Mahesh P.S.’s Post

Human rights are avowedly universal but must be translated by local activists to make sense in specific contexts, a process Sally Engle Merry called vernacularization. Human rights progress is conventionally measured through global quantitative indicators which give the illusion of control and comparability, but radically oversimplify social and political processes. How can we avoid “the seductions of quantification” and understand how human rights are materialized, appropriated, and implemented in everyday social justice activism? In her decades-long research on human rights, Sally Engle Merry brought to light the complex social dynamics in which human rights are embedded and demonstrated how their presentation as single, universal, and immutable elides their flexibility and many strengths.To celebrate a new book in her honour, The Complexity of Human Rights: From Vernacularization to Quantification, leading human rights scholars come together to discuss how the concepts Merry pioneered help us to understand current human rights challenges and crises. Where: Online with Allegra Lab Who: Philip Alston, Julie Billaud, Jane Cowan, Meg Davis, Mark Goodale, César Rodriguez-Garavito, Jack Snyder, Richard Wilson with Sridhar Venkatapuram as discussant. When: 16 May, 4 PM (CEST), 3 PM (UK), 11 AM (EDT) Registration link: https://lnkd.in/d76Nd26n

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD This serves as a reminder that every voice matters, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Whether it's speaking out against injustice, sharing personal experiences, or advocating for a cause, each individual has the power to make a difference in their own unique way. By amplifying marginalized voices, challenging systemic inequalities, and advocating for positive change, individuals can contribute to a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. "Let your voice be heard" is not just a mantra it's a powerful reminder of the inherent worth and potential within each individual to make a difference in the world. By embracing authenticity, courage, and empathy, individuals can unleash the power of their voices and create positive change in their communities and beyond. So let us all heed the call to action, speak our truth, and let our voices be heard. #day12 #30dayswritingchallenge #momentwithelizabeth Elizabeth Atabeh

Voice of the People: Amplifying Community Voices for Real Change By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Social & Political Activist In an era where the cacophony of powerful voices often drowns out the everyday citizen, "Voice of the People" emerges as a beacon of hope. This phrase is more than a slogan; it is a call to action for amplifying the voices of ordinary individuals who are frequently overlooked. True change begins when every person, regardless of their status, has a platform to share their perspectives and grievances. Empowering communities to speak up is not just about giving them a microphone; it’s about actively listening and integrating their feedback into meaningful action. By prioritizing the voices of the people, we can foster a more inclusive society where decisions reflect the true needs and desires of the community. This approach not only strengthens democratic processes but also ensures that policies and reforms resonate with those they affect the most. Let us champion the cause of inclusivity and make a concerted effort to listen, act, and transform our communities through the power of collective voices.

Margaret Mead’s powerful statement highlights the impact of collective action by dedicated individuals. History has shown that significant change often begins with a small group of thoughtful, passionate people. These citizens see the world not just as it is but as it could be. They unite around shared concerns, putting forth ideas, courage, and energy to drive positive transformations in their communities and beyond. Small groups can spark change because they’re often nimble and deeply motivated, able to focus their efforts on impactful issues. From civil rights movements to environmental advocacy, history is rich with examples of groups that overcame great odds to influence society. These groups don’t wait for permission or for others to act; instead, they recognize their own power to make a difference. Mead’s words are a reminder that we all possess the potential to impact the world. When people with common values come together and act, they create waves that inspire others to join, amplifying their influence. Change doesn’t require vast numbers—just the right amount of vision, commitment, and belief. Mead’s insight remains a timeless call to action, urging each of us to recognize the profound effect we can have when we act together with purpose. #ChangeMakers #SmallActsBigImpact #CollectiveAction #MargaretMead #CitizenPower #MakeADifference #InspireChange #ThoughtfulAction #CommunityImpact #PowerInNumbers #BeTheChange

Reclaim your voice and power in the shaping of these United States. When the founding Declaration of Independence was signed into law, it shaped the narrative of inequity, disproportionality, and harm to 99% of our population. As the 250th Anniversary of this event approaches in 2026, we envision using this moment as a hook to create collective power, join our voices, and develop a shared policy platform to shape our organizing efforts in the coming decade. We know this work needs collective dreaming, even as many of our bases are exhausted from years of fighting for our basic rights, so we thank you in advance for agreeing to host and facilitate a listening session with your base. Including the insights, voices, and inputs of your community will be critical as we continue to shape the narrative of what we want for the next 250.

"The young generation is not the next generation. I think they are the present generation." Open Society University Network's Zarlasht Sarmast discusses why it's critical to empower young voices in decision-making spaces during our #GlobalEthicsDay event. Watch the full discussion: https://lnkd.in/eizB5ta6

Engaging youth in policy influencing is crucial for shaping our collective future. It empowers young people to amplify their voices, drive meaningful change, and embrace civic responsibility. By learning policy, they bridge generational gaps and become leaders who ensure their perspectives are heard and valued, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive society.

Today, we celebrate the essence of our humanity: compassion and dedication to making a difference. On WorldHumanitarianDay, let’s honor those driving positive change and advocating for equity and justice. Let’s use this day’s spirit to ponder our roles in creating meaningful change. For a deeper look into diversity's impact on society, explore my book, The Diversity Dilemma, which is in now #192 in its category!!! #HumanitarianDay #PositiveChange #EquityAndJustice #DiversityAndInclusion #TheDiversityDilemma

Despite the recent election results and the stark polarization of our society, we can’t lose hope or give up. There’s still so much work to be done to shape the America we want to see and the future we want our children to inherit. At UNTOLD IMPACT, we believe that America is at its strongest when we prioritize the needs and values of those most in need. UNTOLD is a social impact and innovation strategy consultancy dedicated to helping brands engage authentically with diverse, multicultural communities. By focusing on overlooked and underserved markets, we leverage data-driven insights, inclusive program design, and impactful partnerships to unlock growth. With a commitment to inclusion and cultural relevance, we empower brands to create meaningful connections that drive long-term success. We believe in what’s possible when we share UNTOLD truths — and one of those truths is that we have much more in common than what divides us. The Civil Rights movement stands as a powerful example of people who believed in their ability to create change. Learning from this movement offers us models and strategies for action, empowering us to build a more just society. Recognizing our own capacity to act is essential to responsible citizenship. As we deepen our understanding of this history and its relevance to our lives, we can better address today’s justice issues and ask, “How can I make a difference?” and “How can we make a difference together?” The torch has been passed to us. To make the vision of a just and peaceful world a reality, we need tools to build a strong, multiracial, inclusive democracy. This is the exact reason why Alana Cheeks-Lomax, MPP, PMP (She/Her/Hers) and I created UNTOLD. Join us. As the great Toni Morrison reminds us: “There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.”