What Students Are Saying
The University Network for Human Rights trains undergraduate and graduate students in interdisciplinary human rights advocacy through advanced seminars, fact-finding simulations, practical skills modules, and real-world human rights projects. Here’s what some of our previous participants have to say about their experiences in our programs.
“The University Network trained me to be a critical and strategic advocate. Under Jim and Ruhan’s direction, I learned how to map stakeholders, analyze power, and ultimately launch an effective intervention. As part of the University Network’s projects with the Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish, I observed first-hand how to lift community voices and advocate on the ground. With the University Network, I gained invaluable tools that empower me to be an ethical and effective human rights defender.” – Hannah Smith, 2018 (Stanford University)
“I traveled to Cancer Alley, Louisiana along with thirteen other undergraduates. We worked closely with a community suffering the effects of environmental racism. The University Network gave me an unparalleled opportunity to do real human rights work.” – Noam Shemtov, 2018 (Stanford University)
“This experience was so powerful precisely because it removed me from my [college] bubble. I’ve always been interested in human rights but this program helped me confront the realities of this work. This was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had.” – Sanya Bery, 2019 (Wesleyan Univeristy)
“Learning from and working alongside directly-affected community members was a completely transformative experience.” – Justin Ratkovic, 2019-2020 (Wesleyan University)
“This was a transformative program, and it provides a unique opportunity to motivate students to try to change the world and address uneven power dynamics in ethical, practically grounded and fundamentally good ways.” – Jake Multker, 2019 (Wesleyan University)
“The [University Network for Human Rights] seminar offered me something that none of my other classes have — hands-on advocacy work — which I found invaluable. Anyone considering a career in human rights should be exposed to the complexities of the movement in this way.”
– Anonymous course review, 2019 (Amherst College).
Students in the University Network / Wesleyan pilot program engage in an advocacy strategy workshop.