Archive for June, 2008
AIUSA Weekly Update for Pennsylvania, June 24
Posted June 24th, 2008 by Jen | News & Notes
HIGHLIGHT
Guantanamo Cell in the Nation’s Capital: Come Tour the Cell
Amnesty International USA’s Guantánamo Cell Tour hits the nation’s capital this week. The cell will be located on the National Mall, directly across from the Washington monument from June 25-29th. Events include a global photo action, walk throughs, and a free concert. On June 26th, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Senate will grill senior officials of the White House on interrogation policies.
These events come on the heels of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that said Guantánamo detainees have a right to challenge their detention before a legitimate court.
Where: National Mall at the corner of 15th St NW and Constitution Ave NW
Directions
RSVP for Washington DC Events
Tell Congress to Respect the Supreme Court’s Decision
TAKE ACTION
Virginia to Execute 100th Person: Tell Governor Kaine to Move Away from the Death Penalty
You have probably heard that last week Governor Tim Kaine commuted the sentence of Percy L. Walton. Mr. Walton was scheduled to be the 100th person executed in Virginia since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Unfortunately, Robert Yarbrough is now scheduled to be the 100th person executed. His execution is scheduled for 9pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. At a time when much of the country is turning away from the death penalty, Virginia has three executions scheduled between now and the end of July. Please take action to urge Governor Kaine to join the rest of the country in moving away from the death penalty.
Action Opportunities:
- Contact Governor Tim Kaine RIGHT NOW by telephone and/or fax and politely ask him to grant clemency to Robert Yarbrough by commuting his death sentence to life without the possibility of parole. If you live in Virginia be sure to start by stating your name and the place where you live.
- Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) of your local newspaper. Below is a sample for you to use as a guide, but be sure to use your own words. Get more information on how to write a great LTE
- Attend a vigil on June 25th to oppose the execution of Robert Yarburough. If no stay or commutation has been granted by the afternoon of the execution, attend the execution protest and vigil outside Greensville Correctional Center at Jarratt. Because this is execution #100, we urge all who can to attend the vigil at the prison. Jarratt is about 50 miles south of Richmond on I-95. If you cannot travel to the prison, please attend a vigil closer to where you live. Details on scheduled vigils
Gov. Tim Kaine
Phone: (804) 786-2211
Fax: (804) 371-6351
Expert Organizing Tip: Make sure to keep your group updated on Amnesty opportunities this summer. Pass on emails about events and campaign updates to your members. Remember, as a group leader, you may be getting many emails that your group does not receive. Keep them up to date so they can stay active!
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Political Prisoners Released in Tibet
1,157 people who were involved in the Tibet protests last march were recently released from prison. Amnesty International said: “We are encouraged by the news of the release of 1,157 people and we look forward to receiving information about the trials of the 116 people in custody announced by the Tibetan authorities.”
The reported prisoner releases came after Amnesty International published a report this week urging the Chinese government to provide information about the more than 1,000 people detained during the protests last March who remain unaccounted for. The organization also called for free access to Tibet by independent observers.
OPPORTUNITIES
Receive Money for Your Group’s Events: Up to $4000 for New Projects
Is your group going to be sponsoring a new project or event? Consider applying for Amnesty’s Special Initiative Funds (SIF) grant. SIF provides support for projects that would otherwise be difficult to finance. You can get up to $4000 for new projects and events. Funds are also available for existing projects through the Existing Initiatives Fund (EIF).
If you’re interested in applying for an SIF or EIF grant or learning more about the project, please contact Lynn Garfinkel, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative to the committee. She can be reached at aiusa.dc@gmail.com or by phone at 202 210-3249. Lynn reviews proposals before they are submitted and is available to assist with the application process. Proposals are due the last day of the month but should be given to Lynn at least two weeks prior to this deadline to allow time for her to review the application and provide feedback. In addition to consulting with Lynn, please consult your AC/SAC and your Field Organizer. Funding decisions are made during the month following submission.
