Cultural Connections:

Human Rights Enrichment Program

June 30, 2008 to August 7, 2008

CHANGE MAKER SPOTLIGHT:

"Cultural Connections empowered me to push harder for social justice. I feel proud knowing that I can change the world one step at a time." --Merrisa Taylor, Cultural Connections 2008 Participant

On August 7, 2008, Cultural Connections 2008 program participants launched the first edition of their magazine, "CONNECT THIS! Breaking the Chains of Oppression to Connect the World" at an exciting launch party at the New York Tolerance Center in Manhattan. You can purchase a copy of the magazine by contacting Bari Katz, Program Director at bkatz@nccjny.org. The second edition of "Connect This!" is expected this winter.

Hear more from our Cultural Connections 2008 Graduates... click here!

WHAT:

This program, funded by the Third Millennium Foundation, is a 6-week summer enrichment program focusing on human rights and social justice. Co-sponsored by Fordham University, the program is held at the Lincoln Center campus of Fordham in Manhattan. NCCJ has partnered with several organizations for this program, including Urban Assembly and Others Are Us, Inc.. Others Are Us is a New York based non-profit that connects students in the United States to students around the world, to incorporate an arts component to the program.

The Cultural Connections 2008 program participants have created a dynamic social justice and human rights magazine called CONNECT THIS! Breaking the Chains of Oppression to Connect the World! The launch party for this magazine is on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at the New York Tolerance Center in Manhattan. A special thank you to FedEx Kinkos for their support in printing the magazine and to Ben's Kosher Deli for providing the refreshments for this special evening.

Participants will:

• Learn about local and global human rights issues and how to get involved in advocating for change
• Meet with prominent activists, educators, and artists
• Develop leadership skills, team building, and awareness of current human rights and social justice issues affecting our communities, both at home and abroad
• Work in teams to create a special project that educates and advances a campaign for a human rights issue
• Participate in exciting sessions, workshops, readings on current issues, and creative assignments to put this knowledge to work
• Students will receive a $500 stipend for successful completion of the program. Selected participants must complete the entire 6-week program and attend all scheduled sessions. The program will cover transportation costs, provide daily lunches, and cover the cost of all field trips for every student

WHO:

25 high school students from throughout New York City will be accepted. All high school students who will be sophomores or juniors in the fall of 2008 can apply. No prior knowledge of human rights is required. Applicants should have a desire to learn and get involved in these issues and be ready to actively engage in dialogue and projects to advance human rights and social justice.

HOW:

Contact Bari Katz, Program Director at bkatz@nccjny.org or at 212.870.2114.