Updates!

Hello Everyone,

It is incredible how time flies, and it feels like only yesterday when we last blogged. But somehow first semester is coming to a close and everyone is preparing for exams and getting excited for the holiday season. So with that, I will just give a brief update on what we have been up to and some amazing things which we are planning in the new year.

Back in October we had a movie night and viewed the film The Reporter. Though the majority of the audience was inspired (and heartbroken) from the catastophic world shown in the film, some ethical issues were raised which required much further analysis if they were ever to find resolution. Was it fair for a reporter to come in and show minimal compassion for the suffering being endured by these people, or was this simply Kristof protecting himself from the devastating effects of emotional exhaustion that could occur when exposed to such sorrow on a daily basis? What responsibility did Kristof have to provide some assistance to these communities, or was internation exposure sufficient? Overall, it was a very difficult film to watch, but one which will not be forgotten any time soon.

For next semester we will have our previous issue (finally!) printed and will be gearing up for the next publication - more on that to come. We are also planning another movie night, a public panel/debate on a controversial issue (open to suggestions), and a launch party for our next publication once it takes shape! It should be an eventful and busy semester for all involved at WLU's jhr!

Finally, we are currently brainstorming potential topics for our upcoming publication and are very open to suggestions and ideas. The execs were contemplating doing something in the framework of women's rights, but weren't sure whether to leave the topic open to give the opportunity to explore a multiplicity of issues, or to narrow into a specific women's issue for a more finite focus. Again, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - they do not need to be women's-rights-related!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday!

Sparks!

Join us Saturday September 25^th, 2010 from 12-9 p.m. in Waterloo Park, for Spark in the Park Music Festival.

Headlined by indie rockers Zeus and soulful singer Kae Sun, featuring four emerging artists and a Young Artist Showcase, Spark is more than a music festival; it’s a network of community driven not-for-profit and student organizations woven with ideas and social proof that getting involved is the way to go! What’s your Spark?

Only $15 in advance / $20 at the gate.

For more information and to get tickets visit www.sparkinthepark.ca

To be part of the action as a volunteer, email Pierre@sparkinthepark.ca

See you there!

“I'm soaked from the rain, but I'm still so pumped”

We have a lot to be pumped about over here at Laurier JHR. It was a great summer for us with attending the Human Rights DocFest that U of T organized (props to them, it was a great success) and other various events that JHR held, such as the Make Media Matter campaign, which is a media coalition that celebrates good media and is spearheaded by JHR. I definitely urge you to check out their website for more info: http://www.makemediamatter.com/. However, one of the highlights was seeing filmmaker Nelofer Pazira’s documentary “Audition”, which explored the way that Afghans relate to film and media- a very different understanding than we are used to in the West. She was an amazing speaker and we enjoyed meeting her. Needless to say, we met some amazingly inspiring people, which in turn got us working on lots of new projects for this upcoming year.

Another summer highlight was the production of our next magazine issue. We finally put it together with the help of UW’s chapter president, Veronica. She is a pro at layout so you are all bound to be impressed with the next publication, which is going to print very very soon!

Above all, we are most excited to be back at Laurier where we can put all of these inspiring ideas into action. Yesterday, we spent the day meeting and recruiting incoming first year students to JHR, as well as promoting it at Laurier’s “Get Involved Fair”. The only problem: it rained ALL day. Despite the weather, we stuck it out and so did some amazingly keen first years. Already it seems like this year is going to be a great year due to the dedication that our members have.

We will keep you posted on the happenings of the next few weeks. Next week we are going to be in the concourse so make sure to come visit us!

Mara and Thansha:)

tweets and fb

Befriend us on facebook, and follow us on twitter!

Help Journalist for Human Rights win $100,000!

image from http://www.jhr.ca/en/

Its quite simple, just go to http://www.refresheverything.ca, select the Arts and Culture Category, then the $100,000 tab, select current leaders, and finally click to vote for JHR! $100, 000 goes a long way with a great organization such as JHR, and we can help make it happen! Voting will continue till the end of August, and you can only vote once per day for the same organization. Make sure to vote everyday, tell your friends, add it to your facebook, and send some TWEETS! :)

Calling all Film Enthusiasts!

JHR has an exciting opportunity for you to create a human rights documentary and submit it to the JHR film festival that U of T organizing this summer. It is entitled “Human Rights DocFest” and more information can be found at this website: http://hrdocfest2010.wordpress.com/

We encourage you to submit something, or come out to the festival to soak in the creative journalistic works of your peers!

Hope to see you there!

Art & Human Rights

Art and human rights come together with great force through Evoke. The national art contest is an initiative put forth by TakingITGlobal and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Evoke offers youth the opportunity to showcase their interpretation of human rights through various forms of art, creating dialogue on the subject nation wide. The contest is open to Canadians between the ages of 13-25 and closes May 25th, 2010.

For more information, visit: Evoke