Hey guys,
We hope you all have had a fun and relaxing Fall Break. For tomorrow, we are going to combine our meeting with Clarke Central High school's Peace Jam group. We will be writing letters about jailed journalists and talking with the students about life in general. The meeting will held at Little Italy at 6:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Best,
Nima
Nimapt@uga.edu
Eli
Lilae@uga.edu
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Photo Exhibit: “Become a Citizen of the World”
“Become a Citizen of the World” Photo Exhibit to benefit Amnesty International:
So many of us in college have had the chance to visit other parts of the world. In those travels, we gain sensitivity to the diversity and richness of humanity. With that view of the world, Amnesty International is hosting a photo exhibit to showcase people around the world. Amnesty International is an organization dedicated to the fighting injustices globally. We hope that with this exhibit to excite people about cultures everywhere and encourage people to join the movement of promoting peace and justice. We will be selling the pictures on a donation basis to raise money for Amnesty International and their campaigns.
If you have photos from around the world that you would like to donate, please turn them into Memorial Hall (the Amnesty mailbox) or Moore College 216 by November 9th. You could also bring the pictures to our meeting tonight at Little Italy or our meeting next week in Journalism. If you feel inspired to mount or frame them however you think best displays them, feel free! The idea is to have pictures of the people in other countries (not just you!), so turn in pictures that say something about the culture you visited. Please write the country on the back of the photo. Thanks!
So many of us in college have had the chance to visit other parts of the world. In those travels, we gain sensitivity to the diversity and richness of humanity. With that view of the world, Amnesty International is hosting a photo exhibit to showcase people around the world. Amnesty International is an organization dedicated to the fighting injustices globally. We hope that with this exhibit to excite people about cultures everywhere and encourage people to join the movement of promoting peace and justice. We will be selling the pictures on a donation basis to raise money for Amnesty International and their campaigns.
If you have photos from around the world that you would like to donate, please turn them into Memorial Hall (the Amnesty mailbox) or Moore College 216 by November 9th. You could also bring the pictures to our meeting tonight at Little Italy or our meeting next week in Journalism. If you feel inspired to mount or frame them however you think best displays them, feel free! The idea is to have pictures of the people in other countries (not just you!), so turn in pictures that say something about the culture you visited. Please write the country on the back of the photo. Thanks!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday Oct 20, Maternal Healthcare. Journalism 516, 6:00 PM
Hey everyone,
In continuing with our month's focus on womens rights, tomorrows meeting will focus on maternal healthcare.
More than half a million die annually in childbirth, that's one death every minute. Globally, almost all cases of maternal mortality are preventable. About 74% of all maternal deaths could have been avoided had the women had access to proper treatment that would assist in birth complications. Maternal mortality has until recently been a neglected issue. Currently 99% of these cases are plagueing low income countries like Sierra Leone, Peru and Nicaragua, and tomorrow we will discuss maternal healthcare issues in these regions.
Considering death on this scale is preventable, all measures should be taken by these governments to ensure sound policies that don't neglect, devalue and discriminate against women. Come out tomorrow to write action letters urging government officials in these countries to make a change.
Meeting are held Tuesday in Journalism Room 516 at 6:00 PM
Best,
Nima Patel
Nimapt@uga.edu
Eli Tedesco
Lilae@uga.edu
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Film: "Lumo" Oct. 6, MLC 171 6:00 PM
Hey everyone,
Next week we officially begin our month of campaigning for women's rights. We'll start the month off with a film capturing the story of a young Congolese woman in recovery at a hospital for rape victims. The following is a synopsis pulled from the producer's website:
The agonies of war torn Africa are deeply etched in the bodies of women. In eastern Congo, vying militias, armies and bandits use rape as a weapon of terror.
Recently engaged to a young man from her village, 20 year-old Lumo Sinai couldn’t wait to have children and start a family. But when she crossed paths with marauding soldiers who brutally attacked her, she was left with a fistula— a condition that has rendered her incontinent and threatens her ability to give birth in the future. Rejected by her fiancé and cast aside by her family, Lumo found her way to the one place that may save her: a hospital for rape survivors set on the border with Rwanda.
Buoyed by the love of the hospital staff, and a formidable team of wise women known to all as “the Mamas,” Lumo and her friends keep the hope of one day resuming their former lives, thanks to an operation that can restore them fully to health. A feisty young woman with a red comb perpetually jutting from her hair, Lumo faces the challenge of recovery with remarkable courage and sass. As she and her friends recover from surgery, they pass the days by gossiping and sharing their dreams of one day finding love.
But when it looks like her operation may have failed, Lumo’s faith is thrown entirely into question.
On this uncertain road to recovery, Lumo shows that the solidarity of women can bind the most irreparable of wounds.
We hope everyone can make it to the screening of "Lumo" which will be playing in the MLC from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, October 6.
Nima Patel
Nimapt@uga.edu
Eli Tedesco
Lilae@uga.edu
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Meeting, Tuesday Sept. 29
Hey everyone,
Tonight we will continue our discussion on the death penalty and focus on international cases and the mentally ill. Come join us to discuss these important issues. Below are a couple of links that give background information.
Tonight we will continue our discussion on the death penalty and focus on international cases and the mentally ill. Come join us to discuss these important issues. Below are a couple of links that give background information.
Nima Patel
Nimapt@uga.edu
Eli Tedesco
Lilae@uga.edu
Monday, September 21, 2009
Troy Davis Teach-In Tomorrow!
