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Program Overview: Human Rights Education Service Corps operates through Amnesty International, a leading international human rights organization. The program works to build a nation of human rights defenders and inspire future activists. AI staff members recruit dedicated volunteers from the community and local universities, provide training in human rights education, and connect them to DC public high schools to facilitate classes on pressing human rights issues. Aside from a basic introduction to human rights, topics may include poverty, the death penalty, women's rights, Guantanamo Bay, torture, the crisis in Darfur, environmental rights violations, and other urgent human rights issues around the world.

HRESC facilitators implement an 8-10 week human rights curriculum in a DC public high school classroom, with periodic training sessions throughout the semester. Facilitators provide DC students with local and global perspectives on human rights. Through interactive discussion of human rights issues in DC and throughout the world, facilitators help students to understand how such issues affect them and offer students resources to act on these issues.

By participating in HRESC, volunteers gain valuable experience in the human rights and education fields through their work with Amnesty International in DC public high schools. This program allows volunteers to gain teaching experience and connect with Amnesty International staff and volunteers, as well as the greater Washington, DC activist community.

Requirements:
• Membership of Amnesty International is highly encouraged, but not required
• An interest in education and a commitment to human rights
• 3-4 hours per week to prepare and implement lessons
• Attendance at a weekend training at the start of the Fall 2009 semester
• Attendance at four Saturday support meetings during the semester (3-4 hours each)
• Ability to work well with a volunteer co-facilitator and plan for each lesson
• Professional attitude, punctuality, and a strong work ethic
• Desire to motivate students to take action for justice in the community, locally, and internationally
(Please note that special preference will be given to those who are members of Amnesty International)

CONTACT:
We are currently accepting applications for facilitator positions for the Fall 2009 semester. If you would like to apply for our program or are interested in participating in other ways (curriculum development, program development, training, etc.) please contact hresc@aiusa.org for an application.

For more information, email hresc@aiusa.org or call 202.544.0200 ext. 299.