The Human Rights Watch Chicago Committee, formed in 2004, is part of a global network of regional support committees composed of opinion leaders from a variety of backgrounds. The committees constitute an informed and engaged constituency that is essential for the defense of human rights. They seek to increase awareness of local and global human rights issues and enlist the public and governments to support basic rights for all. Committee members meet regularly to learn about human rights crises and policies and support Human Rights Watch through outreach, advocacy, and fundraising initiatives.

Members of the Chicago Committee strengthen Human Rights Watch by contributing financially to its work, attracting potential supporters, and promoting the organization’s message and concerns locally. Membership in the Human Rights Watch Chicago Committee provides an inside perspective on the most pressing human rights issues of the day. The Committee is focused on outreach, education, and advocacy with fundraising responsibility in Chicago. Members are asked to attend Committee meetings, participate regularly in Committee events, and join a subcommittee.

Chicago Committee
Founded 2004
Co-Chairs: Peg Duncan, Carolyn Grisko
Director: Jobi Cates
Coordinator: Renee Mechanic

Ahmed Abdelsalam
Doris Adelstein
Ellen Alberding
Lucy Ascoli
Ed Bachrach
Marjorie Benton
Susan Berkowitz
Margo Blair
Ryan Blitstein
Elizabeth Cicchelli
Fay Clayton
Howard Conant, Jr.
Judy Cottle
Susan Crown
Aruna Dhingra
Karen Ehlers
Sunny Fischer
Maya Friedler
Kevin Gallagher
Jill Garling
Judy Gaynor, Founding Co-Chair
Dedrea Gray
Toby Glickman
Susan Gzesh
Rhona Hoffman
Deone Jackman
Lynette Jackson
Marilyn Katz
Mike Koldyke
Paul Lehman
Julie Lepri
Rakesh Madhava
William Mahoney
Susan Manilow, Founding Co-Chair, International Board Member
Maaria Mozaffar
Blair McCaw
Susan McColgan
Lori McMullan
Colleen Murphy
Grace Newton
Kelly Pike Kaiser
Susan and Nicholas Pritzker
Susmita Poddar
Michael Pope
Dana Rice
Esther Saks
David Scheffer
Smita Shah
Julia Stasch
Cathy Stein
Ellen Stone-Belic
Anne Studzinski
James B. Swinerton
Robert Watson
Judy Wise

Jonathan F. Fanton, Founding Member