Image Credit: Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong for Fine Acts x OBI (Image cropped from original)
On September 3rd, 2024, we held our first Quarterly Board Meeting. In line with our mission and strategic pillars (community building, professional development, and promotion of human rights and democracy), the Board created three new Committees and two Working Groups to better serve and empower our alumni members and address emerging issues.
1. Hubs and Ambassadors Committee
The Hubs and Ambassadors initiative has long been a cornerstone of the EMAlumni Association. Ambassadors act as bridges between students, university partners, and the broader EMA community, while Hubs foster connections across Europe and beyond. With our new Year Ambassador role, we aim to strengthen ties between cohorts and amplify our communication efforts.
2. Advocacy Committee
Our Association has been particularly vocal about critical global issues, such as the war in Palestine. Last year, we successfully organised two statements addressed to the European Commission and gathered over 500 signatures through a petition. The newly formed Advocacy Committee will work to formalise and structure such efforts, ensuring our actions are grounded in equity and open values.
3. Fundraising Committee
Building on our successful partnership with Charlemagne Gomez, founder of the Afghans in Crisis Network, and our fundraising initiatives, the Association has raised €3000 by selling calendars and postcards. To continue this momentum, the Fundraising Committee will explore new ways to diversify revenue streams and foster peer-to-peer skill development.
You can read more about the committees and their guidelines here.
4. Climate Justice Task Force
Climate justice is a human right. Our task force has launched a social media campaign and participated in the Global Campus Conference on climate justice in Athens. The campaign features beginner-friendly guides to climate justice and the rights of future generations.
You can explore the series below:
The task force will continue its activities and develop a new action plan as part of the association’s structure.
5. Mental Health Support Group
Human Rights practitioners face unique challenges like PTSD, empathy fatigue, and stress, which can lead to burnout and career changes. Our Mental Health Support Group aims to normalise these issues, offer support and guidance to help professionals build longer, healthier careers, provide mental health resources to EMAlumni, help members overcome challenges and stay engaged in human rights work.
Get Involved!
This is your chance to join us in making a lasting impact within the EMAlumni community and beyond. Become a supportive member and complete this form by 10 October 2024 to express your interest in joining a Committee or Working Group.
