances between university and K-12 educators to support academic freedom
• Role models and recommendations for advancing HRE in the U.S.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 38: Elana Haviv, Part One

Elana Haviv, Ph.D. is the founder and Executive Director of Generation Human Rights, Inc. She has designed and implemented human rights-based curriculum projects for schools across the United States and Europe as well as in refugee camp settings,and humanitarian emergencies worldwide. Her independent consulting work includes writing for UNESCO on practical advice for teachers managing constructive classroom discussions on violent extremism and antisemitism. Elana is an Oral History Fellow at Columbia University and holds a Ph.D. from Antioch University.

In Episode 38, Dr. Elana Haviv shares her origins of interest in human rights and human rights education. Next, she discusses the emergence of HRE as an important field of study and the impact of the 9/11 attacks on redefining her work in human rights education. Elana then highlights her work through Generation Human Rights in Bosnia, as well as her collaboration with her brother, human rights photographer Ron Haviv. She underlines the challenges faced when creating youth-oriented projects, including the Millennium Villages Classroom Program and Traveling Exhibit project. She closes this episode describing the development of multimedia curricula for various U.S. states and the significance of modifying language to help local educators embrace human rights education.

Topics discussed:

• Origins of interest in human rights and human rights education
• Emergence of HRE as important field of study
• Impact of 9/11 on human rights work
• Generation Human Rights work in Bosnia
• Work with photographer, Ron Haviv 
• Challenges when creating youth-oriented projects
• Millennium Villages Classroom Program
• Traveling Exhibit Project
• Development of multimedia curricula 
• Significance of modifying language for local educators 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 39: Elana Haviv, Part Two

In Episode 39, Dr. Elana Haviv analyzes the relationship between HRE and social justice. She then critiques the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and ideas around refashioning the UDHR for contemporary populations. Next, Elana shares her thoughts on classroom lessons as a way to provide opportunities for activism and her views on Generation Human Rights as a politically neutral organization. She elaborates on challenges to academic freedom in schools and the importance of supporting teachers. Elana provides her insights on the hurdles of disinformation intensified by artificial intelligence along with the rise of authoritarianism and HRE’s response. Then, Elana discusses the importance of building stronger communities and networks through sharing information. Elana closes this episode by sharing inspiring role models for her human rights education work and a significant quote along with her recommendation for advancing HRE in the USA.

Topics discussed:

• Relationship between human rights education (HRE) and social justice 
• Critiques of the UDHR
• Refashioning UDHR for contemporary populations
• Classroom lessons as activism
• Generation Human Rights as politically neutral
• Challenges to academic freedom
• Challenges of disinformation intensified via artificial intelligence 
• Rise of authoritarianism
• Building stronger communities through sharing information
• Role models & important quote
• Idea for advancing HRE in the USA

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 40: Sam Totten, Part One

Sam Totten is professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. His areas of research are: crimes against humanity and genocide in Sudan; the current war in Ukraine; the impact of genocide on the individual and the local community; the intervention and prevention of genocide; and the denial of genocide. Sam has served as an investigator with the U.S. State Department’s Atrocities Documentation Project, and as a Fulbright Scholar at the Centre for Conflict Management at the National University of Rwanda. His publications include: We Cannot Forget: Interviews with Survivors of the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda; Genocide by Attrition: Nuba Mountains, Sudan; Conflict in the Nuba Mountains: From Genocide by Attrition to the Current Crises; Sudan’s Nuba Mountains People Under Siege: Accounts by Humanitarians from the Battle Zone; Dirty Hands and Vicious Deeds: The U.S. Government’s Complicity in Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide; Centuries of Genocide: Critical Essays and Eyewitness Accounts; and All Eyes on the Sky – The Nuba Mountains, Sudan.

In Episode 40, Sam Totten discusses the origins of his interest in human rights issues, as well as his transition into human rights education. Sam then describes his publications on HRE, along with his work with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council/Museum and the Guidelines for Teaching about the Holocaust. Next, Sam shares his engagement with high school Amnesty International Chapters, before briefly touching on the fall of Communism and the opening of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Sam examines the evolution of the field of genocide studies, debates about definitions of genocide, and the growth of journals and electronic media sites in genocide studies. Sam expands on his work as an a scholar-activist, including his investigative work in Darfur with refugees and humanitarian work in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan. 

Topics discussed:

• Origins of his interest in human rights and human rights education
• Published works in the HRE space
• Work with the Holocaust Memorial Council/Museum 
• Guidelines for Teaching about the Holocaust 
• Engagement with High School Amnesty International Chapters
• Fall of Communism and opening of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum 
• Evolution of the field of Genocide Studies
• Debates about definitions of “genocide” 
• Work as a scholar-activist
• Investigative work in Darfur and in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 41: Sam Totten, Part Two

In Episode 41, Sam Totten discusses the Genocide Studies Program in Rwanda and the challenges of implementing a masters curriculum. Sam then describes revisionist history, the Rwandan genocide, and issues-centered curriculum and human rights education. Next, Sam shares his thoughts on censorship issues in the United States, and his concerns about curriculum restrictions in K-12 and higher education. Sam analyzes issues around book banning and attacks on teachers, as well as self-censorship by educators. Sam then highlights his role models in human rights education (HRE) and key quotes which epitomize his views on HRE. Lastly, Sam concludes with his recommendation for advancing HRE in the United States, along with his concerns about the implications of Project 2025 if Donald Trump is re-elected and the importance of educators resisting censorship.

Topics discussed:

• Genocide Studies Program in Rwanada and challenges of implementing curriculum 
• Revisionist history and the Rwandan genocide 
• Issues-centered curriculum and human rights education
• Censorship in the United States
• Concerns about curriculum restrictions in K-12 and higher education
• Book banning and attacks on teachers
• Self-censorship of educators 
• Role models in human rights education and key quotes
• Recommendations for advancing human rights education in the United States

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 42: Dr. Hugh Starkey, Part One

Dr. Hugh Starkey is an Emeritus Professor of Citizenship and Human Rights Education at IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society. His research focuses on education for democratic citizenship and human rights education (EDC/HRE) from an intercultural perspective. From 2019 to 2024, he co-convened the World Educational Research Association’s International Research Network on Human Rights Education, which evolved into the International Association for Human Rights Education. His latest book, co-authored with Lee Jerome, is Children’s Rights Education in Diverse Classrooms: Pedagogy, Principles and Practice (2021).

