Troy Davis Bethlehem vigil pictures
Posted May 25th, 2009 by Dan | Allentown, Amnesty News, Bethlehem
Amnesty International supporters in Bethlehem held a vigil on May 15 in support of Troy Davis. Thanks to Dan Laxar, Allentown group coordinator and PA legislative coordinator, for sending these pictures.
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Letter of the day update – Yemen – ‘Aisha Ghalib executed
Posted April 24th, 2009 by April | Take Action
It is always difficult to post bad news, but often necessary in dealing with death penalty cases. Last weekend, I posted a summary and sample letter for the Urgent Action issued for ‘Aisha Ghalib. Sadly, I just learned moments ago that she was executed on April 19.
From Amnesty’s website:
‘Aisha Ghalib al-Hamzi was executed on 19 April 2009 for the murder of her husband; all seven of her children had refused to pardon her. In cases of Qisas (retribution in kind) the relatives of the victim have the power to seek execution, request compensation or grant a pardon freely.
No further action is requested from the Urgent Action network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
Letter of the day – Support clemency for Troy Davis
Posted April 20th, 2009 by April | Take Action
Today’s action is not a letter to print, but instead can either be sent online via Amnesty’s website or faxed. Please use the link below to ask the governor of Georgia, George Perdue, to commute the death sentence of Troy Davis.
Support clemency for Troy Davis
Last Thursday, the federal appeals court in Atlanta on Thursday rejected Troy’s request for a new trial (Amnesty’s response). He was given a 30-day stay of execution so that he can pursue an appeal before the Supreme Court.
Please act on Troy’s behalf today.
From AIUSA Website:
Troy Davis faces execution for the murder of Police Officer Mark MacPhail in Georgia, despite a strong claim of innocence. 7 out of 9 witnesses have recanted or contradicted their testimony, no murder weapon was found and no physical evidence links Davis to the crime. The Georgia Board of Pardon and Paroles has voted to deny clemency, yet Governor Perdue can still exercise leadership to ensure that his death sentence is commuted. Please urge him to demonstrate respect for fairness and justice by supporting clemency for Troy Davis.
Letter of the day – woman sentenced to death in Yemen
Posted April 16th, 2009 by April | Take Action
Today I read the Urgent Action concerning the case of ‘Aisha Ghalib. She is awaiting execution in Yemen for the murder of her husband. Amnesty does not have much information about her trial, but AI is concerned about the fairness of trials in Yemen. ‘Aisha Ghalib could be executed as soon as April 19 so please send appeals immediately.
While it is often wrenching to defend someone convicted of murder, Amnesty International opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases, as a violation of human rights. A prisoner who is exonerated can later be freed, but there is no way to right the execution of someone who is later found innocent.
UPDATE: Here is a sample letter for this case.
Aisha Ghalib letter
UPDATE 2: Sadly, ‘Aisha Ghalib was executed on April 19. No further action is requested. Thanks to those who sent appeals.
Tomorrow! at Lehigh – panel on the death penalty and religious perspectives
Posted April 1st, 2009 by April | Amnesty News, Bethlehem
Tomorrow afternoon, LV CASK (Lehigh Valley Committee Against State Killing) and PA-Amnesty International are hosting an interactive discussion about the death penalty and different religious perspectives.
Where: Maginnes 260, Lehigh University
When: April 2
Time: 4pm
Cost: Free – open to the public
Refreshments will also be provided. If you have any questions please contact CalvinJohn Smiley, Pennsylvania death penalty abolition coordinator, at cjs719@gmail.com
Death Penalty and Religion Panel Flyer [Word format]
Clemency hearing for Troy Davis moved up – to be held this Friday
Posted September 11th, 2008 by April | Amnesty News
Please read this important update from Kathleen Lucas regarding Troy’s clemency hearing, and go to www.amnestyusa.org/troydavis to send your appeal today!
The GA Board of Pardons and Paroles has set a meeting for THIS FRIDAY, Sept. 12th to discuss clemency for Troy Davis. We had originally been told originally that the clemency hearing would probably be held the day before his scheduled execution. We are now almost out of time to reach the Board before their meeting. His state sponsored murder is scheduled at 7PM on Sept. 23rd. If you are in the Atlanta area, there is a huge rally planned there for tomorrow.
