Archive for August, 2008
Meeting of Group #531
Posted August 30th, 2008 by Dan | Allentown, News & Notes
Group #531 (Allentown, PA), met on Aug. 26 with nine people in attendance, including two newcomers. Members reported sending 48 letters in the last two months. Florence Applebaum shared a letter to the editor she sent to the Morning Call, which was published on the 23rd, concerning the use of torture at Guantanamo and elsewhere. Many opportunities for action were discussed, including the Summer Solidarity Action, the cases of the Uighurs imprisoned in Guantanamo, and the deaths of immigrants in custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which were reported in the N.Y. Times and the Wall Street Journal. Also discussed were two fundraisers which are in the process of being organized. A copy of AI’s 2008 Annual Report was given to members Mike and Phyllis Sinclair, who presented it to the Allentown Public Library for their reference collection (see picture).
The agenda for the meeting follows.
- Dan Laxar (with thanks to Bill Frederick for chairing the June meeting while I was on vacation).
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP #531
St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church
140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA
Agenda for August 26, 2008, 7-9 PM
Group Coordinator: Dan Laxar (570-668-5753); Treasurer: Phyllis Sinclair
Dues: $10/year (or what you can afford)
- Sign in (letter/postcard/phone call—count), Introductions, “pass the hat” for the facility
- Recap of last meeting (+ government contact directory distribution) Bill F.
- Treasurer’s report—Phyllis S.
- Dues—national and local
- Fundraisers—“Halloween Haunt” at Dorney Park (Sept. 27) and Friendly’s Family Fun Night
- Summer Solidarity Action (formerly Summer Postcard Action) and postage distribution
- Counter Terror with Justice Campaign (formerly Denounce Torture)-Bill F. and Florence A.
- Immigration issues—Erol U.
- Annual Report donation to Allentown Library (need two volunteers)/ Annual Report CD available for loan to group members
- Letters-to-the-Editor—Florence on Guantanamo
- AIUSA Strategic Update
Upcoming
Sept. 22—Group #347(Bethlehem) meets 7-9 PM, Central Moravian Church
Sept. 27—“Halloween Haunt” fundraiser at Dorney Park
Oct. 19—Dan’s birthday
Oct. 28—Next meeting of Group #531 (Allentown) 7-9 PM
Nov. 14-16—Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Harper’s Ferry, WV
Dec. 10—Anniversary of the UN UDHR