Come together to create a better world (Photo credit: cobalt123, Creative Commons/Flickr)

December 10th is Human Rights Day, commemorating the UN General Assembly’s 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of its first major achievements. This year, the theme is how to ensure that all people make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decision-making.

Want to get involved? Get started by taking a look at our introduction to human rights work.  Then check out Human Rights Watch, an organization investigating human rights abuses and bringing international attention to injustices worldwide, challenging those in power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. They’re currently seeking interns to work on diversity initiatives, a London film festival, and their Middle East and North Africa research. They’re also seeking full-time help in their Health and Human Rights division and in their research on Mexico.

To get involved in the United States, take a look at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. They’re looking for a Senior Program Officer in Arlington. Or check out the American Civil Liberties Union, which has been fighting for individual rights since 1920 and needs people to fill forty positions ranging from attorneys to executive directors to project managers in New York, DC, San Francisco, and St. Louis. If you’re interested in LGBT rights advocacy, visit the Human Rights Campaign. They need someone to develop their online properties and social media presence, so if you’re got some web development chops, check out the position they have open right now.

And if you’re looking to keep your job search on theme for this year’s Human Right’s Day, take a look at the Texas Organizing Project. They make sure that the voices of low-income Texans are heard in the political process. Get on board as their new Director of Voter Engagement.

If you’d rather volunteer, take a look at these great opportunities to make a difference. And if you’re still curious about human rights work, shoot a message to one of these folks to chat about their experiences.

There are lots of ways to fight for human rights around the world and around the corner. No matter what your skill set or interests, there’s a human rights opportunity out there for you. Are you looking for a position defending human rights? Or are you already deep in the trenches? Tell us about it!