In Episode 42, Dr. Hugh Starkey discusses the origins of his interest in human rights and human rights education, highlighting his transformative experiences working in Algeria. He describes how the World Studies curriculum and pedagogy influenced his approach, along with his work with the Council of Europe, which deepened his awareness of human rights issues. Hugh connects his background in language and intercultural education to human rights education, emphasizing the importance of integrating controversial issues within language education to enable democratic participation among learners. He then explores the relationships between nationalism and cosmopolitanism, arguing that cosmopolitanism can coexist with patriotism while addressing the challenges of nationalism in undermining universal human rights claims. Hugh advocates for incorporating human rights within multicultural education, envisioning a reimagined nation as a multicultural entity that confronts the legacy of colonialism. He outlines steps for enhancing children’s rights, discussing the significance of participation rights in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Topics discussed:

• Transformative experiences from working in Algeria
• Influence of the World Studies curriculum and pedagogy
• Increased awareness of human rights through work with the Council of Europe
• Connections between language education and human rights issues
• Importance of democratic focus in enabling learners to speak
• Role of global citizenship education in promoting human rights
• The relationship between nationalism and cosmopolitanism
• Incorporation of  human rights in multicultural education and children’s rights initiatives

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 43: Dr. Hugh Starkey, Part Two

In Episode 43, Dr. Hugh Starkey discusses the crucial role of school leaders in promoting human rights education (HRE) despite facing political constraints. He explores the connections between social justice, global citizenship, and HRE, highlighting the influence of Malcolm X on advocacy efforts. Hugh emphasizes the importance of building a culture of human rights both locally and globally, positioning social justice as a core aim achieved through HRE initiatives. He addresses the rights of migrants and the dehumanization strategies employed against them, recommending Council of Europe resources for educators. Hugh then argues that expanding knowledge about human rights is vital in countering authoritarianism and stresses the importance of popular education and community involvement in advancing these efforts. He reflects on influential figures like John Dewey, René Cassin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, citing a key quote from the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that encapsulates essential principles. Lastly, Hugh advocates for integrating human rights education into teacher training programs and underscores the necessity for government action in the United Kingdom to ensure educators are well-prepared to teach HRE in their classrooms.

Topics discussed:

• School leaders’ role in human rights education
• Social justice and global citizenship connections
• Malcolm X’s influence on human rights
• Building a culture of human rights
• Migrant rights in human rights education
• Dehumanization tactics against migrants
• Knowledge expansion on human rights and authoritarianism
• Popular education and community organizations’ role
• Human rights education in UK teacher training programs

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 44: Susan Katz, Part One

Susan Roberta Katz is Professor Emerita of International & Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco, where she taught for 27 years and co-founded the graduate program in Human Rights Education in 2008. A former San Francisco public middle school teacher, she received her Ph.D. in Education in Language & Literacy at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education. Since 2010, she has participated in collaborative research and educational projects with Indigenous communities in both Ecuador and Colombia. Her co-edited book, Bringing Human Rights Education to U.S. Classrooms: Exemplary Models from Elementary Grades through University, was published by Palgrave McMillan in Spring 2015. 

In Episode 44, Susan Katz reflects on the origins of her interest in human rights, shaped by the Anti-Vietnam War and civil rights movements, as well as the Black Panther Party and the National Student Strike. She highlights her involvement in the East Oakland Revitalization project, working with students and community groups, and her focus on multicultural teacher training in San Francisco. Susan emphasizes the role of pride and self-esteem in her teaching, particularly with new and immigrant students. Her oral history project on civil wars ties into her academic work and teaching at the University of San Francisco. She also discusses the importance of personal narratives in human rights education and her collaboration with the Voice of Witness project. Susan shares her experiences working with Indigenous Peoples, particularly in Ecuador and Colombia, and her commitment to addressing collective rights, language retention, and cultural sustainability. This led to her development of a human rights education program at the University of San Francisco, which evolved from a field concentration into a master’s program. She touches on the challenge of involving public school teachers in higher education and the silo effect in academia, concluding with remarks on the significance of human rights education in fostering broader understanding and action. 

Topics discussed: 

● Influence of the Anti-Vietnam War and civil rights movements on human rights interest.
● Involvement in East Oakland Revitalization and multicultural teacher training.
● Focus on pride and self-esteem in teaching immigrant students.
● Importance of personal narratives in human rights education.
● Work with indigenous peoples on collective rights and cultural sustainability.
● Development of Human Rights Education program at University of San Francisco.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 45: Susan Katz, Part Two

In Episode 45, Susan Katz discusses her work in human rights education (HRE), including her published volume Bringing Human Rights Education to U.S. Classrooms, which focuses on integrating HRE across curricula. She explores the connection between HRE and social justice, critiquing U.S. exceptionalism and advocating for a human rights framework to address issues like police brutality and the failure to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Susan emphasizes the importance of using HRE to confront authoritarianism, empower critical perspectives, and promote joy as resistance. She draws inspiration from figures like Ericka Huggins and Olga Talamonte, highlighting the power of personal narratives in challenging oppression. Susan also calls for mandating HRE in K-12 education and supporting teachers in its implementation. 

Topics discussed: 

● Published work on integrating human rights education across the curriculum.    
● Connection between human rights education (HRE) and social justice, addressing U.S. exceptionalism. 
● Using HRE to address children’s rights and poverty, with emphasis on the CRC ratification. 
● HRE’s role in confronting authoritarianism and empowering critical perspectives.
● Inspiration from Ericka Huggins and Olga Talamonte on the power of personal narratives. 
● Recommendation to mandate HRE in K-12 curricula and support teachers in its implementation. 

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 46: Kristi Rudelius-Palmer, Part One

Kristi Rudelius-Palmer, Ph.D., is a distinguished human rights learning consultant, strategy advisor, and director for Human Rights Educators USA. As a Fulbright Specialist (2023-2026), she collaborated with the University of Iceland’s School of Education to launch its first course on human rights and ecological well-being. Kristi co-founded the International Association for Human Rights Education and the University and College Consortium for Human Rights Education and serves on the executive committee of Minneapolis’ Child Friendly City initiative, recognized by UNICEF USA. From 1989 to 2016, she co-directed the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center, spearheading initiatives such as the Human Rights Library and the K-12 Minnesota Human Rights Education Initiative. Her publications include “Stories As Theories”: Illuminating Human Rights Education Through The Narratives Of Human Rights Educators, Towards a Just Society: The Personal Journeys of Human Rights Educators, Storytelling as a, Relational and Instrumental Tool for Addressing Racial Justice, Human Rights Education Handbook: Effective Practices for Learning, Action, and Change, and Taking Your Human Rights Temperature.

