This Work is a Privilege

In times when massive movements are acknowledging racism and organizing to reject the many forms of oppression around the world, doing Human Rights work is truly humbling. We are compelled to reflect on ourselves, our journey, and our commitments. 

It is, without doubt, a huge privilege to be part of a funded non-profit engaged in community organizing, human rights education, and co-creating advocacy resources, in Alberta. Privileges the organization and staff hold, carry a weight of responsibility to mobilize towards collective liberation and human rights for all. We strive towards principles of justice, security, dignity, and freedom in our work; decolonizing our processes and practices has been a humbling and challenging journey. A journey we are still on. 

We are committed to continual learning and action towards anti-oppression and anti-racism in all systems and organizations, including our own. We know we have made and will make mistakes along the way, but it is our fervent wish to continue to push to do better by listening and responding to community needs.

We want to acknowledge the many community partnerships, inter-generational alliances and advocacy circles that have educated and informed our work through their generous friendship and efforts.

We send our love, rage, and solidarity to Black community members who face violence and systemic racism in every institution across Canada.

To Indigenous peoples we honour your existence and connection to this land; we hold up our hands to your continuing resistance and resilience in the face of ongoing policies and systems of dispossession and oppression. 

We stand with 2spirited, transgender, lesbian, gay, and any other human being with a non-binary identity. We recognize your tireless fight for the recognition of your rights. We admire your courage and tenacity to be yourself. 

Any of you living with a disability, either visible or invisible; we recognize the immense efforts you make every day to show up to be seen and heard.

We reach out our hands to welcome newcomers who have left their homes and communities behind and who, in many cases, find exploitation, marginalization, and discrimination. May you find belonging, safety, and comfort here. 

To all those hurting from inequity and injustice, we are here to dismantle white supremacy and advance a culture of peace and human rights, at your side. We value your experience, your challenges, and your successes and hold up and recommit to a future of Human Rights where we all are seen and valued. 

Every day is an opportunity to forge relationships founded on authenticity, trust, and dignity. 

We commit to the hard work of righting relations with ourselves, this land, and one another.

We are listening. 

Hearts wide open.

With Love, 

from the staff at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights