This spring, the horrifying attack on Christchurch in New Zealand, the diminishing rights of immigrants, and the funding of the border wall are consuming the news. Some days we think, how can we go on? Are we too overwhelmed and angry? Can we actually make a difference?
We think we can. We see youth around the world advocating for gun control laws and demanding that politicians work to alleviate climate change. In Massachusetts, we recently voted to uphold an anti-discrimination law in regard to gender identity. Many towns have put sanctuary city status in place. And countless of our citizens participate in rallies and marches, write letters to editors, talk with friends and colleagues about the importance of supporting local human rights issues, and educate children about current events.
The CCHRC works with individuals, and, if needed, the police when local problems arise. Thankfully, these incidents are infrequent, but when they do happen, the Council is proud to be available. We also organize three public events a year: a Human Rights Tea, a Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, and a Holocaust Remembrance Event; and we participate as a co-sponsor of many others. These events give our community a chance to come together to focus on human rights, and to celebrate and honor those people and organizations who work or have worked to make the world a better place. What can you do to make a difference? Keep informed by consulting various news sources, and be open to different points of view; keep talking and listening to each other; vote, go to rallies, attend a march or vigil; help educate our youth; work to keep our civil liberties intact. We are indeed stronger together.
As always, we welcome you to join us at our events and monthly meetings. Here’s to a spring of hope,
Rob and Louisa
Rob Morrison & Louisa Paushter Concord-Carlisle Human Rights Council Co-Chairs
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