Commorate the people of Burma

Burma Campaign Sydney will be commemorating the 2nd anniversary of the Saffron Revolution with a vigil in Sydney.

The vigil will commemorate the people of Burma that took to the streets in mass protests in September 2007, calling for an end to military rule.

Show your support and call for the release of political prisoners in Burma, including the monks and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Date: Saturday September 26th
Time 12:30pm
Place: Pitt Street Mall, Sydney (outside Myers)

This event is held by Burma Campaign Sydney

Art Exhibition 2009 - Demand Dignity

The annual Amnesty International Australia Art Exhibition is celebrating the launch of the Demand Dignity campaign, which is aimed at ending the human rights violations that drive and deepen poverty both in Australia and internationally. This exhibition showcases the work of local artists, with pieces in the exhibition expressing the artists interpretations of what it means to demand dignity.

The aim of the exhibition is to raise human rights awareness amongst the artistic as well as the wider community, as well as to show the work of local artists.

When: Tuesday 20th October (opening night) - October 25th
Time: 6pm (opening) and returns to regular gallery hours after
Where: TAP Gallery, which is located at 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst.

The People’s Choice and Artists Panel Awards will be announced at 8.30pm on the opening night, and there will be a jazz band playing and light refreshments provided.

Please bring your family and friends along to join in the celebrations, and in doing so support local artists and the work of Amnesty International.
For artists that may be interested in exhibiting a work, please download the entry form, or email amnestyartexpo@gmail.com for more information

The Human Rights Innovation Fund

Amnesty International's Human Rights Innovation Fund provides those interested in promoting and defending human rights with funding to support new, innovative and creative initiatives which will have impact in Australia.

The Fund is an important part of Amnesty International's ongoing commitment to developing partnerships with other organisations to increase our human rights impact and promote the growth of an Australian human rights constituency.

The closing date for the next round of applications is on 30 November 2009 (and quarterly thereafter). If you are, or know of, an individual or organisation interested in applying for funds, please visit our web site for the guidelines and application form http://www.amnesty.org.au/wiki/Human_Rights_Innovation_Fund/

Spirit Hunter: Sharing Stories of our Humanity

Spirit Hunter is an original initiative from Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Legal Service aiming to promote and celebrate the United Nations International Year of Human Rights Learning. Amnesty International decided to promote the initiative and to support this creative action. Amnesty International NSW will be a part of the Prize ceremony in February of 2010 and also take part of some of the great events during the next 6 months.


The aim is to promote Human Rights through stories, songs, paintings, photography or any kind of art or mean of expression for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A competition will be held from the 10th September 2009 to the 10th December 2009 to collect the master works and then 5 Spirit Hunter Awards will be granted of a total prize pool of $5,000.

We encourage you to take part to the project and to let express your imagination and creativity.


For more information, please follow the link below: http://spirithunter.businesscatalyst.com/Home.htm

Good Luck!!

Anti Poverty Week

Anti Poverty Week

*Global Action: 16-18 October 2009

Amnesty International will join Stand UP and Take Action Against Poverty to get people to stand up.

*National Action: The Racial Discrimination Act is likely to be reinstated. Amnesty International wants to be sure that Australia will fulfil its commitments under International and Domestic law.

*Local Action: in April 2009, the Australian government announced its support of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. Amnesty International wants to recall to the authorities at the National, State and Local level what need to be done to be conform with the Declaration.

For further information, please see: http://www.amnesty.org.au/poverty/

Situation of refugees in Malaysia

The refugee coordinator Dr Thom Graham went for a fact-finding mission in Malaysia to witness the conditions of those caught without a legal refugee status in Malaysia.

If you want to find more about it, please see the link below : http://www.amnesty.org.au/refugees/comments/21648/

Free Human Rights Workshop

As part of Amnesty International Australia’s youth initiative we will be hosting a FREE workshop for people aged between 18-30 years on Human Rights campaigning and activism.

