Outreach

Our capacity to change public policy is closely correlated with our capacity to inform public opinion. The most effective and economical way to change public opinion is to transform the thoughts of public opinion leaders. This is where the work of the Human Rights Watch Council is critical.

Human Rights Watch communicates with the general public through the press, through a web site, and through email broadcasts. But these mechanisms alone are insufficient to influence public opinion leaders and decision makers. We must strategically and purposefully connect our research and recommendations with the opinion leaders who can influence both government policy and government practice. Targeted outreach to these opinion leaders strengthens our advocacy initiatives and creates an environment in which we can provoke principled change that strengthens respect for human rights.

The Human Rights Watch Council is a key component of the organization's public outreach strategy. In coordination with Human Rights Watch staff, Council members are encouraged to undertake the wide range of outreach activities designed to influence public opinion leaders:

• Plan and host special events such as:
  • Lectures and presentations
  • Roundtable discussion groups
  • Substantive briefings for targeted constituent groups
  • Open dialogue or Q&A sessions with policy makers
  • Private and public receptions
  • Conferences, Symposia, and Panels
  • Film and Video Screenings
• Represent Human Rights Watch at various international fora and symposia
• Help organize and particpate in local editorial board meetings
• Develop and support regional council sub-committees, such as the Women's Rights and Young Advocates sub-committees
• Distribute Human Rights Watch literature to targeted groups
• Solicit new Council Members from colleagues and peers