TheCommunity.com has launched a one year campaign to raise awareness on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- the UDHR.

Drafted in 1948 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, the UDHR outlines 30 fundamental human rights. It says that these rights form the very foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

Spearheaded by Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President Jose Ramos-Horta, 15 human rights and peace building organizations, and more than 30 artists, athletes and activists have come together to keep that fire burning.

ON December 9, 2009, the first phase of the campaign -- billboards in Southern California -- was launched, in a special event attended by our parnters and supporters. The event was highlighted by a special advanced screening of Invictus, Clint Eastwood's recent film about Nelson Mandela, and a special video taped message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

See the message from Archbishop Tutu here. And if you haven't joined the community yet, become a member to come forward with us on this exciting campaign.

THE PHOTOS
In October and November of last year more than 30 artists, athletes and activists came together to stand up for the articles of the UDHR -- literally. Photographed by fashion photographer Zoe Zimmer holding cards of the articles, the diverse group included musicians Peter Gabriel and Joel Madden, Actors Anne Archer, Keith Carradine, and Priscilla Presley, LA Lakers Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton, Josh Forham, whistleblower and author of The Pentagon Papers Daniel Ellsberg, voice of Bart Simpson Nancy Cartwright, and others. The group is expanding as more are coming on.

The photos have been compiled in an online booklet about the Universal Declaration, which will expand to include actions everyone can take to support the organizations keeping these rights alive.

To see the photos and read the UDHR click here.

BILLBOARDS!
The first phase of the campaign includes billboards around Southern California, generously donation by Clear Channel.

The billboards are currently in rotation in 80 electronic billboards in the Los Angeles area, with print billboards coming in the next weeks.

The billboard campaign was launched on December 9 with a special evening that included an exclusive advance screening of Invictus, Clint Eastwood's new film about Nelson Mandela, made available just for the campaign launch event.

Organizations participating in the campaign and the launch include Amnesty International, the UN Foundation, CARE, the One Campaign, Aid Still Required, Artists for Human Rights, ACLU, Witness, the Enough Project, the Man Up Project, Youth for Human Rights, Free the Slaves, Global Security Institute, Artists for a New South Africa, and Active Voice.

VIDEOS!
Through 2010, the campaign is growing to include 30 video spots with Nobel Peace Prize winners and internationally recognized artists talking about the articles of the UDHR.

The first two video spots have been taped, with actors Morgan Freeman and Anne Archer. Archbishop Tutu, the Dalai Lama and Jose Ramos-Horta will tape video spots for the campaign as well.

Please take a moment to read the UDHR, and become a member of TheCommunity.com to stay in the loop on this exciting campaign, and find out ways you can play a part in helping to make human rights a reality in our world.