Human rights live in all of us regardless of our backgrounds or experiences. According to the United Nations, human rights include “the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more.” These rights and liberties cover central aspects of our human experiences, and our work in Cooperative Extension Services builds on these fundamentals. 

As we celebrate Universal Human Rights Month this December and Human Rights Day on December 10, this year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” echoes soundly as we reflect on this year in our global community and our community-engaged and outreach work in Extension. Our Illinois communities continue to experience the movement of people from different borders and backgrounds. Some of this movement is prompted by atrocities against human rights. We are witnessing shifts in populations and the needs of those populations. This awareness [through census/parity data and informal channels] allows us to participate in true community-engaged work. 

Schiavo (2021) explains that the main beneficiaries of community engagement are the local communities themselves. Broadening our understanding of true community engagement allows us to adapt and change with our communities. Even though intentional needs assessment efforts can help us understand individuals and communities, it is difficult to know the complete lived experiences of the populations we serve. Therefore, embracing the ideal and value that human rights live in all of us, allows us to connect with all audiences regardless of their backgrounds. This mindset also opens pathways and opportunities within our work to strengthen and deepen our community connections. 

Happy Universal Human Rights Month and Happy Holidays!

Reference:
Schiavo, R. (2021). What is true community engagement and why it matters (now more than ever). Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 14(2), 91-92.

Photo Credit:
 Unsplash: Vonecia Carswell