HUMAN RIGHTS
"60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary" Initiative
For the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Max Dana initiated the '
60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary' Initiative to bolster the
Every Human Has Rights Campaign, which sought to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2008.
Max Dana, recognized as both an artist and philanthropist, serves as the driving force behind the
MagkaSama Project, which she established in 2003. With a profound interest in international affairs and a steadfast commitment to human rights, she is recognized for her reluctance towards media attention, favoring a modest presence that enables her creative pursuits to convey her message effectively. However, in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Max lent her support to the
Every Human Has Rights Campaign orchestrated by
The Elders. This esteemed group comprises eminent figures such as Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, and Desmond Tutu. The concept of The Elders was initially conceived by British musician Peter Gabriel and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1999.
For this special occasion, Max Dana crafted an original artwork. Over several months, she convened with representatives from sixty distinguished organizations globally, including
Amnesty International,
UNICEF,
UNHCR,
Human Rights Watch,
FIDH,
Reporters Without Borders,
OMCT, and
UNESCO. Additionally, she engaged in discussions with Ambassador Stéphane Hessel, a contributor to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, and François Zimeray, the French Ambassador for Human Rights.
Furthermore, Max interacted with volunteers, advocates for various organizations, and committed individuals such as aid workers, medical professionals, and human rights lawyers. Additionally, she had the privilege of meeting the 30 recipients of the
Internews Every Human Has Rights Media Awards. All of these individuals wholeheartedly backed Max's initiative and endorsed the original artwork she crafted in homage to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Initiative enjoyed remarkable success, attracting substantial interest and enthusiastic support from both organizations and individuals. It contributed to raising awareness of Human Rights during the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Geneviève Garrigos, President of Amnesty International France and partner of the Every Human Has Rights campaign declared:
By marking human rights on every inch of the globe she drew, even on the most remote places in the world, Max Dana enforces the universality of the Declaration of Human Rights on its 60th anniversary.
Katy Cronin, Communications Director, The Elders added:
I am very grateful to Max Dana for her creative and inspiring support for The Elders and the Every Human Has Rights campaign. This artwork is a wonderful reminder that any committed individual can take action to change the world for the better. Thank you Max! And don’t stop now!
Jean-François Julliard, Secretary general, Reporters without Borders - RWB/RSF said:
It is a great initiative and an orignal and creative way to raise awareness on human rights. The universality of Human Rights shouldn't restrain to signers on a map, all the people who signed this art piece should now act and defend Human Rights the best they can.
The artwork was presented to Ingrid Srinath, Secretary-General and CEO of CIVICUS, in the presence of Katy Cronin, Communications Director of The Elders, in London in April 2009. Subsequently, the original artwork was delivered to CIVICUS headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, a month later.
Read
the full article here.
L’initiative : ’60 Signatures pour le 60e Anniversaire’ a été lancée par l’artiste designer Max Dana en soutien à la campagne Every Human Has Rights à l’occasion du 60e anniversaire de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme en 2008. Artiste engagée et fondatrice du MagkaSama Project, Max Dana supporte activement les droits de l'homme, et si son engagement est entier, ses actions restent souvent discrètes mais toujours avec la volonté d’alerter et d’attirer l’attention sur des faits de société, notamment par le biais artistique. C’est dans ce cadre qu’à l’occasion du 60e anniversaire de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme, Max est sortie de sa réserve habituelle pour mettre sa créativité au service de la campagne Every Human Has Rights, mise en place par The Elders. La fondation compte parmi ses membres et fondateurs Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Richard Branson, Jeff Skoll, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan ou encore Peter Gabriel.
Vous trouverez l'intégralité de la présentation sur cette page.
CIVICUS Staff Members holding Max Dana's collective artwork at the organization's headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa
SAMA KIDS DAY
Kids Workshop with Max Dana
Sama Kids Day (also referred to as the Kids Workshop) is a unique event organized by Max Dana. Since 2006, she has been hosting these workshops, uniting children and the arts to inspire creative expression and emotional exploration through activities such as painting, music, photography, and theater. The main aim of these workshops is to nurture global awareness, encourage empathy, and instill a sense of global citizenship through arts education and interactive discussions.
