All the latest information for Amnesty International NSW volunteers, convenors, interns, branch committee members and key activists about what is happening in the region to support our campaigning in the world.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Speakers Network Meeting
When: Wednesday June 17 2009 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: NSW Action Centre, Level 1, 79 Myrtle St, Chippendale, NSW
Monday, May 25, 2009
Face to Face Fundraising Locations Week Starting 25/5
Tuesday: Sydney CBD (George St/ Liverpool St), Orange
Wednesday: Sydney CBD (Wynyard), Burwood, Bathurst
Thursday: Chatswood, Bathurst
Friday: Bondi Junction, Surry Hills, Lithgow
Saturday: Newtown, Lithgow
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Global Day of Action for Comfort Women
Governments around the world have called on the Government of Japan to apologise, accept full responsibility and adequately compensate former "comfort women" before it's too late. This includes the USA, Netherlands, Canada, the European Parliament, UK, Taiwan and South Korea, as well as three city councils within Japan (Takarazuka, Kiyose, Sapporo).
Now, it's time for Australian to do the same. Amnesty International Australia stands in solidarity with these women, and are calling upon the Australian Government, on their behalf, to pass a motion calling on the Japanese Government to apologise and compensate former "comfort women" by the end of 2009.
AIA National Director will meet with Ministers and backbenchers to gain their support for a motion, and find a champion to put the motion forward. Activists and supporters need to demonstrate to their MPs that the Australian community wants them to support this motion. Amnesty International has produces butterfly cards for members of the public to sign and demonstrate their support.
Between the Global Day of Action for Comfort Women (15 August) to the end of the year, we are aiming to have a motion put forward in the Senate. All the butterflies will be gathered and presented to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
For more information contact your convenors and Commuity Campaigner.
UNSW Forum: Does Australia Need a Human Rights Act
We have gathered an exciting group of speakers to discuss the state of human rights in Australia -- from the experience of refugees and asylum seekers, to the effects of the anti-terrorism laws. This promises to be a lively discussion canvassing all the arguments surrounding whether Australia needs a Human Rights Act.
A moderated panel featuring:
- Malcom Fraser (former Prime Minister of Australia)
- Stephen Keim (Barrister for Dr Mohamed Haneef)
- Keith Mason (Former President of the NSW Court of Appeal)
- Andrew Lynch (Director of the Gilbert+Tobin Centre of Public Law)
- Edward Santow (Director of the Charter of Human Rights Project at the Gilbert+Tobin Centre of Public Law, UNSW)
For more information check out the UNSW website: http://www.amnesty.unsw.edu.au/
Monday, May 18, 2009
Face to Face Fundraising Locations Week Starting 18/05
Tuesday: Sydney CBD (Barrack St/ Wynyard St), Grafton, Lismore (Lismore Shopping Square)
Wednesday: Bondi Beach, Maclean, Lismore (Lismore Shopping Square)
Thursday: St Leonards, Casino, Lismore (Lismore Shopping Square)
Friday: Hornsby, Lismore (Lismore Shopping Square)
Saturday: Lismore (Lismore Shopping Square)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Demand Dignity NSW Launch
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Youth Advisory Group & Student Conference 2009
AIA’s Youth Advisory Group will be a group of 14 young Amnesty International activists between the ages of 18 and 24 who work with us to share ideas, help us to come upwith great activism elements for our key campaigns, work on specific projects and participate in discussions that will help to guide Amnesty International Australia’s work. Amnesty International Australia is currently undertaking a review of its democratic structures as part of a Strengthening Democracy project, and wants to ensure that young activists can participate in this important piece of work. This will be one of the key projects for the group this year (but there'll be lots of other stuff too).
How do I apply?
Recruitment for the advisory group will be done by application process (so, unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that all applications will be successful). A selection panel made up of regional and national staff and activists will select the successful applicants.
Deadline: 4th June 2009
For more information, and a copy of the selection criteria and application form, e-mail Ruby Johnson at Ruby_Johnson@amnesty.org.au
Student Conference 2009
This year's student conference will be held in September, 2009. If you're interested in participating please email nswstudents@amnesty.org.au for more information.