The day will include presentations and workshops delivered by experienced campaign managers and activists within Amnesty International Australia.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people wanting to further their knowledge about Human Rights campaigning and gain skills to be an effective agent of change.

Hear from experienced campaign and activism managers within Amnesty

Gain skills in:
Creative campaigning
On-line activism
Using the media effectively
Street campaigning

To attend this event or to find out more details please contact us!

When: October 23rd 2009
Time: 10:00am –4:00pm
Where: Rex Centre, Kings Cross
58A Macleay Street
Cost: FREE
RSVP: nswccintern@amnesty.org.au or 8396 7616

Update

Hello,

Just a few updates!

Keep the 7th of October free for the NSW catch-up. Stay tuned for more details…

If you are interested in accessing either of the following two documents please email ruby.johnson@amnesty.org.au and they can be sent to you as an attachment.

1. Amnesty International Strategic Plan

2. Activist Toolkit - Lithuania: Gay Rights are Human Rights

“In June 2009, the Lithuanian Parliament voted to overturn the Presidential veto on the “Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information”. The law institutionalises homophobia and violates the right to freedom of expression and the right to be free from discrimination. It will now enter into force on 1 March 2010. “

Cheers,

Courtney

Office closure Thuesday 15th to Thursday 17th inclusive

Hi there,

Office closure and NSW Community Community Campaigns limited staff capacity in September
The office will be closed while staff attend an All Staff Face to Face
Tuesday 15th Sept - Thursday 17th Sept inclusive

Volunteers will not be able to access the office at this time.

Monday 14th, Friday 18th and Monday 21st Sept the office will be open but the NSW Community Campaigns section will have limited staff capacity.

If you are an office volunteer have a chat to the staff you work with about coming in to the office on these days.


Thanks all.
Regards,
Deb Taylor (Mon,Tues,Wed)

Amnesty International Australia
NSW Volunteer and Resources Coordinator
Ph: 8396 7678, Fax 8396 7677
Email: dtaylor@amnesty.org.au


Amnesty International Australia
AIANSW Action Centre
Level 1 79 Myrtle St, Chippendale, NSW
Locked Bag 23, Bro

Vacancy: online content coordinator

Online Content Coordinator
Fantastic workplace culture and work life balance
Are you an experienced Online Content Coordinator?
Join us. You can make a difference.

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.

We have an exciting full-time opportunity based in Sydney for an Online Content Coordinator. This position has day to day responsibility for ensuring that Amnesty International Australia’s web site contributes successfully to our strategic and operational objectives. Reporting to the Online Manager, and working within a small team of dedicated professionals, you will use your knowledge and expertise to source, edit, and produce web content drawn from all parts of the organisation. You will be responsible for ensuring that our website is up to date, engaging, informative, effective and that it promotes the Amnesty International Australia brand.

You will have:
Knowledge and understanding of electronic communications, including relevant web programs and applications such as HTML and Photoshop.
Knowledge of sources of visual material for use on the web site.
Proven attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to edit complex information in short timeframes.
A proactive approach to work, excellent communication skills and proven experience in problem-solving and in using initiative.
Ability to advise, influence and guide colleagues on the effective use of electronic media.
Relevant qualifications in Information and Communications technology or related discipline or equivalent industry experience.

In return, you will be rewarded with flexible working conditions, a fantastic office environment, an opportunity to broaden your experience and learn new skills, and the knowledge that you will be working for an organisation committed to making a difference.

If you would like to be part of Amnesty International Australia’s valued staff and be remunerated with a base salary of $51,603.00 p.a. (which equates to a Commercially Equivalent Salary Package of $62,869.00 p.a. if you choose to take up salary packaging benefits), please send your resume and application letter responding to the selection criteria to

employment@amnesty.org.au by 5pm Monday, 7 September 2009.

For a detailed position description containing the selection criteria for this role, please see the website: http://www.amnesty.org.au/jobs/.

