Speakers at the Center
Deepen Your Learning
Join us at the Wassmuth Center each month for an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker series that shines a light on critical human rights issues impacting both our local community and global society. Each session features dynamic speakers—authors, scholars, journalists, and other community leaders—who will share powerful stories, insights, and actionable ideas to foster awareness, understanding, and meaningful change. Whether you’re passionate about human rights, eager to engage with diverse perspectives, or looking to deepen your impact, these events provide an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect with others committed to building a more just and inclusive world.
Upcoming
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 78 Years Old - Triumphs, Hopes, and Failures
Charlie Clements
October 7, 2026
6:30 - 8:00 PM MST
Join us as human rights advocate Charlie Clements illuminates the history of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
At 3:28 a.m. on December 10, 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt was in attendance, serving as midwife at the birth of the Universal Declaration. Gathered with her at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, the fledgling United Nations debated phrase by phrase throughout the night … ultimately passing it. They had just created one of the most powerful and hopeful documents in all of human history.
The UDHR caused few ripples in its first decade; in its second decade, it would cause governments and corrupt leaders to fall; in its third decade, it would influence more than 140 national constitutions, and the establishment of national, regional, and global human rights norms, law, and courts. Charlie will trace several of these events – some of which he witnessed – while also commenting on the recent and alarming erosion of human rights, both domestically and globally.
A Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Charlie volunteered for duty in Vietnam as a C-130 cargo pilot but refused to fly further missions upon the launch of the Cambodian Incursion. He is a founding board member of Physicians for Human Rights and represented them as President when they shared the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. He has been widely recognized for his humanitarian and human rights work.
Speakers at the Center is made possible with the generous support of Marlene Southard.
Speak Up! The Art of Justice
Thursday, September 10 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Throughout history, artists have used their voices to challenge injustice, demand change, and transform public outrage into shared work to build just and joyful communities. Join us for an evening of storytelling, music, and conversation on finding your voice and speaking truth — held in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who made dissent an art of its own.
Featured storytellers include Mitch Wieland (Idaho Writer-in-Residence), Maggie Koger, Rebecca Evans, Hannah Rodabaugh, and Caleb Merritt, with music from retro-country singer and guitarist Bill Coffey. Several special guests will also take the mic — young writers whose work you’ll be glad you heard first.
Interested in being a speaker?
Please complete the form to let us know your interest and availability. We’ll contact you within a week to explore possibilities.
2026 Speakers
January
“Restoring America’s Promise: The Fight for Justice” with Dr. Mitch Maki, President and CEO of Go For Broke National Education Center
February
“The Art of Belonging: Women, Art, and Human Rights” with Luma Jasim, Reham Aarti, and Sue Latta
March
“The Cambodian Genocide 50 Years On: Truth, Justice, and Lessons Learned” with Dr. Alex Hinton, Director of the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights and UNESCO Chair on Genocide Prevention
April
“Authentic Conversations Across Difference” with Adrienne Evans, Executive Director of United Vision for Idaho
May
“Crayons before Constitutions: Because Real Justice Doesn’t Color Inside the Lines” with Rebecca Young, former civil rights trial attorney and two-time finalist for the Idaho Supreme Court
June
“Idaho, the Environment, and Latinos: New Stories for the Past and Future” with Emily Wakild, Professor of history and the Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for the Environment and Public Lands at Boise State University
August
“The Human Right to Belong: Lessons from a Shelter Home ” with Jodi Peterson Stigers Executive Director of Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services
September
Screening of the documentary POTATO and guided dialogue afterward with Shannon McGuire founder of Supreme Moms®, Spark! Strategic Solutions, and the Project 8B Foundation
October
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 75 years old – its triumphs, its hopes, and its failures presented by Charlie Clements
2025 Speaker Series
January
Heath Druzin, “The Rise of Christian Nationalism and Idaho as a Laboratory for Extremism”
February
- Ousmane Kabré, “Stories of Impact, Compassion, and Community Transformation”
- Dr. Mitchell Maki, “America’s Promise: The Japanese Americans Veterans and the Fight for Justice”
March
Laurie Roberts, Rama Deen, Sarah Griffin, & Christina Lords “Her Influence: Honoring the Women Who Shape Us”
April
- Open Arms Dance Project & Open Arms Ambassadors
- Unseen and Unshaken: Narratives from the Unhoused Frontlines
May
Liyah Babayan, “Stages of Genocide in Real Time”
June
- Katie Knight & Judy Fjell, Love and Justice in Art and Music
- Gillian Walnes Perry, The Franks-An Ordinary Family Trapped in Extraordinary Times
July
“From Cambodia to Idaho: Student Perspectives on Human Rights, Education, and Hope”
August
“Voices of Belonging: Idaho Youth Speak”
September
Gregory Taylor, “Windows & Mirrors: stories that open doors to empathy and identity
October
CMarie Fuhrman, “The Power of Articles: How A, An, and The Can Shape Our Perceptions”
November
Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, “What Dispositions Do We Need for Democracy and Equity?”
December
Mari Ramos, “Cultural Heritage as a Moral Compass, Building Community Strength through Celebration”
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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
-NELSON MANDELA, HUMAN RIGHTS LEADER