The Human Rights Program, was held at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland from the 16th-21st of March.
The program focused on strategies to strengthen connections, build inclusive environments, and empower participants to advocate for fairness and equality in their workplaces and communities.
Committee members learned to:
• Understand how “othering” shapes our workplaces and relationships
• Embrace belonging as a core human need, fostering environments where every worker feels seen, valued, and respected
• Commit to creating a union where all people, regardless of their differences, know they belong
• Equip themselves with practical tools to address workplace harassment and inequity, promoting justice and solidarity for all members
Please find below the Human Rights Committee Report :
Members that Attended:
Marcia Stone
Drupati Bazil
Lystra Mohammed
Sabiha Khan
Report by Drupadi Bazil.
IAM Mission Statement: To inspire and empower our members to make life better and create a world with security, dignity, and opportunity for all.
The training covered several human rights related issues including fundamentals of bridging, levels of bridging and community stories, general diversity, how to bridge, intro to belonging and introduction to othering, forming human rights committees, human rights, legal issues/harassment, intervention strategies and skills, be more than a by-stander, and organizing.
Participants learned that Human rights are the basic rights and freedom that belong to every person simply because they are human. These rights were said to be universal, meaning they apply to all people regardless of nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status. Human rights are also inalienable, which means they cannot be taken away. Additionally, the protection and promotion of human rights are essential for justice, peace, and human dignity.
Lecturers explained that these rights are protected by international laws and agreements, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Governments and organizations around the world have pledged to uphold these rights.
A few words and their meanings which caught my attention that will help me in my personal growth are:
Breaking – refers to actions, systems, or narratives that create division and exclusion. This can involve discrimination, racism, or policies that marginalize certain groups, causing feelings of isolation or “otherness.”
Bridging – is a process of building connections across differences. Bridging involves recognizing diverse experiences and identities, fostering dialogue, and creating mutual understanding and respect. Bridging helps to counteract breaking by emphasizing shared humanity and common goals.
Belonging – is the ultimate goal – a state where individuals feel accepted, valued, and included as full members of a community or society. It means not just being present, but having the power and support to thrive.
Together, these concepts help us understand how divisions are created, how they can be healed, and what it takes to build a more inclusive and equitable world.
Power of empathy is essential in building strong relationships, improving communication, and fostering kindness and cooperation.
It was a privilege to have attended this human rights program for the second time. The training has given me the opportunity to better understand what human rights are by learning how to bridge and be more than a bystander.
Upcoming Event: IAM Human Rights
SAVE THE DATE!
Conference themed – BREAKING BARRIERS
September 24-28, 2025 – Hilton Atlanta, GA
Thank You
In solidarity
Sister Drupati Bazil
Human Rights Committee Secretary Local 1231
Report by Sabiha Khan
Please find below my report for the Human Rights class that I attended at the W3 Center, hosted and facilitated by Sister Nicole Fears and Sister Dee Colbert.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a Human Rights class at the W3 Center, where I gained valuable insights and skills to promote equality and respect for all individuals.
The class covered several key topics that have broadened my understanding of human rights and equipped me with practical tools to make a positive impact.
Key Takeaways
· Othering and belonging. I learned about the concept of “othering”, which refers to the process of creating and maintaining social boundaries that exclude certain groups or individuals. This understanding has helped recognize the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in our community, workplaces and social circles. By promoting inclusivity and empathy, we can break down barriers and create a more welcoming environment for everyone, particularly in our union.
· Breaking down Barriers. The class discussed strategies for breaking down barriers and challenging systems of oppression. I gained a deeper understanding of the ways in which power dynamics and social norms can perpetuate inequality and I learned how to identify and challenge these systems in a constructive manner.
· Generational Diversity. Our class explored the importance of generational diversity and the value of intergenerational learning. I appreciated the opportunity to consider how different age groups bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table and I learned how to harness these differences to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
We also learned Sexual Harassment Intervention Skills, how to form A Human Rights Committee and learned Listening Skills.
Conclusion: Overall, the Human Rights class was a transformative experience that has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and confidence to promote human rights and dignity in the Union and the Workplace.
I am grateful for the opportunity to apply these learnings in my personal and professional life. I look forward to continuing this important work together.
Sincerely,
Sabiha Khan
Human Rights Committee member
Report by Marcia Stone
I have learned more the second time doing this Human Rights Program. I have learned more how to Bridge for example, coming out of my comfort zone and listening to other conversations.
I have learned to have empathy when listening to someone. Hearing people’s stories, so I can know where they are coming from and where they are today. Also, inclusion and some measure of equity. Everyone should be included and a fair chance, Equity here means recognition, different treatment may require to achieve fairness and justice.
I see myself as exclusion sometimes and also inclusion, I welcome you and you have to follow my rules.
Since I am the Human Rights Chair, I need to co-create my actions and let everyone feel BELONG. I am open to bridge to give up Breaking and learn to have Curiosity.
Marcia
HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM
Report by Sister Lystra
Being at the Human Rights Program a second time around, gave me the opportunity to have a more in-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding us as union members, and what we can do to help our team. The last time at the program there was not so many changes in the country, as what it is now , being Canadian I felt I had to get a feel for the room , and what everyone was thinking, especially about the New Party in power, by the end of the program, we all connected , hearing each one speak about what matters to them, it was Solidarity all around the room, and everyone felt the same about the existing party in power.
Being with the different groups and inter mingling with each other gave us more understanding of what was going on in the country and what protests were taking place and why? The topics we had to do as groups made us all connect to each other, and bind us as one, that was the way I felt, we all united. There was no race, class, gender or religion, we were all one at that moment, standing up to make the world a better place. When we see injustice, we all felt the same. HUMAN RIGHTS ARE UNION RIGHTS
THE IAM MISSION STATEMENT STAND OUT STRONG
To inspire and empower our members to make life better and create a world with security, dignity, and opportunity for all.
PHRASES THAT STAND OUT TO ME
From the moment we are born, we connect.
We have more in common than uncommon.
Bridging requires risk taking – step into the unknown.
We hold these truths to be self evident that all people are created equal.
Bridges are meant to be walk on.
If we continue to fracture, we break.
Everybody belongs.
We have to believe that change is possible for it to come.
Lystra Mohammed
Human Rights Committee member