Guantanamo Cell on MySpace: Make A New Friend
The Guantanamo Cell replica that is touring the country now has its own page on MySpace! Become its friend and keep updated with its travels! Visit: www.myspace.com/guantanamocell
Summer Postcard Action: Write Prisoners of Conscience Letters of Support
For many people, summer is a time for vacations, picnics and recreation. But for prisoners of conscience or those who defend human rights in many countries, summer brings no relief from the potential danger and sense of isolation they may face. By simply sending a postcard, however, you can help support these women and men. On Amnesty’s website, there is information about some of these prisoners.
Help Shut Down Guantanamo Bay: Urge Congress to Tear it Down
We need your help to put the pressure on Washington to close the Guantánamo Bay Detention Facility and to bring individuals responsible for crimes to account and ensure that they are given a fair trial and punished accordingly.
By meeting with U.S. Representatives and Senators who are both very supportive of closing Guantánamo, and those who might have different views, we will raise the chorus of individuals working for closure of the facility, and we will ensure that the facility is closed in the proper manner and we will also quell those voices who would have the human rights abuses persist.
Participating in a Delegation visit will take a time commitment of only about 3 hours, and entails reading background materials, participating in both a practice meeting and the actual meeting with your elected official. Please note that the official meeting with your elected official’s office is likely to be held during normal business hours during the week of June 30 - July 3, 2008.
REGIONAL & NATIONAL EVENTS
Guantanamo Cell Tour: Experience Guantanamo In Washington, DC
Visit Amnesty International’s replica of a Guantánamo cell and join us in calling on the U.S. government to charge detainees and give them fair trials, or release them. Indefinite detention without charge or fair trial is illegal and violates American principles of justice.
When:
Wednesday, June 25th: 10am – 10pm
Global Photo Action from Noon to 1pm
Free public concert from 6pm – 10pm
Thursday, June 26th:10am – 7pm
Friday, June 27th:10am – 7pm
Saturday, June 28th:10am – 5pm
Sunday, June 29th:10am – 4pm
Where: 4 blocks from the Smithsonian Metro Station on the National Mall between 15th and 14th Sts NW at Constitution
More information
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference: Register Online!
This year activists like you will be meeting up in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia to learn more about AIUSA, network with other activists, and engage around this year’s theme: “Educate to Activate: Building a Human Rights Movement for All”.
Learn more about the conference
Register at the reduced early bird rate
LOCAL EVENTS
Pittsburgh Says NO to Torture
A Silent Procession to Commemorate Victims of Torture on the UN’s International Day in Support of of Victims of Torture.
When: Thursday, June 26, 11:30am
Where: Gather at the Gateway Center Triangle across from Fifth Avenue Place.
What: Following a few brief remarks, we will silently process on the sidewalk towards the Federal Building. Some of us will wear orange jumpsuits to hauntingly evoke the moral disgrace of torture while others pass out leaflets to passersby during the busy downtown lunch hour.
This event is organized by Pittsburgh Against Torture, a coalition of individuals (including Amnesty Internationals) committed to ending torture wherever it occurs. Our purpose is to motivate people to stop the use of torture through education, public witness, and political action.
Local Group 531 Bi-Monthly Meeting
Join the Allentown, PA group for their meeting on Tues, June 24th from 7-9pm. It is located at: St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St. Allentown, PA 18104. For more info contact: dlaxarai@excite.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Internships With Amnesty International
Attention all those interested in a fall internship! Did you know that the Amnesty International office in Washington, DC offers internships for summer, fall, and spring? Now is the time to start thinking about applying for the internship. The deadline to apply for the fall term is June 30th, 2008.
This is a highly competitive internship program, so we recommend you start preparing early.
For more resources and information for the Mid-Atlantic Region visit: www.amnestyusa.org/MARO
For questions or comments please contact us at aiusama@aiusa.org
Thursday, June 26, 2008
8:30 pm
Schuylkill Friends, Rt. 23 and Whitehorse Rd., Phoenixville PA
Candlelight vigil, 8:30 pm, around the “Torture is Wrong” banner at Schuylkill Friends,
37 N. Whitehorse Rd., Phoenixville, PA
For more information call Barbara: 610-519-5207 (work number — leave message and your phone number)
Schuylkill Friends is located at corner of Whitehorse & Rt. 23. “Torture is Wrong” banner faces Rt. 23 on grounds of Schuylkill Friends.
