Human Rights and Lions Clubs - A Milestone in Inclusion, Diversity, and Transformation

On November 19, 2024, São Paulo hosted a historic event that elevated the dialogue on inclusion and human rights to a new level. The seminar "Human Rights and Volunteering: Challenges in the Inclusion of Women, Black People, Persons with Disabilities, Migrants/Refugees, and Indigenous Peoples," organized by District LC-2 in partnership with the São Paulo Bar Association's Human Rights Commission, marked a pioneering moment in integrating volunteering with actions promoting social justice.

A Pioneering and Transformative Event

This seminar stood out as a milestone for Lions Clubs in District LC-2. For the first time, Lions Clubs’ volunteering efforts were deeply connected with human rights experts from the São Paulo Bar Association, fostering high-level discussions and demonstrating the transformative impact of well-structured volunteer initiatives. The inclusion of members from New Voices was a key highlight, bringing diverse perspectives and illustrating each panel with practical experiences and real-life narratives, bridging theory and practice.

A Rich and Impactful Program

The day began with a welcome coffee, followed by the opening session and the launch of the book "Due Diligence in Human Rights," authored by lawyer Victoriana Gonzaga. This moment featured leaders such as Raniere Pontes, District LC-2 Governor Christian Pereira de Camargo, and Luciana Monteiro Portugal, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between civil organizations in defending human rights.

Throughout the event, lectures and debates addressed topics such as:

- Gender Equality: With contributions from Isabela Castro de Castro and Eunice Maria Porto, the discussion focused on the impact of volunteering in advancing women's rights. 

- Racial Equity: Gabriela Carvalho and Altair Benedito Vieira presented actionable initiatives to promote racial justice. 

- Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities: Camilla Varella and Vade Manoel explored strategies to enhance accessibility and inclusion. 

- Migrants and Refugees: Carla Mustafa and Raniere Pontes shared insights into the social vulnerabilities faced by these groups. 

- Recognition of Indigenous Peoples: Flávio Bastos and Raniere Pontes emphasized the importance of projects that preserve and promote the culture and rights of Indigenous peoples.

Each panel was enriched by reflections from Lions’ New Voices members, who shared their experiences to illustrate the challenges and solutions being discussed.

Ciranda Vocal Choir: Music as a Tool for Inclusion

Another highlight was the outstanding performance of the Ciranda Vocal Choir, led by New Voices member Claudia Rodrigues. Carefully aligned with the themes of the seminar, the choir delivered moving interpretations of songs such as "Deconstructing Amélia," "Kuara Açú," and "Mayi a Gaye." These performances not only captivated the audience but also reinforced the seminar’s messages, showcasing how art can be a powerful ally in the fight for social justice.

Volunteering as a Tool for Transformation

One of the seminar's key moments was its emphasis on the role of volunteering as a tool for social transformation. Experts such as Alan Faria Andrade, Christian Pereira de Camargo, and Dr. Luciana Monteiro Portugal, who served as both a guide and a representative of the São Paulo Bar Association's Corporate Responsibility and Human Rights Division, highlighted how collaboration between civil and volunteer organizations can advance equality, inclusion, and social justice.

A Partnership for Future Impact

The partnership between the São Paulo Bar Association's Human Rights Commission and District LC-2, through New Voices, was instrumental in the event's success. It enabled profound dialogues and collaborations that reinforce the impact of volunteer work in the field of human rights.

This seminar was not just a learning opportunity but also a gateway to future initiatives. We aim to continue organizing events like this that demonstrate the contributions of Lions Clubs to human rights advocacy, connecting volunteers, experts, and communities around shared causes. With support from partners such as the São Paulo Bar Association, we believe we can further expand the impact of our actions and strengthen our commitment to a fairer and more inclusive future.

A Legacy for the Future

This seminar was more than a gathering of ideas; it was a milestone in innovation and collective action. The combination of high-level discussions, groundbreaking approaches to sensitive topics, and the inclusion of diverse voices set a new standard for future events. District LC-2 and the São Paulo Bar Association reaffirmed their commitment to leading the way toward a fairer and more inclusive world, inspiring all attendees to act and transform.

Watch the recording of the Seminar on the OAB Cultural Channel.

The event was funded by resources from Lions International’s New Voices Department.

Lion Raniere Pontes 

New Voices Coordinator 

A Diversity Forum of District LC-2