What does our local Amnesty International Group do?

• We work on behalf of prisoners of conscience by writing letters. Amnesty has several networks focussed on human rights issues and problems in different parts of the world. We are involved with the Women’s Action Network, the Labour Action Network and the Urgent Action Network. In response to the information we get from these networks, we devote a part of each monthly meeting to letter writing.

• We hold several public awareness/fund-raising activities throughout the year. For example, our group celebrates Human Rights Day (December 10^th) by conducting a greeting-card signing event and gift sale. This is often held in conjunction with other non-governmental, social-activism groups in the Kingston area.

  How does Group 125 fit into the Amnesty International organization?
  Group 125 is part of Amnesty International Canadian Section (English Speaking), which is made up of local groups across Canada. Most of the groups in Québec are part of a separate French-speaking section. These two Canadian sections and those in many other countries, are part of a larger worldwide movement, which has its headquarters in London, England.

  Are there other Amnesty International groups in Kingston?
  Yes. There is a group on the Queen’s University campus and there are several high school groups. We stay in close contact with these groups. >The nearest community group outside Kingston is in Napanee.

  What does it cost to join Amnesty?
  Membership in the Canadian Section costs $35 per year and can be paid through the local group. This entitles you to receive the bimonthly newsletter, The Activist. Group 125 charges no local membership fee. Anyone interested in our work can attend meetings and be on our mailing list whether they pay the national membership fee or not. But we urge anyone able to do so to pay the membership fee, as it helps support the movement. You can obtain a membership by speaking to our group contact. If you have given money to Amnesty International in the past, you may be considered a donor instead of a full member. You know you are a member if you receive The Activist.

  “…everyone who has ever written a letter asking for the release of a prisoner of conscience. … who has ever stood in a vigil mourning the death of a political prisoner, … who has ever handed out leaflets, stuffed enveloped, … done the accounts … - every name on every petition … counts.” -- Amnesty International, on accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977

  “Alone we can recognize injustice but do little; together we can bring about change – Amnesty works!”

  “We have a voice only if we use it. If anyone says to me, ‘It’s so overwhelming, what can I do?’ I answer, ‘Take your pen and write a letter on behalf of one of AI’s prisoners.”

  URL: http://softlight.net/amnesty/group125.htm by: Grant Buckler