These workshops address various challenges encountered by young people, including (cyber)bullying, poverty, and environmental issues that resonate strongly with younger generations. Their objective is to assist participants in navigating these obstacles by fostering values of respect and compassion. The range of activities provided is varied, affording all participants the chance to freely express themselves, exchange thoughts and feelings, and refine their critical thinking skills through shared experiences. They provide a platform for gaining perspective, fostering cultural understanding, promoting positive behavior, and facilitating connections among young individuals to learn and advance together in a spirit of tolerance. Furthermore, these workshops facilitate networking within the global community.
Max is inspired by the profound notion that "The world is sustained by the breath of children who study," and firmly believes that education, in its broadest interpretation, plays a pivotal role in molding open-minded and enlightened adults for the future.
Read more about
Max Dana's Activities with the MagkaSama Project.
Depuis 2006, Max Dana organise des ateliers appelés 'Sama Kids Day' avec des jeunes venant d'horizons divers, qui leur permettent de s'exprimer de manière créative afin d'explorer leurs émotions par le biais de la peinture, de la musique, de la photographie, du théâtre... Le but est de développer une conscience commune et de construire de l'empathie à travers l'expression artistique et la discussion. Ces ateliers sont axés sur des problématiques que de nombreux jeunes rencontrent, comme le (cyber)harcèlement, la pauvreté mais aussi le sujet de l'environnement auquel les jeunes générations sont particulièrement sensibles, et de les aider à surmonter ces épreuves en leur apprenant le respect et la compassion. Les activités sont diverses et offrent la possibilité à chacun de parler librement, d'exprimer ses sentiments et ses idées, de développer leur sens critique dans un moment de partage commun. L'occasion de mettre les choses en perspective pour mieux comprendre les autres cultures, favoriser les comportements positifs et connecter les jeunes pour apprendre à avancer ensemble dans la tolérance. Inspirée par les sages paroles 'Le monde ne se maintient que par le souffle des enfants qui étudient' Max considère que l'éducation, au sens large du terme, est un élément essentiel dans la construction des adultes ouverts et éveillés de demain.
Plus d'information sur cette page.
SAMA FRATERNAL SOCIETY
From Sama Readers to Committed Samayans
The
Sama Fraternal Society (previously named the Sama Epicurean Fraternal Society) originated from the readers of the websites comprising the World of Sama, established by Max Dana in the mid-90s. These early readers, as well as all those who currently read and follow Max Dana's endeavors, constitute the
Samayan Community and are referred to as
Samayans. The genesis of this journey can be traced back to 1994 when Max launched her first virtual exhibition on the Internet, showcasing her creations. Subsequently, she began sharing newsletters detailing the inspirations behind her creative universe, including her passion for organic farming and sustainability, where she shared whole food recipes and fair trade information. The collaborative involvement within the discussion group among Samayans culminated in the formation of the Sama Epicurean Fraternal Society, with its headquarters situated at the Sama Café (the only place to get
Samacarons!) in SamaVille.
Since her adolescence, Max has been an advocate for human rights. In 2003, she initiated a newsletter aimed at gathering information about the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, with the intention of raising awareness and alerting others to the unfolding crisis. Stirred by the reported events, the Samayans actively participated in disseminating this information, playing a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the MagkaSama Project. Three years later, fueled by the ongoing commitment of its members and their aspiration to foster a more engaged, inclusive, and tolerant society, Max Dana officially inaugurated the Sama Fraternal Society.
Announcement news by Max Dana:
The Sama Fraternal Society belongs to you! For nearly fifteen years online, I've been sharing with you my inspirations and work. Some of you have been visiting my websites for over a decade, and I've grown alongside you as we've exchanged viewpoints and opinions. This dialogue has been incredibly motivating for me, and with the launch of the Sama Gazette in 2009, our relationship has deepened significantly. Many regular readers have chosen to become more involved, taking action to support the causes and organizations mentioned by the Sama Team in the Gazette.
