Here I Stand Research and Video Project

Linda Yaron
Due: Thursday, November 6, 2014
You have been tasked with answering a call to action. After studying individuals who fought for causes
through this unit, you will now choose an issue in this country or world that needs your attention. You
will 1.Research that issue 2.Serve and Interview 3.Write 4.Submit a video to the Speak Truth to Power
contest 5. Present in our class Film Festival. The Details:
Part 1: Research to Develop a Solid Understanding of Your Issue (Timeline September 8-23)
1. Choose an issue to spotlight and research. Sample topics: Bullying, Child Labor, Children's
Rights, Combating Poverty, Domestic Violence, Environment, Forced Labor, Free Expression &
Religion, Gender Rights, Genocide, Health Care & Potable Water, Labor Rights, Non-Violent
Activism, Police Brutality, Political Freedom, Political Participation, Reconciliation, Slavery &
Trafficking.
2. Develop a research question. Criteria: a question that does not have a clear answer and can be
researched. Sample question: What is the role of education in increasing quality of life for
minorities in Los Angeles? Submit September 23.
3. Research at least 3-5 different types of credible sources to find information about your topic.
Examples of credible sources: magazine and newspaper articles, university research papers,
books, etc. One of needs to be from: http://www.speaktruthvideo.com/defenders
Part II: Take Action: Service and Interview (Timeline September 24-October 5)
1. Identify a local organization that works in support of your issue.
2. Service. Do 3-5 hours of volunteer service at your organization. Call them first. Sample script:
Good afternoon. Im a high school junior at University Senior High and Im working on a project
about ________. Im interested in what you do at (their organization). Would it be possible if I
came to your organization and volunteered and/or talked to someone to learn more about
_________?
3. Interview. Interview someone at the organization. Develop 10 or more questions ahead of time.
Sample questions could include: How did you get involved in_____? What are some of the
biggest challenges your organization faces? How do you envision the future of ______?
4. Submit a one-page write-up of your interview and a brief, signed letter stating your completion
of service with your research paper
Part II: 3-5 Page Research Paper Answering Your Question (Timeline October 6-19)
Write a 3-5 page research paper answering your question (make it clear what the question is)
Format: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1 inch margins.
Include a Works Cited Page for your research sources (MLA Format: http://www.mla.org/)
Part IV: Video Contest (Timeline October 20-November 1)
Contest participants (individually or in groups of 2-4-for video only) will utilize creative storytelling to
teach others about a human rights issue in a 3-6 minute video short film. They must spotlight one of the
RFK Center Human Rights Defenders identified on the site. The format is open to documentary, stop

motion, narrative, digital photo essay or other innovative explorations that involve filmmaking
components. We are looking for films to creatively answer the following questions:

What is the human rights issue and who is the activist who has attempted to improve the
situation?
How did the activist attempt to improve the situation?
How is their work connected with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
How is this work connected to the student's local community (neighborhood/school)?
When relevant, what is the activist's organization, or how is their work being continued in the
world?
What can the activist's life teach us?
Upload the video to: http://www.speaktruthvideo.com/ Contest opens for uploads October 1.
Part V: Here I Stand Film Festival and Presentations: November 6.
Present your video along with a 3-5 minute presentation of your issues and findings.
Include issue, question, research/service/interview findings, ways others can get involved
Introduce film and give a conclusion after film
Prepare for any questions that may be asked
If film was done as a group, be sure each member presents his or her issue. Can be 5-7 minutes if
grouped.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Project Rubrics:
Research
Variety of credible sources
Evidence is relevant, deep and precise to proving question
Evidence used appropriately
Evidence cited correctly (within paper and works cited page)
Service and Interview
Service hours completed at organization related to chosen issue
Interview questions are deep, relevant and precise
Interview write-up indicates clear understanding of issue
Interview write-up includes how local action can make an impact
Writing:
Ideas-depth, relevance, precision in answer to question
Evidence- depth, relevance, precision in selection and use of evidence
Analysis- depth, relevance, precision in use of analysis to connect and extend evidence
Style-grammar, structure, spelling, vocabulary
Video
Ideas- depth, relevance and precision in telling story that answers the question
Evidence-depth, relevance and precision in choice of evidence used to support ideas
Analysis-depth, relevance and precision in connecting/extending ideas and evidence in a call to action
Style: effort, organization, creativity
Presentation:
Voice-volume, clarity, emotion, pace
Connection to Audience- stance: posture, body language, eye contact
Content-ideas, evidence, analysis

Style-effort, organization, creativity