Join STF for a Special Screening: I AM GRETA

Please join us for a special screening of I AM GRETA hosted by the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, Can You Hear Us and SIMA Studios. STF members, teachers, and alumni are invited to view I AM GRETA as introduction to the launch of STF’s Climate Crisis and Human Rights Campaign at our Winter Leadership Workshop on January 30. RSVP today to receive the link to view I AM GRETA! (A separate RSVP is needed for the STF Winter Workshop!)

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Save the Date: Saturday, Jan. 30 2021 Winter Leadership Workshop

Please join us virtually at the 2021 STF Winter Leadership Workshop to launch our spring climate change advocacy campaign. RSVP today to receive the link to participate in the workshop!

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International Human Rights Day

Today is International Human Rights Day! Human Rights Day is celebrated by countries across the globe annually on December 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. STF created a video featuring STF members reading the 30 articles of the UDHR in acknowledgment of Human Rights Day. Watch our STFers in action!

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You’re Invited to Celebrate with Us! Dec. 10

HRE USA honors 2020 O’Brien Human Rights Education Award winners:
Pam Bruns, Founder and Director of the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, Los Angeles

and

ACT Center for Disability Leadership, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Live Stream on Zoom, get registered today!

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Growing Power of Our Vote

More than 150 million US citizens voted in the 2020 elections, including an estimated 53% of eligible 18 to 29-year-olds! The votes are still being tallied but while we wait, here are some STFers’ voting experiences…

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Human Rights in this Moment

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As I write, people in the United States have cast their ballots, but the will of the electorate is not yet clear. We are entering a moment of uncertainty while the votes are counted, and the predictable political and legal battles are waged.

The stakes are enormous. Human Rights Watch will be devoting the time and resources that this difficult period demands…

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A Brief Guide to Voting Safely in Person

LA County in person voting begins today! CNN has some helpful tips to keep you safe if you plan to vote in person:

Check your polling station
Vote at less busy times of the day
Carefully choose your mask and cover your nose
Vote alone
Come prepared
Report voter intimidation…

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Vote in STF’s Mock Election: October 15-22

You have the potential to be a powerful force in elections, but only if you get involved and make voting a habit.

To encourage STFers to become active voters once old enough to cast a ballot, we invite you to participate in the 2020 STF Mock Election, which will take place October 15-22, 2020, for the Presidential General Election. This election is open to STF students, teachers, alumni and friends.

Vote today using this Google Form!

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Educate. Advocate. Vote.

October 14, 2020: Approximately 80 STFers, family and friends participated in an STF Virtual Town Hall event to learn about the human rights issues involved in the pros and cons of California Propositions 16, 17 and 18…

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Save the Date: Oct. 14 STF Virtual Town Hall

Please join us for the STF Virtual Town Hall to learn more about how you can vote for human rights this election season! This event is open to the public so please feel free to invite your friends, families, etc. to join us too…

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What’s Your Voting Plan?

With only 33 days until Election Day 2020, have you already made your plan to vote? Here are important tips to help you develop your voting plan and ensure your vote is counted in this general election.

1. Check your voter registration status (and check again)

2. Register to vote (or preregister if you are 16 or 17 in California)

3. Decide how and when you will vote…

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Do You Use New Technologies? Watch “Coded Bias”, Oct. 2-4

On October 2-4, join us for a screening of Coded Bias, a “vital” documentary, exploring the dangers of biased technology, an issue that too often hides beneath the surface. And on the 4th at 4pm, we invite you to a conversation with HRW’s Senior Researcher on Artificial Intelligence, Amos Toh, and the movie Director, Shalini Kantayya…

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Defend the Right to Vote

September 12, 2020: Inspired by Nicole Austin-Hillery, HRW’s Executive Director of the U.S. Program, STF launched their Vote for Human Rights Campaign at the 2020 STF Virtual Fall Leadership Workshop…

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Introducing 2020-2021 STF Chapter Presidents

We asked our 2020-2021 STF Chapter Presidents to share their thoughts on:

Why they wanted to lead their STF chapter?
Why they joined STF?
Why they believe our “Vote for Human Rights” campaign is important?

Here is a sampling of their responses…

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Save the Date: 2020 STF Fall Leadership Workshop

Please join us for the 2020 STF Fall Leadership Workshop to launch our fall advocacy campaign: Vote for Human Rights! This will be our first virtual STF Leadership Workshop. RSVP today!

Important Information:
Who: STF students, teachers, guests, speakers
When: Saturday, September 12, 11:00am-1:00pm
Where: Virtually on Zoom

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What A Year!

As the 2019-2020 academic year comes to a close, we wanted to share a review of STF accomplishments. Students faced so many challenges this year (fires, school shooting, Covid-19, violence during peaceful protests) but remained committed to human rights activism.

We wish we could celebrate in person with our graduating seniors, but hope this photo journey will serve as an inspiring reminder and congratulations for the more than 50 events you undertook this year.

Stay safe and healthy and ready for action for human rights!

Ever onward,
STF Team: Pam, Kristin, Nancy, Marianna, Eden, Carina, Brennie and Crystal

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Join Us for HRW LA Film Club’s First Virtual Screening!

The HRW Los Angeles Film Club Committee invites you to our first ever virtual screening of Slay the Dragon, a critically-acclaimed movie about ordinary people taking action to protect democracy — and winning. What better way to enter a challenging election season?

RSVP now to watch the movie at your convenience between May 15-17, and then join us for a panel discussion on Sunday, May 17 at 6pm.

We are making this online screening free to ensure that as many people as possible can see it.

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Tamar Chafets: “Put Yourself in Their Shoes…”

April 28, 2020: As part of their ongoing effort to support homeless youth in their community, Da Vinci Schools STF leaders hosted a virtual conversation with homeless youth advocate Tamar Chafets. They were joined by students and staff from Carson, Culver City, Da Vinci, Hamilton, New Roads, and Palisades Charter high schools…

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On the Ground in Conflict Zones

April 18, 2020: STF students, teachers and guests watched the documentary E-TEAM to learn what it’s like to investigate human rights abuses in conflict zones. They were captivated during a post-screening discussion with one of the film’s central figures, HRW’s Fred Abrahams, Associate Director for Program.

Fred spoke with over 80 STFers and friends about life as a human rights advocate on the front lines, including Syria, Libya and Kosovo…

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One Family’s Genocide Survival Story

April 10, 2020: To contribute to April’s Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month, STF hosted its first-ever virtual discussion with special guests Rita Lurie, a Holocaust survivor, and Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, human rights advocate. The mother-daughter duo spoke with STFers and supporters and helped them better understand the horrors of genocide and the trauma that can last a lifetime….

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