The concept of the Sama Fraternal Society came into being as simply as that. It has been propelled by a wave of positivity and strength, and today marks the official announcement of its establishment. Below, you'll find a description of what the Sama Fraternal Society is, its origins, and its purpose. My hope is that it inspires people to collaborate and maintain an open, positive mindset, especially as life becomes increasingly challenging for many. We don't claim to revolutionize the world, but I firmly believe in the adage: "Tall oaks from little acorns grow!" ^_^
Through initiatives spearheaded or endorsed by Max Dana, alongside the content disseminated across the various websites of the World of Sama, individuals are encouraged to support one or multiple causes or actions aligned with their abilities and beliefs. While the MagkaSama Project invites Samayans to engage in activities concerning human rights, gender equality, or combating discrimination, these initiatives often expand to encompass broader themes such as environmentalism, ethics, and justice. The scope of topics is extensive, enabling each person to recognize the challenges and understand the efforts required. The Sama Fraternal Society unites individuals worldwide who aspire to contribute positively to progress, fostering an environment of openness and tolerance, whether at a personal, familial, social, or professional level.
Over a decade since its inception, the Samayan community has steadily expanded, with its members displaying increased levels of activity. If you've been hesitating to embark on a positive endeavor or are unsure about how to participate, now is the perfect opportunity to become part of this movement!
La Sama (anciennement Epicurienne) Fraternal Society a pris naissance au coeur des lecteurs des sites que composent le Monde des Sama (World of Sama) créés par Max Dana dès le milieu des années 90. Ces tous premiers lecteurs mais aussi ceux qui suivent aujourd'hui encore les activités de Max font partie de cette communauté et sont appelés les Samayans. L'aventure a démarré lorsqu'elle est arrivée sur Internet en 1994 avec la première exposition virtuelle de ses créations puis l'envoi des newsletters dans lesquelles Max partageait ce qui inspirait son univers créatif. Elle y dévoilait aussi son intérêt pour l'écologie et l'agriculture biologique avec des recettes personnelles 'bio', des adresses pour soutenir le commerce équitable et les artisans... Le respect pour le milieu et des gens qui nous entourent, ainsi que le plaisir de partager les choses simples et parfois essentielles, ont donné naissance à la Sama Epicurian Fraternal Society.
Artiste engagée en faveur des Droits de l'Homme depuis son adolescence, elle lance en 2003 une newsletter qui regroupait des informations concernant le génocide qui se déroulait au Darfour (Soudan) afin d'attirer l'attention sur la situation ; touchés par les faits rapportés, les Samayans ont été très nombreux à contribuer activement à la diffusion de ces informations. Ils ont ainsi permi d'assoir les fondations du MagkaSama Project qui sera lancé en 2007. En 2010, toujours sous l'impulsion de ces membres et leur volonté de faire évoluer la société vers un monde plus engagé, ouvert et tolérant, Max Dana a décidé de lancer officiellement la Sama Fraternal Society.
C'est par les initiatives lancées ou soutenues par Max Dana mais aussi par les contenus publiés sur les différents sites du World of Sama, que chacun est invité à soutenir une ou plusieurs causes ou actions en fonction de ses possibilités et de sa sensibilité. Si le MagkaSama Project invite les Samayans à participer à des événements autour des Droits de l'Homme, l'égalité femmes-hommes ou encore la lutte contre les descriminations, les initiatives autour de ces thématiques vont souvent au-delà et s'étendent à l'environnement, l'éthique, la justice... Les sujets sont vastes et permettent à chacun de prendre à la fois connaissance des enjeux et conscience des défis à relever. La Sama Fraternal Society regroupe ainsi des personnes vivant dans le monde entier qui souhaitent participer et agir, à l'échelle personnelle, familiale, amicale ou professionnelle dans un esprit ouvert et tolérant afin de faire avancer les choses de manière positive.
Plus de 10 ans après son lancement officiel, la communauté Samayan n'a cessé de s'agrandir et ses membres sont plus actifs que jamais. Si vous hésitiez encore à vous engager dans une démarche positive, c'est le moment de rejoindre le mouvement ! :)
Photo Illustration © Shane Rounce / Liam Edwards