Regards,

Deb Taylor (Mon,Tues,Wed)

Amnesty International AustraliaNSW Volunteer and Resources Coordinator

Ph: 8396 7678, Fax 8396 7677
Email: dtaylor@amnesty.org.au

Amnesty International AustraliaA

IANSW Action CentreLevel 1 79 Myrtle St,

Chippendale, NSWLocked Bag 23, Broadway, NSW 2007

China's Choice:A new human rightsrecord.Use your freedom, visit http://www.uncensor.com.au/or call 1300 300 920

COMING SOON...

“Lets Talk about Human Rights and Poverty” lunchtime talks
Amnesty International Australia is hosting a series of monthly lunchtime talks discussing issues related to human rights and poverty. These talks are part of our latest international campaign ‘Demand Dignity,’ which focuses on maternal mortality, slums, corporate accountability, and making rights law.

Each seminar will feature an interesting guest speaker & lunch, as well as the opportunity to learn about and discuss human rights & poverty, in a fun and engaging environment.

“What does dignity mean to you?”

When: Throughout September...
Where: Amnesty International NSW Action Centre
Level 1, 79 Myrtle St Chippendale
Time: 1-2pm
For more information, to express your interest, or to get involved, contact us at: nswccintern@amnesty.org.au

More details to be announced soon…

Eliza Marks/CC Intern

Hi Everyone,

I'm Eliza, the new Community Campaigns Intern here at Amnesty International. I'll be working with Ruby, Courtney and Jeanne for the next three months on a whole lot of AI campaigns and activities.

I'm currently studying a BA, majoring in international development. I have been a supporter of Amnesty's work for a long time, and decided to finally get really involved and apply for an internship!

I hope the blog updates about the wonderful work that Amnesty does inspires you to get involved, take ACTION, and become a HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER!!

Amnesty International Australia - Vacancy

Online Content Coordinator

* Fantastic workplace culture and work life balance
* Are you an experienced Online Content Coordinator?
* Join us. You can make a difference.

We have an exciting full-time opportunity based in Sydney for an Online Content Coordinator. This position has day to day responsibility for ensuring that Amnesty International Australia’s web site contributes successfully to our strategic and operational objectives. Reporting to the Online Manager, and working within a small team of dedicated professionals, you will use your knowledge and expertise to source, edit, and produce web content drawn from all parts of the organisation. You will be responsible for ensuring that our website is up to date, engaging, informative, effective and that it promotes the Amnesty International Australia brand.

You will have:
* Knowledge and understanding of electronic communications, including relevant web programs and applications such as HTML and Photoshop.
* Knowledge of sources of visual material for use on the web site.
* Proven attention to detail and accuracy, and the ability to edit complex information in short timeframes.
* A proactive approach to work, excellent communication skills and proven experience in problem-solving and in using initiative.
* Ability to advise, influence and guide colleagues on the effective use of electronic media.
* Relevant qualifications in Information and Communications technology or related discipline or equivalent industry experience.

In return, you will be rewarded with flexible working conditions, a fantastic office environment, an opportunity to broaden your experience and learn new skills, and the knowledge that you will be working for an organisation committed to making a difference.If you would like to be part of Amnesty International Australia’s valued staff and be remunerated with a base salary of $51,603.00 p.a. (which equates to a Commercially Equivalent Salary Package of $62,869.00 p.a. if you choose to take up salary packaging benefits), please send your resume and application letter responding to the selection criteria to employment@amnesty.org.au by 5pm Monday, 7 September 2009 .

For more information and a detailed position description please see: http://www.amnesty.org.au/jobs/

Face-to-Face Locations - week starting 31st August

MONDAY: Five Dock, Westfield Figtree

TUESDAY: Leichhardt, Westfield Figtree

WEDNDESDAY: Kingsford, Westfield Figtree

THURSDAY: CBD, Circular Quay, Westfield Figtree

FRIDAY: North Sydney, Westfield Figtree

SATURDAY: Westfield Figtree