What does it mean to work for human rights?

 

Brave people in the Arab world are taking to the streets, asserting their rights to govern themselves, to assemble in public spaces, and to speak freely.  Teachers and their supporters in American capitals are defending their rights to organize in labor unions.  People without homes are asserting their rights to simply be in public spaces.

 

Working for human rights is about speaking out for human dignity.  For Americans, that's blessedly safe, and as easy as writing an email, making a phone call, or attending a public meeting or even a celebration.

 

It's a critical time for those who believe that everyone should have health care and housing.  If proposed federal budget cuts go through, hundreds of thousands of our neighbors will lose housing subsidies, and health care will become less and less accessible for the poor.  We will be that much further from the realization of our rights, and more of our people will suffer.

 

Now is the time to speak out.

 

One way to do so is described in last week's HCH Mobilizer, our periodic action alert.  A link to that issue, along with subscription information, appears in the sidebar.  Though a new continuing resolution was enacted last week, budget negotiations continue, so by all means, read the Mobilizer, and ACT NOW!

 

Publicly supporting the National HCH Council is another important way to show where you stand.  Our annual fundraising event, Two Bright Nights for Human Rights, featuring great Nashville entertainers, is March 30-31.  You can learn more about the event, purchase a program ad, or buy a ticket for yourself or an HCH consumer using the link in the sidebar.  Tickets are on sale now!

 

Thank you for acting for human rights.

 

Peace,

 

John N. Lozier, MSSW | Executive Director

615/226-2292 | jlozier@nhchc.org