Guest Author - Aisling Ireland
More than likely you've heard the phrase or seen the bumper sticker: "Think Globally, Act Locally". Usually the slogan coined by David Brower conjures environmental images; as well it should since it was designed for the organization, "Friends of the Earth." However, one can easily apply the tagline to the campaign for human rights. When one works for local human rights, when one insures that human rights are being upheld in one's own community, the impact reaches beyond the borders of one's neighborhood. Below are two ways in which your local actions can have global impact.
Local Human Rights Organizations
Many people are familiar with the outstanding work that organizations such as Amnesty International does, but some may not be aware that in many communities there are local organizations working to insure that the rights of citizens living in our local areas are being upheld.
In America, for example, many states have advisory groups and commissions whose sole function is to insure that the state is in compliance with human rights statutes and regulations. This can include regulations regarding the care and treatment of the elderly, those with mental illness, or those facing physical disabilities. These committees are normally listed with names such as "Local Human Rights Committee" or "State Office of Human Rights" and can be found either in the government pages of the phone book or by doing a quick Internet search.
When one works for local human rights, when one insures that human rights are being upheld in one's own community, the impact reaches beyond the borders of
Local Global Activism
Many global human rights issues are also local human rights concerns. For example, one may be horrified to hear of public executions on foreign soil, but may allow injustices to prevail with regard to one's own country's dispensation of capital punishment. One may hear of the problem of orphans in China but may forget that many children in one's own community suffer from neglect, abuse, and disease.
Oftentimes there are local organizations dedicated to a specific issue and these organizations are in dire need of dedicated workers, activists, and volunteers. Again, a quick glance at the phone book or a quick Internet search can put you in touch with local agencies you may be perfectly suited to work with.
Organizations that one may typically associate with global human rights campaigns often have branches or areas that are focused in abuses in one's own community. For example, Amnesty International recently focused its efforts on the Troy Davis case in Georgia in an attempt to insure that Davis's rights were not being violated. Members took action that resulted in a stay of execution for Davis while his case is being examined more closely. If you are a member of a global organization, check to see if that organization is involved in issues that may be close to your home and heart.
Never underestimate the impact of local human rights activism. Small actions can have universal effects. Our world is a vast community. We are all connected, what we do in one part of the world affects the entire globe. Keeping one's own room clean serves the dual function of creating a safe space while simultaneously acting as an inspirational model the rest of the world can follow.
*~Aisling Ireland~* is long time human rights activist, a member of Amnesty International, a One Campaign supporter, writer, and an ordained Spiritual Counselor.
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