Article 3 Advisors Honors International Human Rights Day

Article 3 Advisors and TPW members Darian Swig (TPW 2005–2006), David Keller (TPW 2001–2002), and Caitlin Heising (TPW 2014–2015) honored International Human Rights Day on December 8, 2017 by hosting the fourth annual A3A Human Rights Day program and luncheon in San Francisco.

The event’s theme focused on the subject Democracy & Civil Society. A number of luminaries and experts joined the program, including Anthony Romero of the ACLU, Leah Greenberg of Indivisible, Leah Hunt-Hendrix of Solidaire, Peggy Hicks of the Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Randy Newcomb of Humanity United, and Glen Galaich of the Stupski Foundation. These remarkable speakers made an indelible mark on A3A’s future through their commitment to protect and advance freedom, equality, and dignity. We are thankful to them for sharing their knowledge.

Dangerous global trends toward tyranny and the fractured state of democracy in the United States are defining issues of our time. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein joined us in a video message, speaking about the importance of human rights principles.

As Al Hussein eloquently stated, “Honoring these principles in real life is vital to preventing violence and building peace. Societies built on justice and equal rights before the law are more cohesive, fairer, and more prosperous.”

Unfortunately, these principles are under threat, with some governments openly violating the rights of their people and undermining international human rights law. This can be—this must be—resisted.

A3A’s speakers highlighted many opportunities, including engaging in local and state politics, supporting grassroots movements, advancing voting rights, and protecting our institutions, civil rights, and freedoms. It is our hope that, by putting a spotlight on the subject of Democracy & Civil Society on International Human Right Day, we illuminate and amplify an important global conversation with solidarity and humanity at its core.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

See blog posts from A3A’s Human Rights Day’s speakers here.

Darian Swig, David Keller, and Caitlin Heising are members of The Philanthropy Workshop. Darian is the founder and president of Article 3 Advisors; David is A3A’s chief solutions officer, and; Caitlin is A3A’s research and project manager.