My Rights Information Activity Book

1. ~MY RIGHTS~ ~ INFORMATION ACTIVITY BOOK ~ Hi, my name is Opie. My friends and I have some important information to share with you about your Human Rights. Sponsored by: WEST VIRGINIA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

2. N O T I C E THE WEST VIRGINIA HUMAN RIGHT ACT Prohibits Discrimination in Employment and Places of Public Accommodations Based on RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, SEX, AGE (40 OR ABOVE), BLINDNESS, OR HANDICAP and Discrimination in Housing Based on RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, SEX, BLINDNESS, HANDICAP, OR FAMILIAL STATUS For Further Information or to file a complaint, call, write or visit: West Virginia Human Rights Commission MAILING ADDRESSTELEPHONE OFFICE LOCATION State Capitol (304) 558-2616 1321 Plaza East Charleston, WV 25305 Fax (304) 558-0085 Room 108 A TDD (304) 558-2976 Charleston, WV 25301

3. WV Human Rights Commission • Is committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination in: • Employment, Housing, Places of Public Accommodation. • Investigates and litigates violations of: • West Virginia Human Rights Act • West Virginia Fair Housing Act

4. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Preamble Whereasrecognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, • Whereasdisregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, • Whereasit is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, • Whereasit is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations, • Whereasthe peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, • WhereasMember States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, • Whereasa common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge, • Now, therefore, The General AssemblyProclaimsthis Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures.

5. What is Discrimination? • Treating someone different or unfairly because of: • race, • religion, • color, • national origin, • ancestry, • sex, • age above 40, • blindness and/or • disability.

6. Wake up and Listen up! Color by Number:

7. This is all about YOU! • Rights and Responsibilities as one of West Virginia’s Working Teens? • What to do or who to call if harassed on your job? This information can help you! Do you know your:

8. West VirginiaYouth at Work Rights and Responsibilities of West Virginia’s Working Teens

9. WORK FREE Of Discrimination

10. Your Rights • Work free of discrimination and harassment. • O pen up about job discrimination. • R equest workplace changes. • K eep your medical information private.

11. Your Responsibilities • F ile or report discrimination. • R equest workplace changes. • E ngage others in professional manner. • E xplain and record discrimination.

12. WV’s Young Workforce • Workers ages 14-18 • Part-time Jobs • Summer Jobs

13. Equal Pay and Compensation Discrimination The right of employees to be free from discrimination in compensation is protected under several federal laws, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): You down with that?. The Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, protects your rights to equal employment pay.

14. Lilly Ledbetter was paid less than her male co-workers for almost two decades. On Jan. 29, 2009, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into Law. Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation

15. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 • On January 29, 2009, President Barack Obama, signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (“Act”). • The Ledbetter Act corrects a 2007 decision by the Supreme Court that required Lilly Ledbetter to bring her pay discrimination claim within 180 days of receiving her first unequal paycheck, even though she did not know she was being paid unfairly until years later. • Congress has now clarified that every discriminatory paycheck, and every other act of new or continued discrimination, starts the clock running again each time. • In these tough economic times, women and their families need to be able to use every tool possible to ensure that equal work earns equal pay. (Article: Center for American Progress ~ January 2009 Issue)

16. Human Rights You’ve Got Mail! Are Eveyone's Rights Text me!

17. Improve diversity and equality in the workforce! Know your Rights!

18. Disability • Any physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities: • Walking Breathing • Hearing Speaking • Seeing Working • Record or history of disability • Perception of disability

19. ADA AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008(Americans With Disabilities Act Amendment) The ADA Amendments Act was signed into law on Thursday, September 25, 2008. The bill enjoyed bipartisan support and was passed unanimously by the US Senate and very strongly by the US House of Representatives. This law went into effect on January 1, 2009! • Record or history of disability

20. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Amendments Act of 2008 was signed into law on September 25, 2008 and became effective January 1, 2009. Any physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities.

21. Because the ADA law makes several significant changes, including changes to the definition of the term “disability,” the EEOC will evaluate the impact of the changes.

22. I have the RIGHT to my own RELIGION and Religious Customs! Ash Wednesday Cinco-de-Mayo

23. You have the Right to your ownRELIGIOUS Belief! Hinduism Shiva Catholic Priest

24. Reasonable Accommodation • Because of your religion or disability • Work schedule • Ramps • Other physical adjustments to environment • Cannot • Cause undue hardship on company • Conflict with major functions of the job

25. FAIR HOUSING Is not an Option. . . It’s the Law!

26. Your Right to Fair Treatment in Places of Public Accommodation! When dining with family or friends.

27. YOUR RIGHT TO EQUAL RIGHTS! In Places of Public Accommodation Equal Education At a Hospital

28. Article 25 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ~ “Everyone has the right to a standard of living, adequate health and well-being for himself and of his family. WV Human Rights Commission, a good place to start! When applying for a job!

29. Retaliation • Complained of Discrimination • Filed a complaint with the West Virginia Human Rights Commission • Participated in or assisted with a case filed with the Human Rights Commission

30. Can you help Opie’s Dog Spot, his way to The WV Human Rights Commission Office? (All “Right’s’ roads lead to the WVHRC) START WVHRC The “Rights” Place

31. Have fun learning your rights with this puzzle.WordSearch Your Human Rights! • The next two pages contain a WordSearch puzzle; where all the words on page 35 are found in the puzzle on page 36. • See how many words you can find. • YES! They are ALL There.

32. Adjudicate Hearing Age Housing Ancestry Intake Appeal Judge Arbitrate Laws Blindness Litigation Case My Rights Color National Origin Complaint Process Conciliation Prohibits Decision Public Accommodations Disability Race Discrimination Religion Employment Ruling Equal Sex Fair Triage Familial Status WV Human Rights Commission File Handicap ***Some letters will overlap

34. WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP!! West Virginia Human Rights Commission 1321 Plaza East, Room 108A Charleston, WV 25301 (304) 558-2616 1-888-676-5546

35. Pittsburgh Area Office Liberty Center 1001 Liberty Avenue, Suite 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4187 1-800-669-4000

37. DON’T FORGET:If you think you’ve been discriminated againstCONTACT: THE WEST VIRGINIA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION www.wvdhhr.org 304-558-2616 1321 Plaza East, Room 108 A ~ Charleston, West Virginia 25301 1-888-676-5546 (toll free) 304-558-0085 - fax TDD 304-558-2976 Opie and Friends, illustrated by Christopher Nelson

38. West Virginia Human Rights Commission 1321 Plaza East, Room 108A Charleston, WV 25301 (304) 558-2616 1-888-676-5546 Satellite Office in Huntington