In Episode 46, Dr. Kristi Rudelius-Palmer reflects on the origins of her passion for human rights and human rights education, tracing it back to transformative experiences during her junior year in Europe, where she developed an interest in anti-racist/anti-apartheid activism and founded an Amnesty International chapter at her college. She highlights the profound influence of her family, particularly the lessons drawn from Holocaust history and the importance of caring for others, which shaped her commitment to social justice. Kristi discusses her tenure at the University of Minnesota Human Rights Center, where mentorship by Dr. David Weissbrodt deepened her understanding of institution-building and the power of networking in human rights education. She emphasizes the significance of initiatives like internship programs, the development of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, and the creation of an internet-based library of UDHR and human rights education materials. Kristi shares insights from her collaborations with global HRE leaders, focusing on effective training practices for educators and the importance of intergenerational storytelling in advancing human rights education. Looking ahead, she discusses her leadership role at Human Rights Educators USA, highlighting priorities such as fostering youth leadership, sustaining relationships during challenging times, and leveraging podcasting and scholarly journals to expand the reach and impact of human rights education globally.

Topics discussed:

• Anti-racist/anti-apartheid activism and founding an Amnesty International chapter.
• Family influence and lessons from Holocaust history.
• Mentorship by Dr. David Weissbrodt on institution-building and networking.
• Work on the World Programme for Human Rights Education and UDHR library.
• Global collaborations on educator training and HRE practices.
• Leadership at HRE USA, focusing on youth leadership and storytelling.
• Podcasting and scholarly journals for expanding HRE impact.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 47: Dr. Kristi Rudelius-Palmer, Part Two

In Episode 47, Dr. Kristi Rudelius-Palmer reflects on her work in human rights education (HRE), beginning with her learnings from Indigenous activist educators and communities along with the importance of integrating the International Indian Treaty Council initiatives, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the American Indian Movement into educational frameworks. She discusses efforts to create spaces for learning about Indigenous cultures while addressing public misconceptions about Indigenous history, such as reinterpreting Columbus’s legacy to challenge flawed historical narratives. Kristi emphasizes the connection between HRE and social justice, advocating for collective human rights experiences and respecting diverse perspectives. She stresses the need for action against injustice, encouraging a shift from guilt to responsibility, drawing on LeVar Burton’s work to explore intersectional identities. Kristi also explores the application of HRE in addressing children’s rights, highlighting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and initiatives like child-friendly cities and the “Raising Children with Rights and Responsibilities” curriculum. Her work emphasizes youth involvement in securing their rights through platforms like the HRE USA Training As Action Series. Kristi discusses the rise of authoritarianism and the importance of educational standards from an HRE perspective, alongside advocating for youth engagement in democracy. Inspired by role models such as Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor Roosevelt, Kristi underscores the importance of storytelling in advancing human rights education. She concludes with a recommended strategy for advancing HRE in the U.S., proposing a nationwide human rights scavenger hunt to connect communities with the principles of the UDHR and create spaces where human rights can flourish.

Topics discussed:

• HRE with Indigenous communities and cultural learning spaces
• Addressing misconceptions of Indigenous history
• HRE’s role in social justice and challenging injustices
• Child rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Democracy and the rise of authoritarianism
• Influence of figures like Harriet Tubman and MLK Jr.
• Strategy for advancing HRE in the U.S. through community engagement

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 48: HRE USA Edmonds Fellows, Part One

The HRE USA Edmonds Fellows are emerging leaders dedicated to advancing human rights education through impactful projects, mentorship, and advocacy across diverse communities.

Kara Anderson, a senior at Albion College, is majoring in Political Science and English with a concentration in law, justice, and society. She serves as president of the Student Senate and co-founded the Albion College Human Rights Lab. Kara was a 2023 Edmonds Fellow and returned in 2024 as a Fellow Supervisor, leading the Training As Action Series. She plans to attend law school to advance her human rights advocacy through a legal career.

Areianaz (Ara) Eghbali, a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Psychology with minors in Public Policy and Journalism, serves as Gender & Sexuality Retention Director at the university’s multicultural center and as a mental health counselor. Ara also researches mental health practices in K-12 schools and, during her 2024 Edmonds Fellowship, led engagement and fundraising initiatives for HRE USA. Her experiences have deepened her commitment to advancing human rights through education and policy reform.

Hallie McRae, a UC Berkeley graduate in Political Science, Human Rights, and Public Policy, began her human rights journey with the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force. An alumna of the Edmonds Fellowship and Mentor Program, she now serves on HRE USA’s Steering Committee. While preparing for a career in human rights law, Hallie works as a preschool teacher in Los Angeles, integrating advocacy into her educational practice.

Carly Sandstrom is the Grant Administrator for Great Lakes Recovery Centers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She earned an M.A. in Human Rights from Columbia University and a B.A. in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University. Her work focuses on human rights violations against women and children during armed conflict. As a 2024 Edmonds Fellow, she was drawn to HRE USA’s mission of advancing human rights through education and was awarded a scholarship by the Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict in honor of Ambassador Francesca Tardioli.

Emma Tolliver, a J.D. candidate at the University of Washington School of Law, graduated summa cum laude from UC Davis in 2023. After serving an AmeriCorps term as a youth mentor in California’s Central Valley, she joined the Edmonds Fellowship in 2024, focusing on youth justice, trauma-informed services, and freedom from violence. Emma aims to provide legal aid to survivors of violence through her advocacy.

In Episode 48, the HRE USA Edmonds Fellows share their journeys into human rights and human rights education, reflecting on the early experiences that sparked their passion for social justice. They discuss the mixed evidence of human rights being studied in K-12 education and their initial involvement with both human rights education and the Edmonds Fellows Program. The conversation delves into the impactful projects they have undertaken through the fellowship, ranging from children’s rights advocacy to initiatives designed to strengthen connections between various human rights programs. The fellows also highlight how their related experiences in activism and education have influenced and deepened their work within the program. Closing with reflections on the importance of fostering leadership and collaboration across human rights initiatives, this episode emphasizes the vital role of mentorship, youth engagement, and education in advancing human rights advocacy.

