For Teachers

Making Connections with Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement have had a profound effect on the campaign for peace and justice around the world. Challenging prejudice and discrimination with an other-centered attitude, Dr. King set an example that other leaders have followed.

How does Dr. King's example influence the work of human rights defenders today?

Have your students think critically to find the answer! Using the resources on this site, students can learn about the work of contemporary human rights defenders and identify similarities with Dr. King and the civil rights movement.

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What can a human rights defender teach your students?

	The power of persistence in building democracy in the Middle East. Read more >
	The importance of courage in championing the rights of women in socially conservative cultures. Read more >
	The effectiveness of being other-centered in the cause of peacemaking.Read more >
	The value of nonviolence in advancing the cause of justice in politically developing societies. Read more >
	The significance of commitment in asserting the freedom to express controversial ideas. Read more >

April 6, 2011: Human Rights and Religious Leaders Call on Religious Leadership to Stand for Equal Rights for Girls and Women >>

AP Photo

The human rights defenders featured here represent history-in-the-making: they are courageously leading the way to a more just and equitable global society. What better role models for our students?

Bring their stories and – more importantly – their examples into the classroom! Their stories are guaranteed to captivate your students.

Download our innovative lesson plans by selecting the links below: