"Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must — at that moment — become the center of the universe… And action is the only remedy to indifference, the most insidious danger of all." — Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize acceptance speech, 1986
Part I: Work individually or with a partner to find out about a human rights activist individual or organization.
~If you select an individual, what did they do (or are they doing)? Why? What kind of risks did they take, if any? How did their actions impact the world? ~ If you select an organization, have them investigate what contributions these or other organizations they identify make to society. What, if anything, do these contributions have to do with human rights and tolerance?
Part II: Work individually or with a partner to research about the potential needs in our school and community. Think about a project to undertake as an individual, in a small group, or as a class.
~ You will submit a plan, including how they chose the project, what they intend to do, and how they will proceed.
~Complete the project.
~Each person or group will present a short oral (and written) report on the process.