Human Rights

Awareness & Understanding

Human rights aren't abstract — they show up in everyday life. Start by reading the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights (un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights) — it's 30 articles and surprisingly readable. Then watch Amnesty International's YouTube channel for short videos on current rights issues around the world. Locally, the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ucasa.org) and the ACLU of Utah (acluutah.org) work on rights issues right here in the Wasatch Front. Pick one global human rights topic — press freedom, child labor, refugee rights — and read Amnesty's country reports on it. You're ready for the next step when you can explain what human rights are and name two current situations anywhere in the world where those rights are being violated.

Research & Investigation

Pick one human rights issue to follow closely for the rest of this quest. Go to Human Rights Watch (hrw.org) or Amnesty International (amnesty.org) and find their most recent reporting on your chosen issue. Also look at how it connects to Utah: does your topic involve refugee communities? The International Rescue Committee has an office in Salt Lake (rescue.org/united-states/salt-lake-city-ut). Does it involve labor rights? Check the Utah Labor Commission (laborcommission.utah.gov). Browse r/humanrights on Reddit for recent discussion. You're ready for the next step when you can summarize your chosen human rights issue in two paragraphs — what it is, who's affected, and what organizations are working on it.

Planning & Preparation

Connect with a local organization working on your issue. The ACLU of Utah, the IRC in Salt Lake, or Equality Utah (equalityutah.org) are good starting points — all have volunteer and action opportunities. Email or call to ask how you can help: event support, social media, translation, research, or direct service. Look up upcoming events at the Utah Human Rights Campaign or check the Utah Nonprofits Association (utahnonprofits.org) for a broader list of orgs. You're ready for the next step when you've contacted at least one organization, learned about their volunteer options, and committed to a specific way you'll help.

Taking Action

Take a concrete step in support of your chosen issue. Write a letter to a Utah state legislator, share a well-sourced social media post, participate in a volunteer shift, attend a rally or public event, or donate time to an advocacy campaign. Whatever you do, make it specific — not just raising awareness but a real action with a real audience. Document what you did and note any response you got. You're ready for the next step when you've completed at least one tangible action and can explain exactly what you did, who it reached, and what impact — even small — it may have had.

Leadership & Expansion

Now you're the one helping others learn. Organize a small discussion — with friends, family, a school group, or a faith community — about the human rights issue you've been following. Use real data from HRW or Amnesty. Create a one-page handout or a short slide deck. If you want to go further, look into Amnesty International's youth groups (amnesty.org/en/youth/) or start a letter-writing campaign for a specific prisoner of conscience or policy change. You're ready for the next step when you've led or co-led at least one conversation about a human rights issue with a group and can describe what questions people asked.

Impact & Reflection

You've gone from curious to active on a real-world rights issue. Write a reflection — at least 300 words — on what you learned, what you did, and what surprised you. Share it publicly if you're comfortable: a blog, school paper, or the SLCTrips community. Think about what you'd do next: more volunteering, a career in law or policy, journalism, or nonprofit work. The University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law hosts clinics on refugee and immigration law. You're ready for the next step when you can articulate the specific human rights issue you worked on, what you contributed, and what you'd do differently next time.