Human Rights Watch
student task force
MISSION
Implementing HRW’s mission to defend human rights, STF helps youth build a foundation for human rights, raises awareness about children’s rights violations, and develops young leaders and advocates to become instrumental voices for social justice around the world.
VISION
To equip the next generation of decision-makers with the human rights knowledge, advocacy experience, and communication skills needed to make the future of our world more just.
How We Work
STF staff guide and mentor participants to implement a shared human rights advocacy action plan across campuses. Through these action plans, STF members learn how to evaluate problems and independently discover ways to address them, harnessing the leadership skills they work on each week. STF leaders enter the program with varying levels of public speaking, project coordination, and presentation experience. The ongoing leadership training provides students with the skills and confidence needed to lead their classmates.
Watch this video from October 2022 explaining how the STF program works with students across the United States and beyond.
(Click to watch, 3:17)
Impact
Since 1999, STF has provided opportunities for students to raise their voices for human rights, educate their communities, and engage in meaningful advocacy. Many alumni have reported that their participation in STF compelled them to prioritize human rights in their careers, including in the public, private and government sectors.
Students Reached During STF Events
Participating Schools Over the Years
Cities Around the World With STF Chapters
Human Rights Advocacy Action Plans
Recent Blog Posts
STF Leader Spotlight: Angel A.
Please meet Angel A., Event Coordinator at Carson High School. Continue reading to learn about how Angel has taken the lead on advocating to transition Carson HS to 100% renewable energy…
Our Actions Make a Difference
December 10 – December 12, 2024: Continuing STF’s week of action for Human Rights Day, Corona Del Mar, Da Vinci, Harvard Westlake, Van Nuys, Wauwatosa East, and Wildwood STFers organized a variety of events including trivia tables, schoolwide assemblies, in-class presentations, digital advocacy, and film screenings…
Change Happens When We Come Together
December 5 – December 10, 2024: In honor of Human Rights Day, STFers from Alain Leroy Locke, Alexander Hamilton, Animo Venice, Corona Del Mar, Evanston Township, Francis Parker, and University of California Berkeley launched a week of action with vibrant chalk art displays, interactive trivia tables, and impactful presentations delivered during advisory classes…
STF Leader Spotlight: Brian W.
Please meet Brian W., STF Leader at Da Vinci Schools, and learn about his journey as the President of his chapter!…
STF Leader Spotlight: Sophie K.
We’re thrilled to introduce Sophie K. from Evanston, IL in our STF Leader Spotlight, where we celebrate the inspiring individuals driving change in the STF community. Please continue reading to get to know Sophie and her passion for human rights!…
Educating Your Vote
October 23 – November 4, 2024: STFers at Hamilton, Palisades Charter, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, and Wildwood schools educated students about their fundamental human rights and the importance of voting with a human rights lens. Through classroom presentations, school-wide voter education sessions, and mock elections, STF chapters are fostering awareness and empowering students to make informed, socially conscious choices…
WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY
“STF changes the world, one outspoken/headstrong student at a time. STF was a cause worth skipping lunch and lying in the grass for; a cause worth the ridicule; a cause worth losing points on a test for, because I spent time strategizing instead of studying. A cause worth anything I could give.”
“The Student Task Force taught me how to be an effective activist while remaining passionate and unafraid. STF taught me to be persistent, even when people didn’t hear us the first, second, or third time. We persevere through our campaigns.”
“STF pushed me to become a more comfortable public speaker and activist. I went from being an introverted and shy freshman to being an outspoken and confident advocate for human rights and environmental justice by the end of my senior year, in large part due to the leadership of the the STF community.”
GET INVOLVED
Empower yourself and make a difference by joining our community of passionate advocates. Click below to learn how you can contribute to advancing human rights and become a voice for justice.