On December 10^th, 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, Human Rights day has been celebrated every year on December 10^th

Why is this important?

This declaration was a milestone document in defining human rights, and it works to empower individuals to their rights and freedoms as a human. There are critical universal components such as everyone being born free and equal, freedom from discrimination, freedom from torture, we are all equal before the law, innocence until proven guilty, the right to belong to a country, food and shelter for all, education, responsibility towards others, the right to seek a safe place to live, and more! In total, there are 30 rights that have been recognized and adopted in this declaration.

What is impacting our community right now?

Lately, a lot of instances have come to mind that would fall under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Refugees seeking safety and a new nationality, individuals seeking homes and shelter as the winter settles in brutally fast, and the many rights and responsibilities that have come with existing during a pandemic.

Critically, this year the United Nations Human Rights office has highlighted equality. Rebuilding our world as better, fairer, and greener. Equality is the core of human rights, better yet, equity is required for true equality to occur. Equality is a part of leaving no one behind in our progress forward as a community.

What you can do about it?

• Volunteer to assist organizations this holiday season (and all year!) address community needs.
• Read books and consume other materials that challenge your thinking and broaden your knowledge on various social issues. You do not have to believe what others believe, but being able to understand views from a more holistic viewpoint can remove the animosity between people with differing belief systems.

Get involved and be a part of the solution. There are many ways to get involved but here is an awesome way to get involved in the community right now through participatory budgeting!