human rights

Deprivation in the Face of Plenty: A Human Rights Crisis
May 3, 2013
Today the New York Times reported that suicide has increased dramatically among middle-aged people in the United States, with disproportionately more men killing themselves.  The article raised the question whether it was economic distress that was driving our people to kill themselves in... Keep Reading »
Put People First Rally Highlights Strength of Human Rights Movement in Vermont
May 2, 2013
Watch the highlights of Vermont's large May Day march and hear how a member of the Put People First campaign describes the growing unity among the many struggles for our human rights. Check out this article in the Bosten Globe: MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — More than 1,000 activists... Keep Reading »
May 1st Rally: Now Is the Time to Send a Loud Message to Put People First!
May 1, 2013
For the fifth year in a row over well over a thousand people from all over Vermont will participate in at a huge May 1st Statehouse Rally.  In 2009, we came to change what was politically possible in healthcare reform. In 2013, its become clear that what we really need to make possible is... Keep Reading »
Universal Health Care Advocacy Group Readying for Local Rally - First Maryland Speakout
April 30, 2013
[...] At Birdie’s Cafe in Westminster Friday, three members of Carroll County’s chapter of Healthcare is a Human Right Maryland and statewide organizer Sergio España told of the formation of the grassroots campaign locally. They told of their excitement for the state’s... Keep Reading »
May Day Rally in Vermont - Advance Media Coverage
April 29, 2013
MONTPELIER — In 2009, the Vermont Workers’ Center convened the first-ever May Day rally as a way of demonstrating political support for single-payer health care. Four years later, this annual “day of action” will include a call for increased government spending on... Keep Reading »
In Support of a 'People's Budget'
April 19, 2013
One of the most important lessons I’ve gained in life is that when you have a problem, you figure out what’s causing it and get down to the root of the matter. Gov. Shumlin’s proposals to cap Reach Up and limit the Earned Income Tax Credit are a clear example of misunderstanding... Keep Reading »
Why We Need to Require Paid Sick Days
April 15, 2013
Ever since the Vermont Workers’ Center started the Workers’ Rights Hotline in 1998, we have heard from countless workers and their families about the hardship and suffering caused by the lack of paid sick days. It has become clear that the right to paid sick days is critical for the... Keep Reading »
Why We Need a Human Rights Based Tax System
April 15, 2013
Today the highest earners in our country are filing taxes at rates lower than those struggling to pay rent and put food on the table for their families.  This dynamic is reaching disturbing depths as the media announces that corporate profits are at record highs while wages for people are at... Keep Reading »
Ashamed to Have Children? Speaking Out Against the Stigmatization of Women in Poverty
March 8, 2013
Every year, International Women’s Day offers an all-too-symbolic reminder of our continuing struggle to secure women’s human rights in this country and across the world.  The barriers to economic and social rights we seek to tackle on a daily basis disproportionally affect women... Keep Reading »
Dignity For All: Put People First Statement for a People’s Budget
February 13, 2013
Vermont's Put People First movement delivered this unity statement to members of the Vermont Senate and House Appropriations Committees at the February 11, 2013, Budget Hearings held at 15 VT Interactive TV sites throughout the state. Many dozen members of Put People First testified at the... Keep Reading »