Three events to oppose the use of torture
Posted June 21st, 2008 by April | News & Notes
June is Torture Awareness Month, and this Thursday, June 26, is commemorated by the UN every year as the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Here are three upcoming events you can take part in to oppose torture, either in Phoenixville, out in Pittsburgh, or on your own.
These are not Amnesty events, but Amnesty International stands with these groups in condemning the use of torture.
Thursday, June 26, 8:30 pm - Candlelight Vigil in Phoenixville for the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
- 8:30 pm, around the “Torture is Wrong” banner at Schuylkill Friends,
37 N. Whitehorse Rd. (corner of Whitehorse Road and Route 23), Phoenixville, PA. The banner faces Route 23. - For more information call Barbara: 610-519-5207 (work number — leave message and your phone number)
- Philadelphia Independent Media Center will cover the vigil
- Organized by the Chester County Religious Campaign Against Torture (CCRCAT)
Thursday, June 26, 11:30am - Pittsburgh Says No to Torture
- A Silent Procession to Commemorate Victims of Torture on the UN’s International Day in Support of of Victims of Torture
- Gather at the Gateway Center Triangle across from Fifth Avenue Place, Pittsburgh
- Following a few brief remarks, there will be a silent procession on the sidewalk towards the Federal Building. Some will wear orange jumpsuits to hauntingly evoke the moral disgrace of torture while others pass out leaflets to passersby during the busy downtown lunch hour.
- Organized by Pittsburgh Against Torture, a coalition of individuals committed to ending torture wherever it occurs., by motivating people to stop the use of torture through education, public witness, and political action.
Saturday, June 28 - If you are a person of faith, participate in the Night of Prayer
- sponsored by ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture)
- sign up for 15 minutes or more of private prayer or meditation
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
7:30 pm
1032 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA
Saturday, June 21, 2008
7:00 pm
Virginia Evans Theater at the Please Touch Museum, 210 N 21st St., Philadelphia PA
*Not an Amnesty International event
Call 215-991-7642 to order
The improbable bravery and beauty of victims of torture in Abu Ghraib Prison is told through the eyes of Jennifer Schelter, founder of Yoga Schelter. Inspired by interviews of Iraqi prisoners of war, these powerful tales uncover the best of friendship, justice, art, and even dating advice.
AIUSA Weekly Update for Pennsylvania, June 18
Posted June 19th, 2008 by Jen | News & Notes
HIGHLIGHT
Your Letters Helped Free a Political Prisoner: Reverend Bienvenido Samba is Free!
Amnesty International welcomed the release of 14 prisoners of conscience in Equatorial Guinea. Reverend Bienvenido Samba from Equitorial Guinea, a pastor who was an outspoken critic of government treatment of minorities, was released.
Since 2002, Amnesty members have worked steadily on his behalf, publicizing his plight and sending thousands of letters calling for Reverend Samba’s release. Reverend Samba was the subject of ongoing campaigning by the local group in Allentown, PA and in December 2007, individuals sent messages of encouragement and support to Reverend Samba through AIUSA’s Holiday Card Action.
Reverend Samba’s case is a clear illustration of the power your letters and actions hold - the affects are far reaching and can change the lives of people in faraway corners of the world like Equatorial Guinea.
Read the full press release
Participate in our summer postcard action to show your solidarity with other individuals at risk
TAKE ACTION
Stop Executions of Children in Iran
84 known juvenile offenders currently await execution in Iran. The total number could be much higher. Iran is one of the only countries left in the world today that still executes children and child offenders in violation of its commitments to international treaties banning the practice.
Teenager Mohammad Hassanzadeh was hanged on Tuesday. However, Mohammad Feda’i whose execution was postponed, will live for another month. Feda’i has been on Iran’s death row since the age of 17 and after an unfair trial, with inadequate representation and allegations of a tortured confession, Feda’i’s life will continue to hang in the balance.
Take action for Feda’i and other juvenile offenders
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Supreme Court Supports Habeas Corpus for Gitmo Detainees
In a crushing blow to the Bush Administration, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that Guantánamo detainees have a right to challenge their detention before a legitimate court. The court’s decision is a stark indictment of wrongdoing at Guantánamo.
Still, the decision will not close Guantánamo. It will not keep the administration from transferring detainees to countries known for torture. And it will not stop the Bush administration from finding ways to circumvent the law.
Ask Congress to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision
Expert Organizing Tip - Make the most of the summer heat by asking your local ice-cream shop to donate a percentage of their profits to your group on a day when the temperature tops 100 degrees. Then, to show your appreciation and cool off, go to the shop and buy yourself two scoops to celebrate.
OPPORTUNITIES
Guantanamo Cell on MySpace
The Guantanamo Cell replica that is touring the country now has its own page on MySpace! Become its friend and keep updated with its travels!
Summer Postcard Action: Write Prisoners of Conscience Letters of Support
For many people, summer is a time for vacations, picnics and recreation. But for prisoners of conscience or those who defend human rights in many countries, summer brings no relief from the potential danger and sense of isolation they may face. By simply sending a postcard, however, you can help support these women and men. On Amnesty’s website, there is information about some of these prisoners.
Help Shut Down Guantanamo Bay
We need your help to put the pressure on Washington to close the Guantánamo Bay Detention Facility and to bring individuals responsible for crimes to account and ensure that they are given a fair trial and punished accordingly.
By meeting with U.S. Representatives and Senators who are both very supportive of closing Guantánamo, and those who might have different views, we will raise the chorus of individuals working for closure of the facility, and we will ensure that the facility is closed in the proper manner and we will also quell those voices who would have the human rights abuses persist.
Participating in a Delegation visit will take a time commitment of only about 3 hours, and entails reading background materials, participating in both a practice meeting and the actual meeting with your elected official. Please note that the official meeting with your elected official’s office is likely to be held during normal business hours during the week of June 30 - July 3, 2008.
See What the RPG is Up To: Read the Regional Planning Group’s Call Notes
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Group (RPG) is a volunteer body which acts as a voice for the membership (local and student group and action team members, network members, volunteer leaders, and individual members) and as an advisory board to the Regional Office. Each month the Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Group (RPG) has a call to discuss important issues facing the region.
Read the minutes from the RPG’s June call
Contact the RPG about issues for next month’s call
Pretty Bird Woman House Supply Drive
Help get necessary supplies to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
Amnesty International’s Midwest Regional Office is organizing a supply drive for Pretty Bird Woman House (PBWH) through the end of June in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Women’s Health Month. PBWH is an emergency shelter that provides temporary housing, advocacy support, and educational programs for women on the Standing Rock reservation who have been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
PBWH was highlighted by AIUSA’s Maze of Injustice report last year. Native American and Alaska Native women are more than 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than other women in the United States in general. They face considerable barriers to accessing justice A complex maze of tribal, state and federal jurisdictions allows perpetrators to rape with impunity and in some cases even encourages assaults. This is why these women are a top priority of Amnesty International’s Maze of Injustice campaign, and PBWH is a pillar to the program as one of the few facilities set up to help Native American.
AIUSA groups and members are being asked to hold supply drives for the items needed. Get more information about how to host a supply drive and what supplies are needed.
Items should be mailed DIRECTLY to PBWH by the end of June along with a card so PBWH will know who is sending them the much needed supplies.
Address:
Pretty Bird Woman House
211 First Ave W
McLaughlin, SD 57642
All donations are tax deductible.
LOCAL EVENTS
Love Lessons from Abu Ghraib
The improbably bravery and beauty of victims of torture in Abu Ghraib prison is told through the eyes of Jennifer Schelter, founder of Yoga Shelter. Inspired by interviews of Iraqi prisoners of war, these tales uncover the best of friendship, justice and art.
When: Saturday, June 21st at 7pm
Where: Virginia Evans Theater at the Please Touch Museum, located at 210 N 21st St. Philadelphia, PA.
For more info visit: www.yogaschelter.com or www.phillyfunguide.com.
Local Group 531 Bi-Monthly Meeting
Join the Allentown, PA group for their meeting on Tues, June 24th from 7-9pm. It is located at: St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St. Allentown, PA 18104. For more info contact: dlaxarai@excite.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Fall Internships With Amnesty International
Attention all those interested in a fall internship!
