Thursday, April 7, 2011

NSW Action Group Catch Up & Taste of Freedom Dinner

Coinciding with National Volunteer Week, following this catch-up each of you is warmly invited to a Taste of Freedom dinner, hosted by our National Director, Claire Mallinson. This dinner is to pay tribute to the tireless work of all our volunteers over the past 50 years.

When: Tuesday 10th May 2011 (meeting 6 - 7.30pm; dinner from 7.30pm).

Where: Amnesty International Action Centre, Level 1, 79 Myrtle St, Chippendale

RSVP: nswccintern@amnesty.org.au or on 8396 7665 - please mention if you are going to attend in person or ring in. While AI wants to engage with as many action groups as possible, we understand that it may be difficult (both in terms of time and money) to travel to Sydney to attend the catch-up. AI NSW is able to pay for transport for members outside the Sydney area or assist those who would like to ring in over the phone to take part in the meeting. If you are unable to attend in person but are keen to ring in: (Ph.) 96960695, (PIN) 336849#

The Catch-Up will be a great opportunity to: - Meet and engage with other NSW groups, convenors and members of AI NSW. - Receive updates on the Refugee campaign and our new campaign around AI's 50th Anniversary - Go over problems arising for action groups, especially on retention and mobilisation of members - Run through the new campaign and events - Provide us with valuable feedback about your group activities, experiences and concerns.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at the meeting!

REFUGEE WEEK!

Refugee Week is a unique time of year to celebrate the contributions that refugees bring to Australia as well as showing support to refugees and their families. It is a time to reflect on what we would do if we were in a similar position as some of those who seek asylum in Australia. It is a great opportunity to hold an event and to build awareness of the needs of refugees.



If you are an Amnesty group and want to take action for Refugee Week let us know! In 2011, Refugee Week will be celebrated from from Sunday 19 June to Saturday 25 June and coincides with World Refufee Day which is Monday 20 June.



For more information about Refugee Week or Amnesty’s Refugee campaign visit:


www.refugeeweek.org.au & http://www.rethinkrefugees.com.au

NSW Community Campaigns Assistant

NSW Community Campaigns Assistant · Are you high performing, energetic and well organised coordinator? · Do you have a passion for campaigning and defending human rights ? · Sydney based part-time contract 30 May 2011 to 26 August 2011 (12 weeks)


Amnesty International Australia is one of Australia’s largest not for profit organisations and is part of the global movement defending human rights and dignity. We work with people in Australia and our region to demand respect for human rights and protect people facing abuse. To do this, we mobilise people, campaign, conduct research and raise money for our work. We are promoting a culture where human rights are embraced, valued and protected.




The Campaigning Unit develops and implements strategies for change to achieve AIA’s human rights goals by developing campaign strategies, engaging and mobilising activists and supporters to build community support for AIA’s human rights campaigns. AIA’s Community Campaigns team takes a leading role in maintaining AIA’s relationships with regional civil society and local decision makers, including implementing AIA’s campaigns at the regional level through mobilising and supporting our activists and supporters. Reporting to the Manager Community Campaigns, the NSW Community Campaigns Assistant will be responsible for supporting the Community Campaigner, activists and volunteers to achieve campaigning and other plans of Amnesty International Australia in New South Wales.




You will have:



  • Demonstrated high level of oral and written communication skills


  • Demonstrated high level organisational skills including strong administrative skills and the ability to coordinate diverse activities


  • Experience in working with a diverse range of volunteers


  • Ability to work to under pressure and to tight time schedules as a member of a team.


  • Strong computer skills, particularly word processing and data entry. Familiarity with Microsoft Access, Lotus Notes and desktop publishing programs are an advantage.


  • Understanding of and sympathy with AI's aims, basic principles and working methods.


  • It is desirable that applicants have experience in event coordination.


In return, you will be rewarded with flexible working conditions, a fantastic and supportive office environment, and the knowledge that you will be working for an organisation committed to making a difference.


If this role sounds like you and you would like to be remunerated with a base salary of $54,608 p.a. pro rata plus superannuation, please send your resume and application letter responding to the selection criteria to employment@amnesty.org.au by 9am Friday 8 April 2011.


NB: This position is only open to current staff members and volunteers of Amnesty International Australia.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Sharing AI@50 Regional Feature Stories

Are you a local activist, human rights defender or victim of human rights abuses? Do you know a local activist, human rights defender or victim of human rights abuses?

Do you feel like sharing your story?

Amnesty International Australia is on the look-out for inspiring stories which would be highlighted in local media outlets to coincide with Amnesty's 50th Birthday.

If you want to participate in this celebration, than just send us the following information at the following address before May 2nd: nswcommunications@amnesty.org.au


1- Name (individual or group)

2- One-two sentences about your story and why it would be of interest. E.g. Why did you get involved, what did you do (letter writing, advocacy, have you experienced human rights abuses) and what makes your story unique and inspirational?

3- Relationship/connection with Amnesty International. E.g. Are you a supporter of Amnesty, since when, have you been involved in campaigns, etc?

4- Available photos

5- Contact details