by Reason #1: Amnesty Works: Since its founding 60 years ago, Amnesty actions have contributed to the release of 10’s of 1000’s of unjustly imprisoned individuals and a worldwide awareness & reduction of human rights abuses.
Reason #2: No one else can do it. No other organization has the international strength and moral authority to respond to injustice as effectively as Amnesty can.
Reason #3: Things change. We are living in a time of unprecedented political change. Amnesty helps to make sure the changes are for the better. In a world full of clashing ideologies, Amnesty’s basic principles stay on a steady course toward justice for all.
Reason #4: It is Good for You. Most people are isolated from the great movements and ideas of their time, often observing them from a distance. Amnesty involves you in a practical way in the great movements of our times: the movement for universal human rights.
Reason #5: Your children will thank you. A world where human rights violations go unchecked is a dangerous world for everyone. Unless we eliminate human rights violations everywhere, none of us is safe.
Reason #6: Amnesty is the Only Hope for 1000’s of Human Rights Victims: Without you, political prisoners and victims of torture around the world will be alone, without hope. You justify their hope by joining Amnesty’s community of concern.
Reason #7: Amnesty is Independent and Impartial. Amnesty applies a single standard of human rights to every country in the world. Amnesty is independent of all governments, political factions, ideologies, and economic issues.
Reason #8: You can Make a Difference. There is strength in numbers and each new member increases Amnesty’s cry for human rights.
Reason #9. We Have a Responsibility. The free must work on behalf of the unfree.
Reason #10: The most important reason of all: Najije Zendel was a 17 year old high school student when she was arrested in Yugoslavia in 1988 for peacefully protesting the discontinuation of classes taught in her native Albanian language. She was sentenced to 4 years in prison. Amnesty learned of her case and launched a series of appeals on her behalf, using its volunteer membership networks around the world. She was featured on US television and her case drew the attention of the US Senate. Nafije was released in January, 1990. (see https://www.amnestyusa.org/amnestynews/victories/ for more recent)
- Whether or not you officially join HC Amnesty International, you can still be a part of this 60 year old Nobel Peace Prize winning organization by frequently visiting www.amnestyusa.org
- This month’s HC club’s actions involve letters appealing to the Russian government to end its war in Ukraine by writing to Russian officials in the U.S. An online petition can be signed at the following link:
- https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/100395/action/1?supporter.appealCode=W2202EAEUR1X
- Additional resources are available at this link: https://www.amnestyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Crisis-Action-Ukraine-March-8-Update.pdf
- Students can also copy the letters located at the Amnesty International table in the library.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE — USE YOUR FREEDOMS TO HELP OTHERS GAIN THEIRS
