My webCampus Experience: Human Rights Advocate Certificate

Toronto – April 17, 2017 – UFCW Canada members and allies from across the country are raving about the union's groundbreaking online education program, webCampus, which offers free online courses to all UFCW Canada members, their families, and our community partners. 

Many UFCW Canada members take webCampus courses out of personal interest, while others see them as a way to develop their knowledge and professional skills. 

The Human Rights Advocate Certificate program is particularly popular among webCampus participants. From understanding human rights laws as they relate to minorities, to exploring the challenges facing Canada’s LGBTQ, migrant worker, and indigenous communities, the Human Rights Advocate program provides students with the tools needed to effectively advocate for disadvantaged and equity-seeking groups.

Ilija Dimeski, a proud UFCW Canada ally and former Local 1006A member, had the following to say about his experience completing the webCampus Human Rights Advocate Certificate:

“The Human Rights Advocate Certificate is important to me because it serves as a reminder of what I stand for and what my guiding values and principles have been as a union member and steward over the last few years. The Certificate also embodies the values and principles that UFCW upholds on a daily basis, like fighting for social and economic justice and advocating for workers and their rights. These are values that are needed in order to build better workplaces and communities, and they will definitely impact the decisions that I make in the future.

My experience with the webCampus courses and my involvement with UFCW Canada have solidified my belief that labour rights are human rights. When someone was treated unfairly at work, it was my role as a steward to stand up for that brother or sister to ensure that they received justice. The strong emphasis that UFCW has placed on human rights through its webCampus courses has made participants like myself feel as though we are guardians of justice. Indeed, it was through these courses that I was able to obtain valuable knowledge and a sense of passion that I am now applying to my studies in law. 

In many ways, the webCampus Human Rights Advocate Certificate has given me a strong sense of compassion and empathy towards others, rather than focusing on self interest and individualism. A sense of unity and solidarity will always be a part of me, even though I may no longer be a union member.”  

Registration for the webCampus Human Rights Advocate Certificate program is now open. To register for the certificate, or to find out more about the program, visit the webCampus website today.