Topics discussed:

• Early experiences that sparked interest in human rights and social justice.
• Mixed evidence of human rights being studied in K-12 education.
• Initial involvement with human rights education and the Edmonds Fellows Program.
• Projects undertaken through the fellowship, including children’s rights advocacy and strengthening connections across human rights programs.
• The influence of activism and educational experiences on their fellowship work.
• The importance of fostering leadership and collaboration in human rights initiatives.
• Mentorship, youth engagement, and education as key strategies for advancing human rights advocacy.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 49: HRE USA Edmonds Fellows, Part Two

In Episode 49, the Edmonds Fellows discuss their work and vision for advancing human rights education (HRE) in the U.S., reflecting on obstacles such as funding shortfalls, information silos, and cost-driven approaches that fail to prioritize civic responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of countering misinformation and the weaponization of human rights through the use of accurate, informed language. The conversation explores strategies to empower youth, including integrating HRE across K-12 curricula, expanding teacher training, and fostering leadership through youth-adult mentorships and partnerships with community organizations. The fellows underscore the need to connect local and global perspectives on human rights, engaging young people as both learners and advocates. They also share how figures like Samantha Power, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Malala Yousafzai have influenced their work, drawing inspiration from quotes by leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Looking ahead, they highlight initiatives aimed at strengthening mentorship programs, expanding outreach to underserved areas, and creating more leadership opportunities to support the next generation of human rights advocates.

Topics discussed:

• Obstacles to advancing HRE, including funding shortfalls and information silos.
• Countering misinformation and weaponization of human rights with accurate language.
• Empowering youth through K-12 integration and teacher training.
• Fostering leadership via youth mentorships and community partnerships.
• Influential figures shaping their work, including Samantha Power and Malala Yousafzai.
• Future initiatives to expand mentorships, outreach, and youth leadership opportunities.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 50: Equitas, Part One

Dr. Candace H. Blake-Amarante is the Knowledge Manager at Equitas, where she creates and shares knowledge on human rights education. An author, she focuses on children’s rights and incorporates the voices of children with chronic illnesses in her works, including The Dream Machine and You, Me and Victor Hugo! She holds a Ph.D. in political science from Columbia University. 

Jean-Sébastien Vallée is the Director of Education and Communications at Equitas, with 20 years of experience in education and human rights. He has developed educational tools and facilitated training programs worldwide. Formerly a human rights educator at the Québec Human Rights Commission, he holds a Master’s in Second-Language Education from McGill University.

Candace and Jean-Sébastien were drawn to human rights through their professional experiences—Candace via her doctoral research and storytelling, and Jean-Sébastien through his work in language education. Their current roles at Equitas emphasize practical, collaborative approaches, including creating dialogue spaces and survivor-centered initiatives. They address challenges in engaging public institutions, supporting Indigenous rights, and implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. Equitas is actively working to decolonize its policies by incorporating non-Western perspectives, challenging mainstream narratives, and fostering equitable knowledge-sharing through projects like “Power of Equality.”

Topics Discussed:

• Origins of Interest in Human Rights: Candace’s passion grew through research and storytelling; Jean-Sébastien was driven by supporting marginalized communities.
• Influence of Prior Work: Candace uses storytelling to make human rights accessible; Jean-Sébastien applies his language education experience to HRE.
• Equitas’ Strategies: Works globally with local partners, facilitates dialogue, and creates survivor-centered approaches.
• Challenges in Implementation: Preparing participants for sharing experiences, engaging institutions like law enforcement, and supporting gender-based violence survivors.
• Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation: Recognizing Indigenous land and advancing Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations.
• Decolonizing Equitas’ Work: Collaborating globally to reshape education programs, confront biases, and integrate non-Western perspectives.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 51: Equitas, Part Two

Candace and Jean-Sébastien emphasize the importance of engaging young people in human rights work by connecting activism to historical and disciplinary knowledge. They discuss how educators must integrate a human rights perspective into their teaching, fostering self-reflection and transformative learning beyond facts to include attitudes, skills, and behaviors. The conversation highlights the challenges of decolonizing education, advocating for the inclusion of colonization studies in curricula and fostering a sense of global community beyond national identities. They highlight the importance of “togethering” — uniting people across borders to build a more inclusive human rights movement. Addressing rising authoritarianism, Equitas is working on projects to create safe spaces for activists and provide training to counter oppression. Influential human rights defenders and theorists inspire their work, including Janusz Korczak, Aly Sanou, and Charlot Jeudy. Ultimately, they advocate for embedding human rights education more deeply into Canadian policies and curricula.

Topics Discussed:

• Engaging Youth in Human Rights: Link activism with historical and disciplinary knowledge, like climate change and scientific literacy.
• Human Rights Education (HRE) for Teachers: Emphasize universality, self-reflection, and continuous learning beyond knowledge.
• Decolonizing Education: Address knowledge gaps, incorporate colonization studies, and promote global unity.
• Building Inclusive Movements: Move from exclusion-based to inclusion-based discourse; let local communities lead.
• HRE and Cosmopolitanism: Promote global citizenship rooted in respect for human rights.
• Countering Authoritarianism: Develop safe spaces for activists and training programs to combat oppression.
• Influential Role Models: Jean-Sébastien is inspired by global human rights defenders; Candace by child rights theorist Janusz Korczak.
• Inspirational Quotes: Candace values optimism in education, while Jean-Sébastien highlights human rights as an interconnected whole.
• Future of HRE in Canada: Advocate for implementing the World Programme for Human Rights Education.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 52: Human Rights Education Now! Podcast Team, Part One

Elizabeth Schwab is a senior at Boston College, double majoring in Communication and International Studies with a focus on Ethics and Social Justice. She interned at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and is Vice Chair of the Executive Committee for Human Rights Education USA. Passionate about human rights advocacy, she has led initiatives to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in education and expanded the global reach of the Human Rights Education Now! podcast. With research experience in climate justice, global citizenship, and women’s rights, she plans to attend law school to specialize in international human rights law.

Jazzmin Chizu Gota is a University of San Francisco doctoral student researching informal education and intergenerational knowledge within human rights and social justice frameworks. She is a multimedia arts, communications, and education consultant, co-manages the International Journal of Human Rights Education, and is a regional representative for Human Rights Educators USA. She is also part of the Human Rights Education Now! podcast team.

Jessica Terbrueggen is an international educator, researcher, and human rights practitioner focused on transformative learning and intercultural understanding. With an MA in English Education from Columbia University, she has worked globally on peace education, democracy, and human rights initiatives with organizations like the UN Human Rights Council, U.S. Institute of Peace, and Human Rights Educators USA. She teaches at the District of Columbia International School, writes for the National Council for Teachers of English, and serves on its Standing Committee on Global Citizenship.

