How do we cause change? Across the country, ordinary citizens are building increasing support for human rights, the BDS movement, and an end to American complicity in the crimes against Palestinians. Many have had impact despite biased media, corrupt politicians, government attempts to curtail free speech, and public ignorance. Join us to hear how three citizen activist groups have caused change in their communities on a governmental, corporate, and public level. This workshop will offer practical strategies, tools, and skills for effective human‑rights advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels including on how to: 1) develop a strategy for affecting change in your area, 2) build and manage a team to meet your objectives, 3) build popular support for your campaign, and 4) get the attention of governments, corporations and others and motivate them to support your campaign.
Watch the curated videos included in the registration confirmation email at your convenience ahead of the discussion. Join the workshop with:
Zeina Ashrawi Hutchison: Executive Board Member, Virginia Coalition for Human Rights
Ben Case: Organizer, author, co-founder of Project for Responsive Democracy
Matt Banks: Poet, Organizer, Chair Chevron Out of French Quarter Fest campaign
Alex McDonald: (Moderator): ): Author, activist, educational material developer
Register at Tinyurl.com/VFHL-July2026
Watch a short trailer at Tinyurl.com/VFHL-July2026Trailer
Salon Partner
Virginia Coalition for Human Rights
SUPPORTER Organizations: Palestine Justice Network - Presbyterian Church U.S.A. ♦ Gaza in Context ♦ Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace ♦ Quaker Palestine Israel Network ♦ Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East ♦ Indiana Center for Middle East Peace ♦ Disciples of Christ Palestine-Israel Network ♦ Washington Report on Middle East Affairs ♦ Mennonite Palestine Israel Network ♦ Friends of Sabeel North America ♦ Center for Jewish Nonviolence ♦ Episcopal Peace Fellowship Palestine Justice Network ♦ Northern New Jersey Jewish Voice for Peace ♦ United Church of Christ Movement for Palestine Solidarity ♦ US Lutheran Palestine Israel Caucus ♦ Churches for Middle East Peace ♦ Kairos Puget Sound Coalition ♦ Pax Christi USA ♦ Jewish Voice for Peace – San Diego ♦