PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2024
CONTACT:
James Yu (OHR) - (202) 227-1681; [email protected]
Ellie Sung (OHR) - (202) 727-6407; [email protected]
The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) Launches Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program to Strengthen Youth Advocacy and Education
OHR aims to empower a new generation of changemakers in the District by providing them with the tools to advocate for human and civil rights issues affecting youth
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program, offering a unique opportunity for District of Columbia high school students to actively engage in shaping conversations about civil rights advocacy.
The Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program is a testament to OHR's belief in the profound influence of young individuals and empowers students to participate directly in government initiatives. This program will cultivate educational opportunities and strengthen the groundwork for fostering sustainable community change by equipping high school students with the tools and opportunities to observe, learn, and participate in a process that shapes discussions on various youth-related issues.
Upon their selection, the ambassadors will play a pivotal role in building dialogues among peers, developing impactful programming, and educating the community about the DC Human Rights Act of 1977 and other civil rights laws, which will contribute to promoting awareness and a deeper understanding of youth rights in the District of Columbia.
"Empowering today's youth as advocates for human rights, the OHR Youth Human Rights Ambassador Program is designed to build a generation of changemakers, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to champion equality, justice, and integrity for all,” said Lindsey Appiah, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice.
The program is a crucial component of OHR's commitment to youth advocacy. It aligns with the mission of the agency’s Youth Bullying Prevention Program, which focuses on prevention, support for at-risk youth, and behavioral change. By engaging youth in human rights education and activism, OHR aims to build a generation of informed and empowered individuals who contribute to making the District a more just and accessible community.
"This transformative program provides high school students in DC with a platform to engage in meaningful discussions concerning matters that affect them. By sharing knowledge and fostering awareness of human rights principles among our young leaders, we not only create a space for them to lead critical conversations, but also contribute to shaping a future rooted in equity and justice,” said Ernest Shepard, Program Manager of the Citywide Youth Bullying Prevention Program at OHR.
OHR is seeking motivated and responsible students dedicated to learning about and addressing human and civil rights issues and will be active participants in all events, activities, and meetings throughout their term as Youth Human Rights Ambassadors.
The application is open until May 31, 2024. For more information on the program, eligibility requirements and application process, please visit this link or reach out to us at [email protected].
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About the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights
The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) was established to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity, and protect human rights for persons who live in, work, or visit the District of Columbia. The agency enforces local and federal human rights laws, including the DC Human Rights Act, by providing a legal process to those who believe they have been discriminated against. OHR also proactively enforces human rights in the District through Director’s Inquiries, which allow it to identify and investigate practices and policies that may be discriminatory.