Sabrina Sanchez is a human rights, education, and public health professional specializing in project management, research, and advocacy. She has led legal empowerment programs in Honduras, researched environmental and criminal justice in Central America, and supported anti-trafficking efforts in the U.S. Formerly with UC San Francisco and Human Rights Connected, she now manages grant programs at Omprakash and leads outreach at Intersectional Innovations. She holds degrees from the University of San Francisco and San Francisco State University.

Elizabeth, Jazzmin, Jessica, and Sabrina discuss the early development of Human Rights Education. They share their journeys into human rights advocacy and key events that shaped their involvement. They elaborate on their roles within HRE USA and contributions to the Human Rights Education Now! podcast. The conversation covers the design process for the podcast’s logo, the selection of its theme music, and logistical consideration i.e. interview release forms, ownership rights, licensing, and copyright concerns. Episode concludes with final reflections.

Topics Discussed:

• Development of human rights education and its growth
• Personal journeys into human rights and human rights education
• Key events influencing their advocacy work
• Team roles and podcast production
• Logo design and theme music selection
• Legal considerations

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 53: Human Rights Education Now! Podcast Team, Part Two

The podcast team explores the advantages and challenges of podcasting as an information medium, followed by reflections on the reception of the Human Rights Education Now! podcast at the London International Association of Human Rights Education Conference. An output highlight from the conference was a chapter on “Human Rights Education NOW! Podcast Case Study: Illuminating HRE Through the Lived Experiences of Scholar Practitioners,” published in Globalisation, Human Rights and Education, edited by Joseph Zajda and Yvonne Vissing. The team outlines future goals, including increased youth engagement, potential video podcasting, instructional material development, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for transcription and translation. They share the role models who have inspired their work, key quotes that reflect their commitment to human rights, and recommendations for advancing human rights education in the U.S. The episode ends with final reflections.

Topics Discussed:

• Pros and cons of podcasting as an information-sharing tool
• Conference feedback on the podcast and chapter inclusion in Globalisation, Human Rights and Education
• Future goals: youth engagement, video podcasting, instructional materials, and AI-generated transcripts with translation potential
• Influential role models in their human rights education journeys
• Key quotes that define their commitment to human rights
• Recommendations for strengthening human rights education in the U.S.

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 54: Dr. Rick Halperin & Julie Rinker, Part One

Dr. Rick Halperin, Director of the Embrey Human Rights Program at SMU, has spent over five decades immersed in human rights activism and education. With a Ph.D. in Southern History from Auburn University, he taught history in 1985 and human rights in 1990. Rick has led numerous human rights trips, worked as a monitor across the globe, and served on several high-profile boards, including Amnesty International USA—where he chaired the board three times—and organizations fighting the death penalty and supporting torture survivors.

Julie Rinker is a doctoral student in Special Education at the Cal State LA/UCLA Joint Doctoral Program. Her research bridges literacy and human rights, focusing on dyslexia intervention and teacher mentorship. An art quilter and activist, she protests the death penalty using her textile work, often seen at the Texas Huntsville Unit and the U.S. Capitol. In the Summer of 2022, Julie was the first Edmonds Teaching Fellow for Human Rights Educators USA.

Dr. Rick Halperin and Julie Rinker reflect on their deeply personal and professional journeys into human rights education. Julie shares how her literacy work in public schools naturally evolved into human rights education through socially relevant texts. Rick discusses how his academic studies, visits to Holocaust sites, and the death of Jan Palach in Prague shaped his lifelong commitment to human rights. Their shared experiences underscore the transformative power of education, memory, and advocacy. Julie credits Rick’s teaching and activism with inspiring her own work, including impactful visits to historical sites. They also explore Rick’s decades-long involvement with Amnesty International, including its expanding mission and current challenges. Despite shifts in focus—such as the diminishing emphasis on death penalty abolition—both emphasize the enduring importance of centering human dignity, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights serving as a guiding foundation.

Topics Discussed:

• Origins of their human rights commitment and educational approaches
• Julie’s literacy and dyslexia work tied to social justice themes
• Rick’s scholarly development through genocide studies and historical tragedies
• The influence of site visits (e.g., Holocaust memorials) on worldview and activism
• Amnesty International’s shifting focus and internal challenges
• Why upholding human dignity remains central to all human rights efforts
• Reflections on teaching, mentorship, and the future of abolition activism

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 55: Dr. Rick Halperin & Julie Rinker, Part Two

In Episode 55, Dr. Rick Halperin and Julie Rinker continue their conversation on the intersection of human rights education (HRE), literacy, and activism. Julie discusses how her doctoral work uses HRE to support students with reading disabilities, merging social justice with practical interventions for literacy challenges. The episode delves into the harsh realities and evolving methods of capital punishment in the U.S., with both guests emphasizing the importance of public education to inspire change and action. Rick shares firsthand experiences as a human rights monitor in conflict zones like Gaza and Central America, while both highlight the influence of personal role models in shaping their advocacy. The episode closes with powerful quotes and concrete recommendations: make HRE a mandatory part of U.S. education from early childhood through higher education and ensure all teachers are equipped to help struggling readers through a human rights lens.

Topics Discussed: 

• Using human right education to support students with reading disabilities
• Challenges and decline in use of the death penalty
• Concerns over execution methods, including nitrogen gas
• Importance of rehabilitation and transformation in incarceration
• Rick’s monitoring work in Gaza, Central America, and Northern Ireland
• Harsh realities of daily life in Gaza
• Role models: Fran Bowman (Julie), Charles Hamilton Houston (Rick)
• Inspirational quotes on dignity, literacy, and hope
• Calls to make human rights education mandatory from K–12 through university
• Advocacy for equipping all teachers to support struggling readers through a human rights lens

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 56: Loretta J. Ross, Part One

Loretta J. Ross is a Professor at Smith College in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender, where she teaches courses on white supremacy, human rights, and calling in the calling-out culture. A lifelong activist and scholar, she co-created the theory of Reproductive Justice and has led national movements for over five decades, including organizing the 2004 March for Women’s Lives and serving as the director of SisterSong from 2005 to 2012. Loretta has held leadership roles in organizations such as the National Black Women’s Health Project and the D.C. Rape Crisis Center, where she was one of the first African American women to serve as director. She is a MacArthur Fellow (Class of 2022), a 2024 National Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, and the author of multiple books on reproductive justice and social change, including Calling In. A survivor of rape, incest, and sterilization abuse, Loretta continues to inspire through her resilience, scholarship, and commitment to justice. She is also a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

In this episode, Loretta J. Ross reflects on her lifelong commitment to human rights education (HRE), inspired by leaders like Shulamith Koenig and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a “Triple Revolution” toward a human rights movement. She shares how she’s infused HRE into her work since the 1990s, including founding the National Center for Human Rights Education, which trained activists and promoted widespread distribution of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Loretta discusses her work on the 14th Amendment, highlighting its importance for reproductive rights and immigrant justice. She also outlines the founding of SisterSong, a reproductive justice collective built on shared values across political divides, emphasizing bodily autonomy and family rights. Finally, she describes her current teaching at Smith College and her focus on transforming “call-out culture” into compassionate, effective activism—a theme explored in her latest book.