Action must be taken RIGHT NOW to save Troy’s life. As you probably know, Troy was convicted of shooting and killing a police officer. He was convicted solely on eye witness testimony. All but two of those witnesses have recanted and stated that they were pressured by the police to name Troy as the shooter, even those who did not actually see the shooting!
Of the remaining two, one has been implicated as the actual murderer by NINE people. The other remaining witness against Troy only testified that he remembered the color of the shoes of the shooter.
WE MUST ACT NOW! In order to get our appeals to the Parole and Pardons Board it has to be sent electronically today or tomorrow. Anything later than that and the Board will not receive it before their meeting.
As you may also know, Troy’s sister is a long time AI activist, a role she assumed as a teenager, long before the crime in question. As a mother and a sister, I beg you all to please act now by going to www.amnestyusa.org/troydavis You can send an email to the Board and find out more about Troy’s case and his sister.
Please also spread the word. AI’s server in the DC office is down and they are not able to send emails at this time. Email and call others quickly, before it is too late.
With gratitude for your help,
Kathleen Lucas
York, PA
ACT NOW: Troy Davis execution scheduled for September 23
Posted September 11th, 2008 by April | Take Action
Please act now to save the life of Troy Davis. Despite overwhelming evidence questioning his guilt, Troy is scheduled to be executed on September 23. You may take action via the Amnesty website at www.aiusa.org/troydavis or copy the simple letter below and mail it ASAP.
Thanks to our state Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator, Maria, for providing this letter.
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE
Suite 458, Balcony Level, East Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334-4909
Dear Board Members,
I urge you, I implore you, to uphold justice and commute the death sentence of Troy Davis. The Board has stated that it “will not allow an execution to proceed in this State unless and until its members are convinced that there is no doubt as to the guilt of the accused.”
For any reasonable person looking at the facts of the case, there must be overwhelming doubt that Troy Davis is guilty of murdering Officer Mark MacPhail. There was no physical evidence implicating Troy Davis as the murderer, and the murder weapon was never found. Troy Davis was convicted solely on the basis of eyewitness testimony, and seven of the nine eyewitnesses originally accusing Mr. Davis have since recanted or changed their testimony citing police coercion. Further, one of the unrecanting witnesses has been identified by others as the actual killer.
The Board must defend Troy Davis and justice itself from the atrocity of executing an innocent man.
Sincerely,
AIUSA Weekly Update for Pennsylvania, July 9
Posted July 9th, 2008 by Jen | Amnesty News
HIGHLIGHT
Police Accountability Forum: LGBT Issues Addressed in Chicago
On June 19th, AIUSA hosted a very successful community forum on police accountability, focusing on police abuse of LGBTs in Chicago. AIUSA teamed with 20 cosponsoring local organizations to address the issue and brainstorm next steps to ignite activism demanding accountability for police abuse. 100 Chicagoans attended and participated in the forum, almost all of whom signed postcard appeals to the Mayor of Chicago.
This forum was particularly timely following a recent incident of homophobic CPD abuse against a gay man. This instance fits into a larger pattern of CPD abuse. AI’s findings in its Stonewalled report in 2006 indicate that even in serious cases of police abuse, Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers are seldom held accountable. These abuses include the use by police officers of sexually explicit and abusive language, threats, and physical violence.
Learn more about our LGBT work
TAKE ACTION
Help Free Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage
Patrick Kennedy (D, RI), has written a Dear Colleague letter to members of Congress, calling on them to sign on to a letter written to the President of Indonesia regarding the case of Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage. The letter asks for Mr. Karma and Mr. Pakage to be immediately and unconditionally released from prison. They were jailed in May 2005 for raising a flag of independence.
Please call or write your representative, asking them to sign on to the letter to the President of Indonesia. Find your representative’s contact info
REMINDER: We’re nearing the end of our summer drive for petitions calling for the release of Filep and Yusak. Please return any remaining completed petitions to MARO by Friday, July 18th. We will be holding an action outside the Indonesian embassy at the end of July and will take the petitions with us. Please contact Jen Horwitz at 202.544.0200 x344 or jhorwitz@aiusa.org with any questions.
