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8 ORGS · 38 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
approach

Advocacy Through Lived Experience

methodology: lived-experience advocacy

By centering the leadership, stories, and expertise of individuals and communities directly affected by injustice, we produce more legitimate, resonant, and sustainable advocacy, because lived experience increases authenticity, builds public empathy, and strengthens accountability in human rights discourse. This strategy unifies diverse approaches across organizations by grounding advocacy in personal narrative, cultural identity, and grassroots agency. Unlike top-down or purely research-driven models, it treats marginalized voices not as subjects of intervention but as authoritative change agents—whether through visual storytelling, youth leadership, Indigenous self-determination, or survivor briefings at the UN. What distinguishes this approach is its consistent theory that legitimacy in human rights advocacy flows from proximity to harm, making inclusion a strategic imperative rather than just a value.

8
orgs running it
38
activities of those orgs
12
activity groups touched
who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 8

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Advocacy for human rights, peacebuilding, and social justice JUSTICE CALL INC
    advocacy
    Advocates at international forums and policy platforms for human rights, peacebuilding, and social justice, with a focus on youth engagement and democratic governance. Engages in high-level advocacy around UN Security Council resolutions on youth, peace, and security, and defends the independence of international institutions such as the ICC.
  • Capacity-building programs for youth-led organizations and legal professionals JUSTICE CALL INC
    capacity building
    Provides structured training and leadership development programs for youth-led organizations, legal professionals, researchers, and students to strengthen advocacy, legal practice, and peacebuilding work. Includes region-specific initiatives in the MENA region, such as training on human rights instruments, digital security, and adaptive leadership.
  • Co-founding and supporting regional youth coalitions JUSTICE CALL INC
    capacity building
    Co-founded and supports regional networks such as the MENA Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security (MCYPS) and the MENA Coalition for International Justice (MCIJ) to advance youth-led advocacy and policy change on peace, security, and justice in the MENA region.
  • Facilitation of workshops and training events on youth engagement JUSTICE CALL INC
    direct service
    Co-organizes and facilitates workshops and training events on youth, peace, and security, including events at the Global University and in partnership with organizations like Terre des hommes, to promote youth engagement in peace processes and democratic governance.
  • Implementation of peace and justice education programs JUSTICE CALL INC
    direct service
    Implements the Peace and Justice Education Program in Egypt to build awareness among youth about justice and peace, raise awareness on overlooked issues, and support youth-led initiatives.
  • Production of research and policy analysis on global governance JUSTICE CALL INC
    research
    Conducts and publishes research on structural imbalances in the UN system and proposes reforms for more equitable and just global governance based on international law.
  • Advocacy for human rights with focus on freedom of expression and protection of vulnerable groups CITIZENS RIGHTS FOUNDATION INC
    advocacy
    Engages in advocacy efforts to promote human rights globally, with emphasis on freedom of expression, protection of vulnerable populations, and prevention of human rights violations.
  • Human rights advocacy campaigns HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT FOR
    advocacy
    Conducts campaigns focused on advancing human rights, as reported in IRS Form 990 filings.
  • Advocacy for legal gender recognition and trans rights OutRight Action International Corp
    advocacy
    Advances legal gender recognition rights globally through research, litigation support, and public campaigns. Documented legal procedures in countries like Chile and supported landmark rulings in Brazil and Colombia.
  • Capacity building for LGBTIQ and human rights organizations globally OutRight Action International Corp
    capacity building
    Strengthens the leadership and operational capacity of LGBTIQ organizations and movements in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southwest Asia, North Africa, the Caribbean, and globally through training, funding, and technical support. Includes regional programs and leadership institutes for trans, intersex, and LBQ communities.
  • Global advocacy and research on conversion practices OutRight Action International Corp
    research
    Documents and analyzes so-called conversion therapy practices globally through research reports and country-specific data. Leads global consultations and develops advocacy toolkits to support efforts to end these harmful practices.
  • Global documentation and advocacy on LGBTIQ human rights violations OutRight Action International Corp
    advocacy
    Documents and amplifies human rights violations against LGBTIQ people worldwide, using research and strategic advocacy to influence legal, policy, and social changes. This includes publishing reports, issuing press releases, and engaging in international forums to advance inclusion and equality.
  • Public education and awareness through media and events OutRight Action International Corp
    direct service
    Produces public-facing media content, including mini-series on LBQ parenting and election analysis, and hosts an annual gala and awards event to raise awareness and funds for global LGBTIQ rights.
  • Regional emergency response and crisis support for LGBTIQ activists OutRight Action International Corp
    direct service
    Provides emergency responses to harassment, discrimination, and violence against LGBTIQ people, particularly in Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Includes advocacy, visibility campaigns, and direct financial and legal support during crises.
  • Research on global LGBTIQ rights and human rights law OutRight Action International Corp
    research
    Conducts qualitative and quantitative research to document human rights violations, legal trends, and lived experiences of LGBTIQ people globally. Produces reports, legal analyses, and data-driven publications on issues including conversion practices, legal gender recognition, and criminalization of same-sex conduct.
  • Support for LBQ communities and leadership development OutRight Action International Corp
    capacity building
    Strengthens lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) communities globally through grant-making, visibility initiatives, research, and leadership capacity building. Includes regional programs and media projects highlighting LBQ parenting and activism.
  • UN and multilateral engagement for LGBTIQ rights OutRight Action International Corp
    advocacy
    Engages in advocacy and research at the United Nations, including through the UN LGBTI Core Group, ECOSOC participation, and submissions to Special Procedures. Organizes annual Advocacy Week to connect global LGBTIQ leaders with UN missions and agencies.
  • Advances global advocacy for CDWD rights THE INCLUSIVITY PROJECT INC
    advocacy
    Engages in international human rights advocacy by promoting recognition of caste and descent-based discrimination within UN mechanisms, SDG processes, and regional bodies; organizes delegations to speak at the UN General Assembly and African Commission; facilitated landmark moments such as the first Dalit woman and first Quilombola woman speaking at major UN forums.