Regional Conference this weekend!
Posted November 11th, 2008 by April | News & Notes
Come join us for the Amnesty International Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, this coming weekend in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. While Harper’s Ferry sounds far away, it is actually only about a three-hour drive from the Philadelphia area. Whether you’re a newly interested human rights activist or a seasoned veteran, Amnesty’s annual regional conferences offer something for everyone.
We invite you to learn more about the Regional Conference.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference - Register Early!
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”.
Register before October 5th to get the early bird rate of $40 for non-members, $30 for members, and $20 for members who are students, seniors, or people of limited income.
To learn more about the conference visit: http://tinyurl.com/5bz68c
To register at the reduced early bird rate visit: http://tinyurl.com/63dgtp
Monday, October 13, 2008
MARO is now accepting submissions for the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Ideas Fair. Panels are a great way to highlight a group’s work on an issue, successful events or other major accomplishments, more information on an Amnesty International issue, particularly country-specific work, etc.
Individual members or groups interested in having a panel at this year’s conference need to email Kelly Nilsson at knilsson@aiusa.org by October 13th with a short description about your panel idea.
Panels include one 36″ X 48″ table top display. Please do not include any valuable or one-of-a kind materials in your panel, as AIUSA is not liable for any damage or loss. If you plan to include any actions, petitions, or materials that will not be directly attached to the display panel, please keep in mind that it must fit on the table directly in front of your Ideas Fair panel. Display items, audio-visual requirements, and any additional actions or display items will be reviewed by the Mid-Atlantic staff prior to the Regional Conference for compliance with Amnesty International’s mission.
AIUSA Weekly Update for Pennsylvania, July 9
Posted July 9th, 2008 by Jen | News & Notes
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, July 1
Posted July 9th, 2008 by admin | News & Notes
HIGHLIGHT
Guantanamo Cell Leaves DC: Thousands of People in the Nation’s Capital Visited the Cell
Sunday evening Washington, DC said goodbye to our replica of a Guantanamo detainee’s cell. In it’s time on the National Mall thousands of people saw the cell and more than 2,000 people took the time to step inside the cell and learn more about the human rights violations that our country is committing. While not everyone who passed by the cell agreed with our message, we did meet support from military attorneys, activists, government employees, tourists, veterans and even people who had never heard of Guantanamo.
We want to send a big thank you to all of the dedicated activists who spent hours in the hot sun to spread the word about our Counter Terror With Justice campaign.
More information about what happened at the cell
Information about how to become involved with AIUSA’s work to close Guantanamo
TAKE ACTION
Help End the Crisis in Zimbabwe
The government of Zimbabwe’s campaign of terror and voter intimidation has drawn on for months. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, swayed by the massive violence lodged against civilians, had to withdraw from last Friday’s run-off presidential elections against President Robert Mugabe. Amnesty International has repeatedly called for an end to human rights violations. For this once-prosperous country to move toward stability, Zimbabwe must hold perpetrators accountable and establish human rights monitors. Call on governments in Zimbabwe’s neighboring countries to protect human rights in Zimbabwe.
Take action
Learn more about what is happening in Zimbabwe
Expert Organizing Tip: Get your members more involved by assigning officer positions. When people have specific tasks, they are more likely to be willing to help and get the job done. They will also feel empowered. Some officer positions examples are: Event Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, or New Member Coordinator.
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Counter Terror With Justice: Activist Letters Make A Difference
Thank you for your Holiday Card Action messages to Sami al-Hajj which we were able to relay to him on Friday. Sami told us that he received 10,000 letters while he was in Guantanamo and apologized that he was not able to reply to each of you individually. He told us that when he received the first letter he knew he was part of the AI movement. He asked us for the following message to be relayed to all AI members.
“Myself, my son Mohammed and my wife Asma thank all AI members for supporting me and for supporting human rights. We will work hard with them together until we achieve peace for all people in the world. I will never forget their help and I will pray for them. I ask them to keep praying for me also. I will be glad if they continue their relationship with me, are in touch with me in my life and help me with my new job.”
Sami al-Hajj has a new job with al-Jazeera where he will be working as a News Producer on Liberties and Human Rights Affairs. AI will remain in contact with him and will be exploring ways in which we can support him and work with him in the future.
Thanks again to everyone for your work and dedication on this and every case.
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.
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 | 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
Friday, November 14, 2008 to Sunday, November 16, 2008
Quality Hotel Conference Center, 4328 William L Wilson Freeway, Harpers Ferry WV
Save the date for the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference! See link for details as they are added.
Quality Hotel Phone: (304) 535-6302
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
This is the last day to pre-register online for the Regional Conference. After November 7, 2007 you must register onsite and the registration fee will be early-bird rates plus $20.
Volunteers Needed: Regional Conference
Posted October 30th, 2007 by April | News & Notes
If you are attending the regional conference and would like to volunteer your time to help keep things running smoothly, let us know! We need volunteers to:
- help with set up and pack up
- work the registration and information table
- usher attendees between sessions
- coordinate workshop evaluations
- help out with special programming logistics
- staff the Amnesty International Shop
- assist with the resolutions process
If any of these roles sound good or you’d like to hear more, let us know by Monday, November 5 by emailing cwilliams@aiusa.org or calling 202.544.0200 ext. 301.
Posters and signs needed for Regional Conference death penalty rally
Posted October 30th, 2007 by April | News & Notes
We are having a rally at this year’s regional conference to repeal the death penalty. If your group plans on attending, we would really appreciate sign/poster making. Try to aim for 20! To make it easy, below is a list of slogans for your signs:
$$Capital Punishment is EXPENSIVE$$
Repeal the Death Penalty NOW!
Dear Governor O’Malley, Thank you for leading the way to repeal the death penalty
Innocence exists on death row!
People of faith oppose the death penalty.
Life Without Parole Works Better Than Death!