North Americans deeply value human rights because of a firm belief that fairness, dignity and equality make for a better society for all. For the last 60 years, advocates across the continent have been working to expand the application of the human rights principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to eliminate the persistent inequalities in the United States and Canada. But there is much more work to be done. Today we have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the progress made so far and reclaim the full legacy and meaning of human rights. To support ongoing work in this time of critical need and new opportunities, WITNESS is excited to announce the launch of our North America Program to be led by Program Coordinator Kelly Matheson.

This program will strengthen the human rights and social justice movements by providing North Americans with strategic video and online advocacy opportunities. Our partnerships, trainings and web-based Hub for Human Rights, will open more eyes to the persistent human rights inequities in North American and give advocates expanded means to resolve the vast injustices making North America a more equal society.

BECOME A CORE PARTNER
Our partnerships with human rights and social justice organizations have constantly proven to be a powerful union. We are now accepting applications for Core Partners from organizations and coalitions working to protect human rights in the United States and Canada. We are especially interested in partnering with organizations whose work for change will be enhanced by using online, mobile or networked technologies to inspire and motivate the human rights movement in North America.

Before submitting application materials, please be sure to review the Application Guidelines and Application Evaluation Criteria to determine whether our collaboration would advance the pursuit of human rights in North America. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SEEDINGS
Worldwide, we have experienced an inspiring demand for information about how to most effectively harness the power of video and online technologies to protect human rights. To meet this demand, WITNESS offers short-term trainings through our Seeding Video Advocacy Program . If your organization is interested in hosting a training to learn about the potential of using video and online technologies in your campaigns for change, please click here.

JOIN THE HUB COMMUNITY
The Hub is a global channel for human rights where activists anywhere in the world with access to the internet can upload, share and view videos, learn about human rights campaigns, connect with advocacy groups and take immediate action. In North America we will be working with human rights allies to identify editorial content and provide technical trainings on the use of the HUB and other online platforms for human rights advocacy.

If your organization is interested in harnessing online technologies to increase the visibility and impact of your campaign and galvanize a movement, please click here to explore the HUB.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For questions and additional information about how we may be able to work together to protect human rights throughout the United States and Canada, please contact Kelly Matheson. We look forward to working with you to grow this movement.

WITNESS' North America program is made possible, in part, with the generous support of the Libra Foundation, the Starry Night Fund of the Tides Foundation and the U.S. Human Rights Fund.