Expert Organizing Tip: Everyone loves food, so incorporate food in your next fundraiser. Have a chocolate or wine and cheese tasting. Host a dinner full of ethnic food, or just provide pizza and snacks at your event.
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
AIUSA Sues the CIA: CIA Fails to Release More Than 7000 Documents Relating to Secret Detention, Rendition, and Torture Program
On the evening of June 25th, 2008 Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), and the International Human Rights Clinic at NYU School of Law (NYU IHRC) filed a motion to require the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to make certain information public and to provide more details about all the documents withheld.
AIUSA and the partner groups are concerned about the CIA’s use of classification arguments in its attempts to prevent the disclosure of illegal or embarrassing conduct in its secret detention, torture, and rendition programs. The lawsuit was filed in June 2007 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), after repeated attempts to obtain information from the CIA had failed.
OPPORTUNITIES
Regional Planning Group: Give Your Input
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Group (RPG) is preparing for its July monthly meeting. In an effort to connect the RPG’s work with the work that you are doing in your groups, we’d like to invite you to take a look at the notes from last month’s meeting and send any comments or suggestions to RPG co-chair Jonathan Cohen or Regional Director Folabi Olagbaju.
See the notes from last month’s call
Apply for a position on the RPG [PDF]
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.
REGIONAL & NATIONAL EVENTS
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
Burmese Scholar in York, PA
The York PA chapter of Amnesty International will be hosting Dr. Tun Lin Moe, a Burmese scholar, who will speak about human rights in his native country. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.
Where: Cobblestones Restaurant and Sports Emporium in the Loft, 205 South George St., York, PA, 17403
When: Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 7 PM
For more info contact: Kathleen Lucas, Co-Coordinator York Amnesty International, 717-755-3031, AmnestyYorkPA@comcast.net
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Help Plan the AGM: Be Part of the Annual General Meeting Planning Committee (AGMPC)
The AGMPC serves as the advisory committee for AGM programming, including speakers, theme, and program sessions. The AGMPC consists of one committee member from each AIUSA region, a member of the National Resolutions Committee and the Chair of AIUSA’s Board of Directors. Each regional member serves a two year term. Committee members provide input and ideas, play an important role in regional promotion of the AGM, and provide logistical support onsite.
We are currently accepting applications for the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information and a copy of the application email: agm@aiusa.org. Please submit your application by Thursday, July 24, 2008.
Help Abolish the Death Penalty in PA: Apply to be the State Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator
Become a volunteer leader in Pennsylvania’s campaign towards abolishing the death penalty. We are looking for a volunteer to work with Amnesty International USA’s Death Penalty Abolish Campaign team (DPAC) and the Regional Office to coordinate AIUSA’s work against the death penalty in Pennsylvania.
Responsibilities include:
- Communicate with, provide information to, and facilitate work of AIUSA local and student groups, and individual AIUSA members in Pennsylvania related to the death penalty.
- Communicate with, provide information to, and work collaboratively with PA’s AIUSA State Leadership Team which is comprised of Area Coordinators, Student Area Coordinators, Legislative Coordinators, and the SDPAC.
- Serve as a liaison to relevant state-based coalitions in coordination with the Field Organizer.
- Communication with the Regional Office and DPAC in a timely fashion about death penalty related legislation and activities in Pennsylvania.
- Monitor upcoming executions and other death penalty cases -particularly those involving such factors as possible innocence, mental retardation, mental illness, or such defendants as women, LGBT, or foreign nationals – and alert the Regional Office and DPAC.
For more information (including a complete role description and outline of responsibilities), or if you are interested in applying, please contact Jen Horwitz at 202-544-0200 ext. 344 or jhorwitz@aiusa.org. Applications are due by August 8th. The applicant chosen for the position will be asked to attend the annual national training for SDPACs to be held in the Washington, DC area August 22-24.
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
AIUSA Weekly Update for Pennsylvania, June 24
Posted June 24th, 2008 by Jen | Amnesty News
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
AIUSA Weekly Update for Pennsylvania, June 18
Posted June 19th, 2008 by Jen | Amnesty News
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