Topics Discussed:

• Human rights journey: Inspired by Shulamith Koenig and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of a human rights revolution
• HRE activism: Creation of the National Center for Human Rights Education; UDHR advocacy; “human rights cities”
• 14th Amendment: Advocacy for inclusive application to immigrants, women, and marginalized groups
• SisterSong: Co-founding, core principles of reproductive justice, bridging pro-life and pro-choice dialogues
• Teaching approach: Addressing call-out culture with compassion; promoting constructive activism over cancel culture
• Final reflections on sustaining change and mentoring youth activists

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 57: Loretta J. Ross, Part Two

Loretta J. Ross discusses her approach to teaching about white supremacy, framing it as both an ideology and a social construct tied to identity. She emphasizes the importance of truth, evidence, and history in defending academic freedom—especially in the face of authoritarian practices like those seen during the Trump administration. Loretta offers strategic recommendations for institutions under attack, advocating a “Block and Build” approach and urging Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts to align with the legal and moral power of human rights. She highlights human rights education as an accessible, non-threatening tool rooted in dignity and justice, especially important for marginalized communities. Loretta underscores the need for children to learn the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and credits Shulamith Koenig and Maya Angelou as key influences in her work.

Topics Discussed:

• Teaching white supremacy: Ideology vs. Identity; combating fascism through academic freedom
• Institutional strategy: “Block and Build” approach; pivot DEI to human rights framework
• Human rights education: Universal, legally grounded, and dignity-centered; critical for underserved communities
• Historical advocacy: Raising the minimum wage and expanding the definition of human rights beyond civil/political rights
• Role models: Influence of Shulamith Koenig and Maya Angelou’s legacy
• Education reform: Advocacy for including UDHR in K–12 public education
• Final reflections on lasting emotional impact over words

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 58: Kristina Eberbach, Part One

Kristina Eberbach is a consultant specializing in human rights and education programming. She works as a strategy and curriculum specialist for the Human Rights Close to Home Program at the University of Connecticut. She teaches human rights at both the University of Connecticut and Columbia University. Kristina serves on the steering committee of Human Rights Educators USA and co-founded the University and College Consortium for Human Rights Education. Previously, she served as Deputy Director and Director of Education at Columbia’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, where she developed numerous human rights programs and workshops. Her international work spans research, advocacy, and education in countries such as Colombia, Iraq, Kenya, Myanmar, and South Africa. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at Utrecht University, with a focus on critical human rights education in transitional contexts. Kristina holds a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Kristina Eberbach shares her journey into human rights and human rights education, shaped by her international studies and activism. She reflects on the risks of political manipulation in human rights work and her experience collaborating with law faculties in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for long-term projects to track progress. At Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, she highlights achievements such as developing internships and funding for students, while advocating for a critical approach that balances content knowledge with skills, dispositions, and pedagogy. Kristina also discusses her current consulting work with the Human Rights Close to Home project, which centers student voices, fosters intergenerational learning, and supports teachers in integrating human rights education across curricula.

Topics Discussed:

• Origins: Her interest in human rights and human rights education
  
• International impact: Overseas study, activism, and Myanmar law faculty partnerships
  
• Long-term projects: Importance of documenting change and growth
  
• Columbia Institute work: Achievements, challenges, critical approaches, and student support
  
• Current consulting: Human Rights Close to Home; intergenerational focus and student voice
  
• Curriculum development: Helping teachers integrate HRE across subjects

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 59: Kristina Eberbach, Part Two

Kristina Eberbach discusses the limited knowledge many U.S. students have about human rights and the importance of understanding human rights language to address justice and equity issues effectively. She connects human rights education (HRE) to social justice movements, emphasizing its legal foundations and its role in envisioning and creating a more just world. Kristina highlights the need to focus on achieving human rights goals, especially in advancing women’s rights, rather than debating who deserves rights. She emphasizes the importance of education in fostering equal opportunity and references Arendt’s idea of “the right to have rights.” Inspired by Human Rights Educators USA, colleagues working under authoritarian regimes, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, she calls for broadening public discourse on human rights beyond classrooms to make it central in society.

Topics Discussed:

• Student understanding: Limited knowledge of human rights language and concepts
  
• HRE & social justice: Legal connections, strategic choices, and envisioning a just world
  
• Women’s rights: Focus on achieving rights, not debating their validity
  
• Education’s role: Advancing equity and justice through human rights education
  
• Role models: HRE USA network, advocates in authoritarian contexts, MLK Jr.’s teachings
  
• Key recommendation: Expand human rights discourse beyond schools into public life

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 60: Bill Fernekes, Part One

William R. “Bill” Fernekes taught social studies and Spanish from 1974-1987 at Hunterdon Central Regional HS in Flemington NJ, later serving as supervisor of social studies from 1987 to his retirement in 2010. He has been a consultant to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, and numerous other scholarly institutions.  He is a recipient of the Mel Miller Award from the National Social Studies Supervisors Association as the outstanding social studies supervisor in the U.S., the Distinguished Service Award from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education Alumni Association and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Human Rights Education from HRE USA. 

In Part One, Bill Fernekes shares his journey into human rights education, beginning with his early exposure to Holocaust education and activism through organizations like Amnesty International and Facing History and Ourselves. He reflects on how these experiences shaped his teaching practice and views on the need for early, comprehensive human rights education, especially as a more inclusive alternative to traditional U.S. civics frameworks. As a founding member of Human Rights Educators USA, Bill discusses the organization’s growth and potential areas for expansion. He highlights the power of storytelling and testimony in Holocaust education, the challenges of teaching sensitive topics like LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the growing threats to democracy and human rights in schools. He also addresses the gap between human rights education and policy, citing Bernie Sanders as an example of rights-based political discourse. The episode closes with a preview of Part Two.

