Claire Edwards Email & Phone Number

Edmonton, Canada Area

As the fYrefly Program I oversee two programs, fYrefly in Schools and Camp fYrefly Edmonton.fYrefly in Schools is an educational initiative developed to help reduce discrimination against sexual and gender minority youth, increase awareness of the impacts of homophobia and transphobia, and equip students with the tools they need to become effective allies for diversity, equity, and human rights within their schools and communities. Experienced educators facilitate student-centered and activity-based workshops with help from a youth peer education team in junior high and highschools in Edmonton.Camp fYrefly is a national leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirited, intersex, queer, questioning, and allied youth. The Camp is designed to help youth develop the leadership skills and personal resiliency necessary for them to become agents for positive change in their schools, families, and communities. All Camp programming is guided by input from youth and facilitated by trained educators and youth workers in collaboration with a team of artists, dramatists, and community and youth leaders. In sum, Camp fYrefly's programming focuses on four key areas: leadership, individual development, socialization, and resiliency.

Greater New York City Area

Completed internship as part of CUNY's New York Union Semester program, a one of a kind full-time semester-long program that combines rigorous academic study with first-hand experience in the labor movement. As an intern, I'm learning first hand how unions and labor organizations fight for workers’ rights.In the Education and Leadership Development department I'm:- Contributing to new curriculum development for new member orientation - Assisting with workshops and training for delegates, organizers and vice presidents- Supporting campaigns like the Fight for $15, the Bronx City Council elections and the 2016 Presidential Elections- Working to insulate our 3000 public sector members in advance of this spring’s Friedrichs' supreme court decision and possible future right to work legislation- Working with the organizing and communications departments on homecare organizing campaigns in New York City

Washington D.C. Metro Area

NARAL Pro-Choice America is America's leading advocate for reproductive freedom and protecting a woman's right to choose her own reproductive destiny. NARAL is dedicated to mobilizing and building the base of pro-choice advocates and advancing sound reproductive policies that support women and families at all stages of their reproductive life. These policies include preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion.My role involved:• Developing, writing, copy editing, and submitting large grant applications• Assisting with a long term research project to find new sources of funding• Responding to inquiries from members via phone and e-mail• Assisting with the preparation for, and execution of, special fundraising and political events• Creating development materials, including collateral, newsletters, and annual reports• Providing general administrative support for Development Department and Board of Directors

The City of Edmonton Youth Council represents the interest of youth between the ages of 13 and 23 to city council. By providing meaningful policy input on issues ranging from poverty elimination to sustainability, and facilitating participation in municipal politics, the Youth Council aims to create a better city for the next generation of Edmontonians. As chair, I not only chair our general meetings but represent CEYC to city council and the community at large. Visit www.ceyc.ca to learn more.

The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights envisions a world that manifests a culture of peace and human rights in which the dignity of every person is respected, valued and celebrated. We work to advance a culture of peace and human rights through educational programs and activities, community collaboration and relationship building guided by the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and based on the understanding that considering the world through a human rights lens is key to empowering citizens to respond to the ills in our society and our world – from issues like discrimination and bullying to poverty, war and genocide.

In the spring of 2014 I was elected to the board of directors for the Downtown Edmonton Community League. Our board and committees are comprised of volunteers who live or work in the downtown area. We represent downtown residents in matters of development, parks, politics and other issues as well as planning and arranging community activities in the downtown core. Downtown Edmonton is a great place to "live, learn, work and play" and residency is expanding at an unprecedented rate. My work as secretary involves administrative support for the board, managing memberships, preparing the minutes, and more.

Edmonton, Canada Area

This position involved administration, casework, community outreach and organizing, and serving as a liaison for the MLA with community groups. Most importantly, I provided front line advocacy services to constituents navigating provincial government bodies and non-governmental agencies, including Service Alberta, AISH, Alberta Health Services, Income support, the Workers Compensation Board, Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) and more. During my time in the constituency office I supervised the practicums of two social work students from Norquest and Grant MacEwan.

I have been involved with Amnesty International since I was a student in high school. Last year I served as an executive at the AI student group at the University of Alberta, dedicated to carrying out Amnesty International’s work of protecting human rights worldwide. The group had over 30 active members from various walks of life, united in their opposition to human rights violations. As Action Coordinator I presented on contemporary human rights issues at every meeting and organized actions, from petitions, to letter writing campaigns, and tabling on campus. I also played a role in planning large marches and benefit concerts.

The Page Program is an opportunity for Alberta high school students to get involved in Alberta´s legislative process and learn about parliamentary democracy. It´s a chance to work in a dynamic, fast-paced and challenging environment. Legislative Pages find out firsthand how the Legislative Assembly works and gain leadership training, work experience and career insights, while forming lasting friendships with other Pages. Pages work as a team to provide necessary services to both Members and Officers of the Legislative Assembly, distributing documents, conveying messages and taking part in ceremonial events. They are also presented many learning opportunities, including developmental seminars with interesting guest speakers and participation in an annual speech competition.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Political Science And Women And Gender Studies

Certificate - Labor Studies, Certificate In Labour Studies

New York Union Semester is one of a kind full-time semester-long program that combines rigorous academic study with first-hand experience.

Politics And Public Policy

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges.

Education record