School Action Pack
The next School Action Pack will be available and mailed out to NSW School groups in June.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Refugee Network Meeting
Where: NSW Action Centre, Level 1/79 Myrtle Street, Chippendale, NSW, 2008
RSVP: nswrefugeeteam@amnesty.org.au
As always, everyone is welcome. Come along and take part in Amnesty's 2009 Refugee Campaign.
Face to Face Fundraising Locations Week Starting 09/05
Tuesday: Sydney CBD (Macquarie St), Nowra, Stockland Nowra
Wednesday: Parramatta, Nowra, Stockland Nowra
Thursday: Balmain, Nowra, Stockland Nowra
Friday: Chatswood, Nowra, Stockland Nowra
Saturday: Nowra, Stockland Nowra
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Face to Face Fundraising Locations Week Starting 09/05
Tuesday: The Entrance, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Newcastle (Darby Pde.), Potts Point
Wednesday: Wyong, Newcastle (The Junction), Avalon (stay away from the Real Estate Agent)
Thursday: Gosford, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Newcastle (The Junction), Newtown (not on Missenden Rd. near the hospital)
Friday: Woy Woy, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Hamilton (Beaumont St.), Milson's Point
Saturday: Gosford, Lake Haven Shopping Centre, Hamilton (Beaumont St.)
NSW Region - staffing update
On 7 May, a new Volunteer and Resources Coordinator, Holly Fingland, will start 2 days a week (Thurs, Fri) in a job share with Deb. Holly is a volunteer in the Refugee Caseworker team, has coordinated volunteers for an NGO in Africa and is currently completing a Masters in Human Rights. It is great that she is joining us and can start so quickly.
These changes mean that we need to recruit a new Community Campaign Assistant for this period - recruitment is currently underway.
Registering your Action Group to work for an individual at risk
A form is now available to complete if your group would like to work for an individual at risk.
It explains the background to the Group Casefile activism technique as well as what you need to by when.
In a nutshell, this is what it is:
Group Casefile: Registration of Interest Form
Individuals at Risk Program 2009/2010
Who: INTERNAL DOCUMENT for Amnesty International Australia action groups.
What: to register your group’s interest in campaigning for an individual at risk case.
When: your group will campaign from July 2009 to June 2010.
Why: to strategically campaign for a case as part of the Australian section of Amnesty International.
How: send back the attached completed form (all 9 pages) by Friday 26 June 2009 to the Individuals at Risk Program. Contact details at the end of the form.
The form was sent with the latest community campaigner update - and is also available by emailing ruby.johnson@amnesty.org.au
NOTICE OF BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
NSW Branch Annual General Meeting
- When:
- Sunday May 17 2009 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Where:
- Steelers Club, Corner Burelli and Harbour streets, Wollongong, NSW
- RSVP:
- 14th May 2009
- Contact:
- Helen Juillerat
Our members and supporters are invited to the 2009 NSW Branch Annual General Meeting (BAGM).
When it comes to the promotion and protection of human rights, it is people and their passion that create change. At the BAGM you will have the chance to share ideas and experiences with other people working to defend human rights and human dignity.
You will learn more about Amnesty International, get feedback on what’s happened in the past year, as well as information about what’s in store nationally and internationally.
The Branch Committee and delegates to the National Annual General Meeting are also elected at the meeting.
As a democratic movement, communication and consultation with our supporters is really important. This year we are engaging with our supporters around strengthening our democracy - there will be a discussion around this important engagement at BAGMs around the country. We would love to see you there!
Please find details of the date and venue, an agenda and register to attend in the NSW Notice of Branch Annual General Meeting (pdf 532KB) which also contains a full meeting agenda for the day.
RSVP to Helen Juillerat at nswevents@amnesty.org.au by 14 May.
URGENT ACTION NOW: STOP EVICTION OF CAMBODIAN FAMILIES
Australia must act on forced evictions in Cambodia
Send an email NOWOr fax a hand written message:
"Dear Governor Kep Chuktema , I call on the Cambodian authorities to end the forced eviction of Group 78" + name, city, country, signature
(or something to that effect)
Fax number: +855 23 725626 or if that doesn't work to:
Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
fax: +0011 855 23 216 144/141
Mark the messages with "Urgent attention of the Governor of Phnom Penh".
Please keep faxing through letters until we hear that the forced eviction has taken place.