Mindbridge

Each month, a member of the Mindbridge team highlights a piece of media that connects to our central mission and values 📖☕️📚

This month’s second recommendation is Social Psychology and Everyday Life by Darrin Hodgetts, Ottilie Stolte, Christopher Sonn, Neil Drew, Stuart Carr, and Linda Waimarie Nikora. By taking a collectivist approach to social psychology, the authors offer an alternative framework to the field that challenges traditional, Western-centric individualistic models.

Dr. Darrin Hodgetts was featured in episode four of the Mindbridge Podcast, where he discussed the topics of housing insecurity and homelessness with Audrey “Drey” Aradanas.

🔗 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.mindbridgecenter.org/subscribe

Every month, Mindbridge celebrates a Human Rights Defender working to support throughout their communities.

Kevin Ortiz Diaz is a U.S. Navy veteran and Ph.D. candidate at Florida International University whose research focuses on sexual violence within the military. Drawing on his military background and academic research, his work seeks to better understand the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and institutional factors that can facilitate or discourage reporting of sexual violence among service members.

In addition to his doctoral research, Kevin has developed and delivered sexual violence prevention training for military audiences, translating research and evidence-based approaches into practical prevention efforts. Through his research and prevention work, he hopes to contribute to military environments that protect the dignity and well-being of those who serve, prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and reduce the barriers that may prevent individuals from reporting their experiences or seeking help.

🔗 Learn more & make a nomination: www.mindbridgecenter.org/iamahumanrightsdefender

Peace is not just the absence of war; it’s the presence of justice, safety, and dignity for all.

On this International Day of Peace, we reflect on the ongoing struggles for peace in a world still marked by conflict, oppression, and rising hate. From global crises to the everyday violence faced by marginalized communities right here at home, peace is necessary for human rights to be upheld.

Positive peace demands the dismantling of systems of injustice, the protection of the most vulnerable, and the building of a future rooted in equity, compassion, and shared humanity.

Welcome back to our Rewind series! Over the summer, we've revisited standout conversations from Season 1 of the Mindbridge Podcast and connected them to today's human rights landscape. Whether it's your first time listening or your tenth, we invite you to reflect on today’s conversation with fresh eyes (and ears!) and continue exploring its themes in next week's companion article.

This week we’re revisiting our conversation about reproductive rights with Dr. Patrick Grzanka and Laura Hernández.

🎧 https://mindbridgecenter.substack.com/p/rewind-reproductive-rights

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich cultures, histories, and enduring contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States.

As Mindbridge’s Founder, Laura Ligouri, says: “From September 15 to October 15, we take this special time to honor not only the artistic, culinary, and cultural achievements but also the tireless efforts of those who have fought for justice, equality, and human rights. Their legacy inspires us to continue the fight for justice and equality for all.”

This year, that celebration continues to take on a deeper urgency. Amid rising threats, discriminatory policies, and acts of violence targeting Hispanic and Latino communities, we are reminded that celebrating Hispanic heritage must go hand in hand with defending their human rights.

The International Day of Democracy reminds us of the critical responsibility we all have in upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms.

True democracy requires the freely expressed will of the people and meaningful representation in governance. Yet in many parts of the world - including our own backyard - these principles are under threat. It is our shared responsibility to resist undemocratic practices and defend the rights and dignity of all.

Tomorrow is National Voter Registration Day!

Voting is more than a right - it's a cornerstone of human dignity, equality, and justice. At a time when voter suppression, disinformation, and systemic barriers continue to disproportionately impact marginalized communities, protecting the right to vote is more urgent than ever.

Registering to vote is not just civic participation; it's an act of solidarity. It’s how we honor every voice, defend every right, and shape a future rooted in equity.

Let’s move toward action: check your registration status, help others get registered, and ensure every vote counts! Upholding democracy demands our collective and active commitment.

🔗 https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/

American labor history is a long, winding road and archive of courage, repression, betrayal, and persistence. It includes victories that changed daily life and defeats that still echo in the conditions workers face now.

In our most recent Substack post, guest writer Alexis reviews the historical roots of American labor movements and reminds us not only of the power of collective action but also of the importance of fair labor practices as a human right.

🔗 https://mindbridgecenter.substack.com/p/labor-day-history

Welcome back to our Rewind series! Over the summer, we've revisited standout conversations from Season 1 of the Mindbridge Podcast and connected them to today's human rights landscape.

Whether it's your first time listening or your tenth, we invite you to reflect on today’s conversation with fresh eyes (and ears!) and continue exploring its themes in next week's companion article.

Just in time for , this week we’re revisiting our conversation about fair labor practices with Dr. Taewon Kim and Tiffany Rogers.

🎧 https://mindbridgecenter.substack.com/p/rewind-fair-labor

honors the hard work and dedication of those who contribute their time, talent, and energy to make a difference in the world around them.

As Tiffany Rogers reminded us on Episode 12 of the Mindbridge Podcast, workers' rights are human rights. Fair labor encompasses the importance of equitable treatment, safe workplace conditions, and protection against discrimination.

This year, let’s remain committed to upholding the rights of workers, celebrating the vital contributions of the workforce, and bringing awareness to the ongoing challenges to workers worldwide.

🎧 https://mindbridgecenter.substack.com/p/summer-rewind-fair-labor