Tuesday, February 24, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
City University of New York
25 Broadway, New York, 7th Floor Auditorium
Subways: 2/3 Wall Street and 4/5 Bowling Green

Almost everyone these days seems to be behind the idea of human rights. But how can advocates move human rights issues to the front and center of policy debates? How can advocates get states and international organizations to promote and enforce rights?

This three-hour mini-clinic–by human rights professionals with years of experience working for the United Nations, governments, and top human rights NGOs–is a practicum on how advocates can set their goals, frame their messages, and spread the word, especially through online campaigning using diaspora communities. At the practicum, you will help craft and translate policy ideas for different target audiences, from journalists to lawmakers to the general public. And then you will walk through the process of structuring a human rights campaign.

By the end of the clinic, you will be able to:
• Formulate a policy objective for any human rights issue
• Locate stakeholders and points of influence
• Choose your advocacy strategy and activities to further your objectives
• Use media and social media to amplify your message

This practicum will provide you with the practical aspects of human rights work that major human rights and international organizations value. If you are studying international affairs or are planning a career that promotes human rights, this clinic is for you.

The event will be conducted by the Human Rights in Iran unit, which provides research support for the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran. The unit is affiliated with the International Affairs Masters Program at the Department of Political Science at Brooklyn College.

The clinic is open to advanced undergraduates, MA, and PhD students or professionals at any NYC-metro areas institutions or organization. Registration is required by February 23 by emailing your name to politicalscience@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

For information about Brooklyn College’s MA in International Affairs, see http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/academics/schools/socialsciences/graduate/polisci.php. Deadline is April 1 for Fall 2015.