Amnesty International, Eastern PA

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.

Read more about the lawsuit

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

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.

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

The Amnesty International Cell Tour Special Event that was to be held today at noon was postponed due to the thunderstorm. Instead, it will be TOMORROW from noon to 2 pm.

Philadelphia Cell Tour Special Event
Sunday, June 1, 2008
12 noon - 2 pm
Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia (right next to City Hall)
Larry Cox, Executive Director of AIUSA, will speak
Music by The Late Night Drifters

The Cell itself will be open for tours from 10 am to 5 pm tomorrow. Come and see Amnesty International’s replica of a Guantanamo Bay prison cell. While there, you can record a video of your own thoughts about the cell to be published on YouTube and tearitdown.org, and also sign our petition asking for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

A replica of a Guantánamo Bay prison cell is on its way to Philadelphia.

Amnesty International is bringing a life-size model of a maximum security cell from Guantánamo to cities across the USA. The tour is a way to enable people in the United States to get a glimpse of the harsh realities of illegal detention and prolonged isolation. 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.

When:
Friday, May 30th, 1pm – 7pm
Saturday, May 31st, 9am – 7pm
Sunday, June 1st, 10am – 5pm

Where:
Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA

Special Event:
Saturday, May 31st, Noon – 2pm
Keynote Speaker: Ellen Dorsey, Chair, Amnesty International USA Board of Directors
Also featuring: The Late Night Drifters and singer-songwriter Tom Mullian

The cell will be traveling around on the back of a truck on Thursday, before it makes its debut in Dilworth Plaza on Friday… watch out for it in the Philadelphia and Valley Forge areas…

If Amnesty International has ever needed your help as a volunteer, it is NOW. All Amnesty members and supporters in the Philadelphia area are asked to contribute some of your time, however small, to help plan and staff this incredible event. Please see details below. Thanks in advance for your help.

Guantánamo Bay Cell Tour - Coming to Philly

The lack of human rights and the assaults on human dignity present in Guantánamo Bay must end. On May 8 in Miami, Amnesty International will launch its national tour of a life-size Guantánamo prison cell replica. The cell tour is a way to raise awareness about the torture and abuse that takes place and to demand an end to Guantánamo Bay. The event will give participants the opportunity to enter the cells, experience the conditions of isolation and then comment on your experience.

The cell will visit our region twice, first in Philly (May 30 – June 1) then in Washington DC (June 25 – 29).

See what the cell looks like

Volunteer to help with the Philadelphia Cell Tour Event

The cell will be on the ground in Philadelphia between May 30 - June 1. Volunteers are needed:

1. to help plan smaller events leading up to the cell tour stop in Philadelphia to help educate the community about this issue
2. to help with the actual cell tour stop in Philadelphia

As many volunteers as possible are needed. Please contribute any amount of time you can.

If you’re interested in volunteering either to help plan a pre-tour event or during the cell tour stop, please e-mail PAcelltour@gmail.com

Amnesty International in the UK has produced another enlightening and disturbing short film about the use of torture, in this case waterboarding. The film was released today at unsubscribe-me.org, and will be shown at British cinemas. Unsubscribe-me.org encourages Amnesty UK supporters to reject, or unsubscribe from, the use of torture.

Amnesty UK Press Release

Friday, May 30, 2008
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia PA
Saturday, May 31, 2008
9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia PA
Sunday, June 1, 2008
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Dilworth Plaza, 1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia PA

Experience Guantánamo in Philadelphia

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.

There will also be a special event on Saturday, May 31st from noon to 2pm. Details are forthcoming. Free admission to the exhibit and the special event.

More about the Cell Tour

Volunteer to help with the Philadelphia Cell Tour Event

The lack of human rights and the assaults on human dignity present in Guantanamo Bay must end. This year Amnesty International’s Denounce Torture Campaign will be traveling the United States with a life size replica of a Guantanamo Bay prison cell to raise awareness about the torture and abuse that takes place and to demand an end to Guantanamo Bay. The event will give participants the opportunity to enter the cells experience the conditions of isolation and then comment on your experience.

The Philadelphia stop will be between May 27- June 2. Volunteers are needed to help plan smaller events leading up to the cell tour stop in Philadelphia to help educate the community about this issue and to help with the actual cell tour stop in Philadelphia (final location details coming soon).

If you’re interested in volunteering either to help plan a pre-tour event or during the cell tour stop, please e-mail Jen Horwitz at jhorwitz@aiusa.org

I would like to belatedly draw attention to the good work of Fiona Allison, a member of Amnesty International Group 342 (West Chester/Chester County). Her opinion letter regarding the President’s veto of the Intelligence Authorization Bill appeared in The Kennett Paper on March 12. The letter is reproduced below. Thank you, Fiona, for spotlighting this decision.

Bush should not have vetoed ban on waterboarding
The Kennett Paper
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Recently, the U.S. House and Senate rejected the use of torture – a tactic rubber-stamped by high-ranking Bush administration officials - by passing the Intelligence Authorization Bill. The bill includes an important stipulation in the conference report that limits interrogators to the techniques permitted by the U.S. Army Field Manual. This would prevent the CIA and other U.S. agents from using waterboarding, sexual humiliation, dogs and other techniques that amount to torture and ill treatment. But President Bush vetoed the Intelligence Authorization Bill. Here’s one more mark on his administration’s shameful human rights record in the war on terror. Is the president confused? To affirm the ban on torture and prosecute U.S. agents responsible for its use is not surrendering to terrorists. But we can be certain that anything less than denouncing torture and cruel treatment is surrendering American values. The world needs to know that his veto does not represent my views on torture. Americans must send a clear, resounding message to this president and the next - do not torture in our name.

Fiona M. Allison
Pennsbury Township

Posted on The Kennett Paper website