To everyone who has an interest in what is happening around the world and wants to become a human rights activist, this blog is for you. It is completely normal if you do not know where or how to start your journey of becoming a human rights activist. I am here to guide you by highlighting different sets of skills and requirements needed to become a human rights activist. However, before learning how to become a human rights activist, we all must have a good understanding of what “human rights activist “means.
What is a human rights activist?
Human rights activist is a person who individually or with a group of people promotes or protects human rights. To better understand that term we need to understand the notion of “human rights”. Human rights are the rights that every human has just because they exist as human beings. These rights are not given by any kind of state. For example, every human has a universal right. So, no matter one’s nationality, every human being have the rights to life which includes the right to believe in his religion, the rights to have food, the right to have education, the rights to work, the rights to have good health, the rights of liberty and many more. Any person or group who is taking their time to promote that every human being has a set of human rights that is not given by the state is a human rights activist.
Who can be a human rights activist?
Anyone from any field of study can become a human rights activist. For example, a journalist, an actor, a doctor, a writer, a teacher, a lawyer, and many more. You can just be home alone and supporting a cause that promotes human rights and you can call yourself a human rights activist. For example, you can use your social media platform and write a blog about social problems that are denying many individuals of their human rights. Creating awareness of a cause and promoting human rights just by using your phone is a form of human rights activism. Even though anyone can be a human rights activist, it is only a few people who can keep the title of being a human rights activist. It is not a simple task, and it is a long-term commitment.
Here are a few tips on how to become a human rights activist:
#1 Gain knowledge on issues
You should do a lot of research on the issue that violates human rights. You should use reliable sources to know what is happening all around the world. There are so many types of injustice and there are so many human rights violations that are happening daily. The only way you can know which cause you want to fight for and stand up against is by having good knowledge about the issue and what can be the possible solution to the problem. Keeping up with various news channels is a great way to gain knowledge on different social issues. Learning about various types of human rights violations can make you stand strong and give you the confidence needed to stand up against these awful acts.
#2. Start small.
After learning and gaining knowledge about the different social issues that violate human rights we need to take action even if it is as small as sharing a tweet or an Instagram post. To start your human rights activists you can start with small actions such as donating money to different organizations that promote the same values and beliefs as you. You can also write letters to the ones who have enough political power. You can also sign petitions that are fighting for the same cause as you. The main point here is that after knowing about the injustices in the world we should do something about it even if it is a small action and we should commit to it for the long run.
#3. Join non-profit organizations.
Joining different non-profit organizations is a great way to get experienced in becoming a human rights activist. Not only will it give you experience and teach you about various sustainable ways to fight against policy and groups of people who are violating human rights, but it will also allow you to build a support network. The support network will allow you to acquire your various skills and will be there for you when you feel overwhelmed and burnout from activism burnout. The benefit of joining a non -profit organization is that it will teach you all the skills necessary to be an independent human rights activist. It will allow you to learn and deal with different situations that human rights activists often face.
#4 stand up to any form of human rights violations, injustice, racism, and discrimination when you see it.
Speak up and stand up against any form of human rights violation is important when you are a human rights activist. Everyone sees on a daily basis different forms of discrimination, racism but many people stay silent. As a human rights activist, try to speak up and the oppressor knows that they are wrong. Doing this would show others how things should be done, and it will encourage others to speak up when they see any kind of oppression in our society.
Final thoughts
Becoming a human rights activist takes a lot of patience and hard work. There are so many types of human rights violations happening all around us. I do not want you to feel as if your work is useless or as if there is not anything we can do about it because there is. I hope this blog encourages you to continue your journey in becoming a human rights activist and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.
CCOM 315 Summer 2021 