December 2023 HRE Update

Hello All,

Welcome to the December HRE Update. 

The AFA Human Rights and Equity Committee is committed to providing the broadest possible representation of our members regardless of age, disability, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression. We honor and celebrate the shared humanity of the members in our care. We shall at all times endeavor to promote the principles of tolerance, fairness, equity, justice, respect and inclusion within our Union. It is only when we all work together that we can tear down the walls of division and create a progressive culture that values social & economic justice for all working people.

Here are some key dates for you to note for the month of December:

• December 1-31: Universal Human Rights Month
• December 1: World AIDS Day
• December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• December 7- 15: Hanukkah
• December 10: International Human Rights Day
• December 21: Winter Solstice
• December 16-24: Los Posadas
• December 25: Christmas
• December 26- Jan 1: Kwanzaa

Universal Human Rights Month and International Human Rights Day

As defined by the United Nations, human rights are“rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.” During December and all the months that follow, we are encouraged to remember and celebrate those who have fought for human rights in the past, and to also think about the ways in which we can continue to fight for them today. We also are encouraged to stand up and fight together for equality, justice and dignity for all humans.

10 December 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.  

The 2023 theme is "Freedom, Equality and Justice for All."

Learn more about International Human Rights Day and the UDHR HERE

World AIDS Day

December 1

This annual event serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat. The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic.

This year marks the 35th commemoration of this important day, and this year's theme is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit.” 

Learn more about World AIDS Day HERE

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3

The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

To learn more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities HERE

Hannukkah

December 7-15

Hanukkah, one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays, is an eight day celebration that starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. Because this calendar follows the lunar (or moon) cycle, the holiday begins on a different date each year on the Gregorian calendar, which we commonly use
Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival.

Las Posadas

December 16-24

Las Posadas is a religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. When they were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were forced to seek shelter in a stable, where the Christ Child was born.

Winter Solstice

December 21

The Winter Solstice, or the December Solstice, is the point at which the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south. At the Winter Solstice, the sun travels the shortest path through the sky resulting in the day of the year with the least sunlight and therefore, the longest night.

In the lead-up to the Winter Solstice, the days become shorter and shorter, then on the evening of the solstice  —  in the Northern Hemisphere occurs annually on the 21st or 22nd of December —  winter begins

Christmas

December 25

Christmas is an annual Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, primarily observed on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. Gifts and holiday greetings are usually exchanged on this day

Kwanzaa

December 26-January 1

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966.

Solidarity Pickets

We continue supporting all of our members and other labor groups as they fight for fair contracts and human rights protections. Show up where you can, at the capacity you can, in the city you can!

• United Airlines Day of Action - December 14, 2023

• Alaska Airlines Day of Solidarity - December 19, 2023

Take These Important Surveys

Click the image to take the HRE survey

This survey allows you to tell us the issues that are important to you and helps give us some direction to focus on the causes that matter to our membership.

Click the image to take the Uniform Survey

This survey is about Uniform Gender Expression and seeks to identify how the crew feels about uniform choices, policies & guidelines at our airline and how it relates to their gender. 

Do you want to be a part of the HRE Committee?

The HRE committee meets the second Monday of every month! Join us for more more information, inspiration and work to recognize, support, and protect our Union sibs!
If you would like to attend an AFA HRE meeting, have any questions or issues, or have suggestions for causes or activities to highlight, feel free to reach out to the HRE rep any time via email: [email protected] 

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Reminder:

You can find all our recent newsletters and information about the union and what we are working on at the Norse AFA website.
Visit the website today at norseafa.org

Sign up to receive important text alerts from your Norse AFA MEC by texting afanaa to 49484 or by clicking THIS LINK to register.

Cheers,

Jhenelle (she/her)
HRE & Communications Committee Chair