Did you know that the Amnesty International office in Washington, DC offers internships for summer, fall, and spring? Now is the time to start thinking about applying for the internship. The deadline to apply for the fall term is June 30th, 2008.
This is a highly competitive internship program, so we recommend you start preparing early.
For more resources and information for the Mid-Atlantic Region visit: www.amnestyusa.org/MARO
For questions or comments please contact us at aiusama@aiusa.org
Who ya gonna call?
Posted June 16th, 2008 by April | News & Notes
This moment, for me, was one of the highlights of the Philadelphia Cell Tour stop. I was so disappointed when it didn’t appear on The Daily Show. Luckily, someone recorded it for posterity.
Agenda for June 24 Allentown Group meeting
Posted June 13th, 2008 by Dan | Allentown, News & Notes
Our June 24 meeting will be held as originally scheduled, 7-9 PM. Bill Frederick has volunteered to chair the meeting in my absence. A draft agenda follows. Please let Bill know if there are additional items you would like to hear discussed. Dan Laxar, Group #531 Coordinator
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP #531
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA
Meeting of June 24, 2008 - 7-9 PM
Group Coordinator: Dan Laxar (570-668-5753); Treasurer: Phyllis Sinclair
Dues: $10/year (or what you can afford)
AGENDA
Sign in (letter/postcard count), “pass the hat” for the facility, introductions
Recap of last meeting
Report on the Treasury- we need to decide how we’ll spend our money: postage for our letters? Other ideas?
Summary of resolutions adopted at the 2008 Annual General Meeting
Denounce Torture Campaign - two actions
Government Directory handout - courtesy of the Lehigh County League of Women Voters
Prepaid postcards for domestic mailings on AI issues
DVD on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights available for loan - a concise discussion by Irene Kahn on why we undertook this work, and three illustrative cases which demonstrate that necessity; plus a Q & A with Ellen Dorsey. Approx. 50 minutes total running time
AI’s Annual Report on DVD may be available for loan at the meeting
Celebrate the release of our Prisoner of Conscience, Rev. Bienvenido Samba Momesori, from prison in Equatorial Guinea! Bring a treat or drink to share!
Upcoming
June 30-July 3 - AIUSA In-district Lobby Week on Guantanamo Bay/torture issues
July 28 - Group #347 (Bethlehem, PA) meets at Central Moravian Church
July-August - Summer postcard action
Nov 14-16 - Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Harper’s Ferry, WV
Supreme Court says habeas is a right!
Posted June 12th, 2008 by April | News & Notes
The good news for human rights keeps on coming this week! Today, the Supreme Court ruled that Guantánamo detainees have the right to challenge their detention. I received a jubilant email from the Center for Consitutional Rights, and went to the Amnesty International USA website to confirm the news.
From the AIUSA press release: “Amnesty International hails today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in the pivotal Boumediene v. Bush case recognizing habeas corpus and declaring that the system the Bush administration and Congress have put in place to classify the detainees as ‘unlawful enemy combatants’ is inadequate.”
From AIUSA Executive Director Larry Cox’s statement: “Simply put, for the third time the Court has told the Bush administration that it can’t do what it wants to at Guantanamo Bay.”
Although our work will go on, this is a day for joy and hope, and this decision is a sign that our nation is standing up to defend the fundamental human rights enshrined in its Constitution.
Philadelphia Cell Tour stop featured on The Daily Show
Posted June 11th, 2008 by April | News & Notes
The Philadelphia stop of Amnesty International’s Guantanamo Cell Tour was featured on The Daily Show last night! You can watch it online here. It’s also for sale on iTunes - look for the June 10 episode.
I thought that they left out one of the highlights of the weekend - the sight of Daily Show correspondent John Oliver performing Ghostbusters and Johnny B. Goode with the band The Late Night Drifters.
To those who are visiting this site for the first time after seeing the Cell Tour on The Daily Show - welcome, and thanks for stopping by. If you live in the Philadelphia area, you’re invited to join our Mailing List to find out about future Amnesty International events in our region.