We welcome all EarthRights Alumni from the Mekong to join our network.

Read the call in Burmese, Chinese, Khmer, Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese.

BACKGROUND

Since 1999, over 600 graduates from the Mekong region have participated in  EarthRights training programs, including the EarthRights School (ERS) Myanmar, EarthRights School Mekong, EarthRights School, the Mekong Legal Advocacy Institute (MLAI), and the Bertha Fellowship program. Since graduating, 289 alumni have remained active since the alumni engagement program resumed in 2021. 

Today, EarthRights alumni defend human and environmental rights in their communities across the Mekong by leveraging skills, ideas, and collaborative initiatives developed and shared through our unique training programs.

WHY AN ALUMNI NETWORK?

In a context of democratic backsliding and increasing human rights violations, EarthRights alumni who are active environmental and human rights defenders face  risks such as criminalization and judicial harassment. As a response to these threats, the alumni network connects program graduates by creating a platform for learning and encouraging in-country and regional collaboration.. The network offers up-to-date skills training, toolkits for implementing theories of change, and resources to address challenges the alumni face. Additionally, it provides support to alumni as they navigate the risks they face in their work.

OUR GOAL

EarthRights wants to equip alumni with knowledge, skills, and powerful tools for change. We want them to secure invaluable access and perspectives on the challenges faced by communities.

We want to build the commitment to continued collaborative work on climate justice and accountability, earth rights defenders, and corporate accountability.

We will work with you to co-create a meaningful, effective, and sustainable alumni network to achieve this goal.

OUR APPROACH

We will build the alumni network from the ground up by listening and co-designing with you so that it helps you meet your needs and challenges. You will tell us what media and platforms work for keeping engaged. Ensuring your security will be a priority.

We will pay attention to social and gender inclusion, with inclusiveness and transparency being core values of the network. A diverse group of core team members will be selected to map the context and lead strategic planning. Following the inputs of all alumni, they will start the process for designing the network.

Following the design, we will convene all alumni to finalize the network.

CO-CREATION OF THE ALUMNI NETWORK 2021-2024: ACHIEVEMENTS AND COLLABORATIVE SUCCESS

Between 2020 and 2024, EarthRights co-designed and developed the EarthRights Alumni Network, where alumni began connecting, sharing resources, and collaborating on initiatives that further the shared goal of advancing human rights and environmental justice across the Mekong region. We connect with alumni through three methods, each shaped by input from EarthRights alumni:

• Small Grants Program: We awarded grants to a total of 21 alumni projects.
• 10 Capacity Building: We provided 100-120 alumni with capacity-building workshops, addressing regional and country-specific issues, while enhancing their professional skills.
• Alumni Engagement: We encouraged 24 alumni who were core team members to play a key role in co-creating the alumni network and contributing to the success of digital engagement activities.They provided support with the following activities:
  • Digital engagement platform: It serves as a safe and secure interactive digital hub for EarthRights alumni to stay updated and find resources. 
  • Two Regional gatherings and one networking week: Over 120 alumni attended several regional events, fostering regional connections, discussing environmental and human rights issues, and laying the foundation for future collaborations. 
  • Eight country gatherings and one country visit: The alumni core team led these activities in which almost 100 alumni participated, allowing them to connect, share updates, and discuss collaborations.

MOVING FORWARD TO THE COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE 2025-2029

The regional alumni gathering in November 2024 was an important milestone for the alumni network, transitioning the model towards Communities of Practice. As part of the EarthRights 2025-2029 strategy, the Communities of Practice will build on existing efforts to foster future collaboration and mutual support, bringing together alumni who share common interests or focus on environmental and human rights issues in the Mekong region for long-term engagement.

* The purpose of the Core Team Members is to support the buildup and co-design of the EarthRights Alumni Network as a resource and network hub for an engaged group of alumni.