December 2024 Volunteer Highlight: Ly Raine
How and why did you first get involved with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC)?
I came across an Instagram post promoting the Prairie Rural Youth Anti-Racism Education Gathering being hosted by the John Humphrey Centre and wanted to learn more. Coming from an education and community programming background, I was interested in building my tool box. However, since I’m a student and that comes with a tight budget, I’m not able to afford a lot of time or money for professional development outside of school. The Prairie Rural Youth Anti-Racism Education Gathering was free of cost and located in Edmonton, which made it accessible for me to attend.
How long have you been a volunteer with JHC?
Since the initial gathering retreat in August 2024, I have been volunteering with the JHC since October 2024. It’s only been a short amount of time but I have had the privilege to learn and grow exponentially since then.
Can you describe some of the activities you do as a volunteer?
My volunteer activities fall within the scope of assisting/co-facilitating sessions, documenting, and providing cultural support like traditional smudge and prayer. Since the August gathering I have joined the JHC on different projects like Ableism and Inclusive Training, West Hub Righting Relations, How to Have Productive Conversations, Rural Anti-Racism Youth Collective, supporting human rights sessions at the Northern Lights Conference hosted by National Association of Japanese Canadians in October, and most recently, as a youth leader representing the JHC at the Canadian Internet Governance Forum and meeting with government officials in Treaty Ottawa.
What has surprised you the most about this role?
What has surprised me the most is the level of dedication everyone has to their initiatives and their work ethic. I have been a part of international level and long standing organizations and the JHC’s commitment to get the work done is another level. It’s not the quantity of people needed to make a dream a reality, but the quality and integrity of a few. A specific moment that surprised me is the JHC’s knowledge and application of understanding Indigenous teachings and protocols. I was surprised and humbled to be offered tobacco to lead and share my teachings surrounding smudge and prayer.
What is it like to volunteer with JHC as a whole?
Volunteering with JHC is like being in a group project with the brightest, most passionate and compassionate classmates. Every session and conference JHC is a part of is given propriety and respect. The level of professionalism, flexibility, and care is inspiring to witness as a participant of their sessions, and empowering as a volunteer and facilitator.
Are there any learnings or challenges you’ve experienced through this work that you’d like to share?
I have learned so much from the challenges and opportunities I have experienced with the JHC. The greatest lesson would be the importance of showing up and believing in your voice. I was recently offered the opportunity to travel to Ottawa with a fellow JHC volunteer to attend the Canadian Internet Governance Forum to learn, sit in discussions, and share information regarding Bill C-63-Online Harms. I had a lot of anxiety and self doubt going into these professional spaces and I was not sure if I would be able to represent the JHC or myself in a good way, but I was reassured at various points that I have a voice, something to say, and I was allowed to say it. These are lessons I have and will continue to implement in other areas of my life.
Feedback from the JHC team:
Ly: Everyone at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights wishes to thank you for all your contributions throughout 2024, from facilitation support at several sessions you supported our team to hold, to opening us up in a good way each day at the recently held HRFac Training. You carry a lot of warmth and sincerity and that is very evident in how you support participants and our team with this heavy work. It’s been such an honour to get to know and work alongside you. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and guidance with us and everyone who participated in JHC events in 2024. We look forward to more chances to work together in the future!
Interested in volunteering with the John Humphrey Centre?
Fill out a volunteer application or email info@jhcentre.org