Topics Discussed:

• Early influences: Holocaust education, Amnesty International, and teaching integration
  
• Education & human rights: Need for early, holistic, and inclusive human rights education
  
• HRE USA: Founding, achievements, and growth opportunities
  
• Teaching challenges: Using testimony, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and community resistance
  
• Policy & advocacy: Bridging education with rights-based policymaking
  
• Preview of Part Two and closing acknowledgements

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 61: Bill Fernekes, Part Two

In Part Two, Bill Fernekes emphasizes the need to balance theory and practice in human rights education (HRE), advocating for curriculum transformation grounded in dignity and decolonization. He explores the link between human rights, public policy, and poverty, highlighting programs like the California Task Force and Human Rights Close to Home. Bill stresses that HRE should empower—not indoctrinate—students. He critiques the U.S. for not ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and envisions its integration into education. Looking ahead, he supports expanding the podcast’s scope with new hosts and more youth involvement. He honors role models Nancy Flowers and Paul Robeson, emphasizing the power of lived values and universal advocacy. Bill calls for mandatory human rights education in all teacher licensure and professional training programs, closing with gratitude and reflections on the importance of resisting injustice.

Topics Discussed:

• Balancing HRE theory and practice; curriculum transformation and dignity
  
• Decolonizing education and connecting HRE to public policy and poverty
  
• Advocacy vs. indoctrination in educational settings
  
• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: U.S. resistance and educational potential
  
• Podcast future: Dialogues, youth voices, and expansion beyond K–12
  
• Role models: Nancy Flowers and Paul Robeson’s lasting influence
  
• Key recommendation: Require HRE in all teacher licensure and training programs
  
• Final reflections and closing acknowledgments

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 62: Zeynep Karatas, Eugenia Ricciotti, and Tata Varadashvili, Part One

Zeynep Karatas

Zeynep Karatas is a recent graduate of University of California – Irvine (UCI), where she studied Political Science and International Studies in the honors program. She gained experience with several international human rights organizations, including The Borgen Project, Lawyers Without Borders, the United Nations Association of the USA, and The Advocates for Human Rights. On campus, she held multiple leadership roles in student government, teaching, and event planning. Her honors thesis on the European Court of Human Rights examined the protection of rights amid democratic erosion, presented at three conferences. Recognized with awards such as UCI’s Outstanding Undergraduate Award, the Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Study Award, and the Order of Merit, she aspires to pursue graduate school and a career in international human rights law.

Eugenia Ricciotti

Eugenia Ricciotti is a law graduate from the University of Trento, Italy, currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Rights and Sustainability at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She previously interned with The Advocates for Human Rights, contributing to advocacy campaigns, women’s rights initiatives, and the Beijing+30 project, which documents the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women. With interests in minority rights and gender equality, she hopes to build a career as a researcher and advocate in human rights.

Tata Varadashvili

Tata Varadashvili, based in Vienna, Austria, is a graduate of Central European University with a degree in Political, Legal, and Governmental Studies and will soon begin her LL.M. in Human Rights. She has served as First Vice Chair of the Student Union and participated in numerous human rights initiatives during her studies. Currently interning with the WAVE Network, she aims to pursue a career specializing in women’s rights and international criminal law.

In Episode 62, three young feminists—Zeynep Karatas, Eugenia Ricciotti, and Tata Varadashvili—share how personal experiences shaped their interest in human rights and women’s rights. Zeynep by the femicide of Özgecan Aslan in Turkey, Eugenia was influenced by The Handmaid’s Tale and abortion restrictions, and Tata by her mother’s warnings about rights being taken away, drawing parallels to Iran. They highlight the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women as a turning point, though one not widely known until recent years, emphasizing the need to raise awareness and integrate women’s rights into education.

They compare feminist struggles from 1995 to today, noting persistent restrictions on reproductive health and education, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and slow progress, though today’s feminism is more intersectional. The digital era provides new platforms for activism, but also creates risks of misinformation and harassment. The guests outline key challenges facing young feminists: systemic perceptions of women as inferior, lack of funding, backlash against feminism, misrepresentation in media, not being taken seriously, and burnout from unpaid labor. The episode closes with reflections on sustaining feminist activism amid these challenges.

Topics discussed:

• Personal motivations: Influences of literature, femicide, and family warnings on feminist awareness
  
• Beijing 1995 legacy: Need for more awareness and integration in curricula
  
• Then vs. now: Continued barriers to women’s rights; slow progress; rise of authoritarianism; growing intersectionality
  
• Digital activism: Opportunities for mobilization but risks of harassment and misinformation
  
• Challenges for young feminists: Funding gaps, institutional sexism, media misrepresentation, backlash, and burnout
  
• Closing reflections on sustaining feminist struggles

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE. 

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EPISODE 63: Zeynep Karatas, Eugenia Ricciotti, and Tata Varadashvili – Part Two

In Episode 63, Zeynep Karatas, Eugenia Ricciotti, and Tata Varadashvili reflect on feminist movements past and present, drawing inspiration from earlier thinkers and organizers while emphasizing the need for intersectionality, self-care, and adaptation to today’s digital and media landscapes. Zeynep, Eugenia, and Tata highlight the importance of centering historically silenced groups, resisting hierarchy within feminism, and framing women’s rights as human rights. They discuss patriarchy as a system that harms all genders and note the persistence and courage modeled by past movements.

The 1995 Beijing Conference on Women is revisited as a pivotal global moment that fostered transnational feminist networks and coalition building, with today’s context marked by democratic backsliding and disinformation. The conversation then turns to sustainability strategies, stressing self-care, mutual aid, and viewing activism as a lifelong commitment. Zeynep, Eugenia, and Tata imagine what a global feminist conference today might address, including cultural relativism, child marriage, economic justice, and climate change as a feminist issue. They also examine how austerity policies, unpaid care work, and far-right backlash continue to challenge progress, while offering intergenerational advice for feminist resilience.

Topics Discussed:

• Feminist inspirations: Intersectionality, self-care, lessons from collective organizing, centering marginalized voices
  
• Women’s rights as human rights: Challenging patriarchy and identity politics; persistence from past movements
  
• Beijing 1995 legacy: Global networks, coalition building, responding to disinformation and democratic erosion
  
• Sustainability strategies: Self-care, mutual aid, and imagining a modern global feminist conference
  
• Key issues today: Cultural relativism, child marriage, economic justice, climate justice
  
• Ongoing challenges: Austerity, unpaid care labor, far-right backlash
  
• Intergenerational advice and closing reflections

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 64: Jeff Plantilla, Part One

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.

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. 

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EPISODE 65: Jeff 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. 

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EPISODE 66: Youth Advocates, Part One

Jude Armstrong is a writer and abolitionist from New Orleans, Louisiana. They organize alongside queer youth to protest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and advocate for social justice. Their poetry has appeared in The Amistad, Palette Poetry, and Bottlecap Press, with recognition from Adroit Journal, YoungArts, and Teen Sequins. Jude is currently studying Human Rights and English at Columbia University.

Jaya Field was raised in Evanston, Illinois and is a senior at the University of Washington, double majoring in International Studies and Law, Societies & Justice. Her work explores how international legal systems impact marginalized communities. She has presented research internationally and gained field experience through study abroad programs in Perú and Italy, focusing on queer, migrant, Indigenous, and disability rights.

Ella Henry is an 18-year-old Mexican Samoan student from Boise, Idaho, and a sophomore at Columbia University majoring in Race and Ethnicity Studies. She serves as Advocacy Coordinator for the Housing Equity Project, volunteers as a Spanish interpreter for asylum seekers, and interns at the ACLU of Idaho, focusing on immigrant rights and outreach.

In this episode of Human Rights Education Now!, hosts Ava Kreutziger and Elizabeth Schwab speak with youth advocates Jude Armstrong, Jaya Field, and Ella Henry about how education shapes their understanding of human rights. They share experiences with Eurocentric and exclusionary curricula, the absence of marginalized voices, and how these gaps motivated their activism. Ella discusses her “Know Your Rights” trainings for immigrant communities, while the group reflects on censorship through omission and the need for inclusive, truth-based education that connects classroom learning to real-world justice movements.

Topics discussed:

• Personal origins of activism in climate, immigrant, queer, and abolitionist justice
  
  
• Educational inequities and censorship through omission
  
  
• Centering marginalized and Indigenous perspectives in curricula
  
  
• “Know Your Rights” trainings for immigrant communities
  
  
• Disconnect between public education and community realities
  
  
• Calls for embedding human rights in K–12 education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 67: Youth Advocates, Part Two

In the second part of the youth discussion, Ava Kreutziger and  Elizabeth Schwab continue the conversation with Jude Armstrong, Jaya Field, and Ella Henry, focusing on global perspectives, intersectionality, and creative activism. Jaya discusses her comparative research on queer rights in Sweden and Poland; Jude explores poetry and abolition as tools for liberation; and Ella reflects on cultural shifts toward inclusivity. The guests share strategies for resisting censorship, promoting restorative justice, and incorporating lived experiences into education. They conclude by envisioning a future where empathy, representation, and critical thinking are central to all learning environments.

Topics discussed:

• Queer rights, populism, and global human rights perspectives
  
  
• Abolitionist education and the power of poetry
  
  
• Book bans and the criminalization of empowerment
  
  
• Intersectionality, critical race theory, and resisting censorship
  
  
• Centering lived experience and restorative practices in schools
  
  
• Building intergenerational dialogue and empathy in education

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 68: Human Rights Education in the Philippines, Part One

Dr. Feliece I. Yeban is a human rights educator, scholar, and advocate whose work spans more than three decades across community organizations, universities, and state institutions in the Philippines. Grounded in the writings of Paolo Freire and Antonio Gramsci, her scholarship centers on decolonial pedagogy, community-based human rights work, and the uplift of Indigenous Filipino knowledge systems. Feliece has taught widely in both the private and public sectors, including work with law enforcement institutions, and has contributed extensively to the development of human rights cultures across Asia.

In this episode of Human Rights Education Now!, hosts Bill Fernekes speak with Feliece Yeban and Ava Kreutziger about the origins of her human rights education work. She reflects on teaching during the 1980s and 1990s, the aftermath of the Marcos dictatorship, and the transformative role of the People Power Revolution. Feliece discusses the influence of Freire and Gramsci, the challenges facing HRE in both private and public institutions, and the ongoing impact of U.S. support for authoritarian practices in the Philippines.

She highlights the importance of understanding both international human rights frameworks and community-rooted approaches, emphasizing that effective HRE requires careful attention to context and audience. Feliece also speaks about confronting discomfort, navigating trauma, and engaging directly with those impacted by rights violations.

Topics discussed:

• Historical context of HRE during and after the Marcos era
• Freire, Gramsci, and critical pedagogy in the Philippines
• U.S. influence on authoritarian policies
• Barriers to HRE across public and private institutions
• Community-based approaches vs. formal frameworks
• Educational inequities and elite influence
• Delivering HRE to police and state actors
• “Civilianizing” law enforcement through rights-based training

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE 69: Human Rights Education in the Philippines, Part Two

In part two of the conversation, Ava Kreutziger and Bill Fernekes continue their dialogue with Feliece, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches, Indigenous rights, and the ongoing challenge of colonial legacies. Feliece discusses her research with Indigenous Filipino communities and the need to challenge collective amnesia surrounding Indigenous knowledge and histories. She explores how systems produce both victims and violators, reframing human rights as a universal grounding for dignity and humanity.

Feliece also analyzes the current landscape of HRE in Asia, including the effects of polarization and authoritarianism under leaders like Rodrigo Duterte. She speaks about the role of digital misinformation, media accountability, and the need for institutions to embed human rights across all aspects of their work.

Topics discussed:

• Indigenous cultures, colonialism, and historical memory
• Seeing oppressors as shaped by harmful systems
• Progress and setbacks for HRE in Asia
• Human rights, social media, and digital misinformation
• Responsibilities of major tech companies
• Freire, Gramsci, and Filipino mass movements as role models
• “Human rights is rice”- daily struggles for dignity and survival
• Embedding human rights in institutions and creating accountability metrics
• Balancing standardized curricula with student-centered learning

Full topic listing available for PDF download HERE.

Listen on our Buzzsprout podcast website HERE.

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EPISODE CREDITS

Our podcast team includes producer and editor Bill Fernekes, executive producer Kristi Rudelius-Palmer, editor Elizabeth Schwab, sound designer and project manager Sabrina Sanchez, production coordinator Jazzmin Chizu Gota, and Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator Tia Hinz.

Introduction and Closing Music Credit: “Awakening-Spring” by Ketsa, from the Album Night Vision. Available at the Free Music Archive: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/night-vision/awakening-spring/

This music is used in accordance with this Creative Commons License: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Information about that license is available here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Human Rights Education Now! is produced and distributed in accordance with Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International.  Information about this license is available here:  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/