Tomorrow Laura Kagel will be conducting a teach-in for the Troy Davis Case. This case has been a local priority for Amnesty and we hope to get the word out to those of you who aren't familiar with his story.
Laura Kagel who's with Georgians For Alternatives To The Death Penalty and Amnesty International will discuss the Troy Davis case in detail and will answer questions anyone may have.
Laura Kagel who's with Georgians For Alternatives To The Death Penalty and Amnesty International will discuss the Troy Davis case in detail and will answer questions anyone may have.
Please come out and show your support for Troy!
Meetings are in Journalism 516 from 6-7 PM. If you'd like to become more involved in Amnesty stick around for our planning meetings right after the general meetings.
Nima Patel
Nimapt@uga.edu
Eli Tedesco
Lilae@uga.edu
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Film: "At The Death House Door" Sept 15, MLC Rm 171
**UPDATE: Film will be shown in MLC Room 171 from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Hey guys,
Next week we'll be showing a documentary, "At The Death House
Door," and here's a blurb I pulled from the producer's
website:
--At the Death House Door follows the remarkable career
journey of Carroll Pickett, who served 15 years as the death
house chaplain to the infamous "Walls" prison unit in
Huntsville, Texas. During that time he presided over 95
executions, including the very first lethal injection done
anywhere in the world. After each execution, Pickett recorded
an audiotape account of that fateful day. The film also tells
the story of Carlos De Luna, a convict whose execution
affected Pickett more than any other. Pickett firmly believed
the man was innocent and two Chicago Tribune reporters turn up evidence that strongly suggests he was right.
Hey guys,
Next week we'll be showing a documentary, "At The Death House
Door," and here's a blurb I pulled from the producer's
website:
--At the Death House Door follows the remarkable career
journey of Carroll Pickett, who served 15 years as the death
house chaplain to the infamous "Walls" prison unit in
Huntsville, Texas. During that time he presided over 95
executions, including the very first lethal injection done
anywhere in the world. After each execution, Pickett recorded
an audiotape account of that fateful day. The film also tells
the story of Carlos De Luna, a convict whose execution
affected Pickett more than any other. Pickett firmly believed
the man was innocent and two Chicago Tribune reporters turn up evidence that strongly suggests he was right.
This film tackles controversial issues regarding the death penalty, a premier issue for Amnesty International. Soon after its foundation in 1961, Amnesty International began sending appeals to prevent the execution of prisoners of conscience. Over time, its opposition to the death penalty has broadened to include all prisoners, regardless of the crimes of which they have been convicted. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception regardless of the nature of the crime, the characteristics of the offender, or the method used by the state to kill the prisoner.
Progress has been dramatic in the last few decades. In 1977, only 16 countries had abolished the death penalty for all crimes. Thirty years later, that number had grown to 90.
**UPDATE: Film will be shown in MLC Room 171 from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Nima Patel
Nimapt@uga.edu
Eli Tedesco
Eli Tedesco
Lilae@uga.edu
Monday, September 7, 2009
First Informational Kick Off!! Journalism Rm 516, 6:00 PM
Hey everybody!
Welcome back to another year of human rights activism! We hope the summer holidays were relaxing and everybody is recharged for a new year. There are several opportunities and updates we would like to inform you about:
-- Letter-writing meetings are now tentatively Tuesdays 6:00-7:45pm in Journalism Room 516. We might change to a room that offers AV equipment if one becomes available.
**Meetings will start TOMORROW, Tuesday September 8. This first kick off get together is a great time for new members to become informed about Amnesty International here at UGA including our campaigns, actions, and events for the coming year! We'll briefly discuss Amnesty's history and how we as a local branch operate, and then kick off the new school year with an action and information about every campaign we will be promoting this year. This meeting will also have FREE FOOD! Come out and bring your friends!
-- This semester we are planning two major projects. The first will be an event where we plan to sell pictures people have taken from all around the world. In order to get this project off the ground we could use everyone's help. The second project we're pursuing is a human-rights film festival early in the spring semester. This is an ideal time to begin working on both of these projects. If you are interested in working on either of these exciting projects, please contact us so we can put you in touch with the coordinators.
-- Another initiative were striving to accomplish is to have helped establish an Amnesty International chapter at every high school in Athens. If you would like to become more involved in this project please contact Eli Tedesco directly.
-- Troy Davis still remains a priority for our organization. Currently, the United States Supreme Court has issued an order mandating a new evidentiary hearing for Troy's case. There will be an opportunity to travel to Savannah later this month to rally for Troy Davis. We'll send out more information and updates about this case when we know more.
--If you are interested in becoming more involved with our organization please let us know ASAP. After each regular meeting, the planning committee hangs back and has their weekly meeting. Anyone may attend this meeting and pitch in ideas! We're always open to new people who want to get involved.
Once again our first informational get together is tomorrow, September 8 at 6:00 PM in Journalism 516. And remember we'll have FREE FOOD!
Nima Patel
Eli Tedesco
Welcome back to another year of human rights activism! We hope the summer holidays were relaxing and everybody is recharged for a new year. There are several opportunities and updates we would like to inform you about:
-- Letter-writing meetings are now tentatively Tuesdays 6:00-7:45pm in Journalism Room 516. We might change to a room that offers AV equipment if one becomes available.
**Meetings will start TOMORROW, Tuesday September 8. This first kick off get together is a great time for new members to become informed about Amnesty International here at UGA including our campaigns, actions, and events for the coming year! We'll briefly discuss Amnesty's history and how we as a local branch operate, and then kick off the new school year with an action and information about every campaign we will be promoting this year. This meeting will also have FREE FOOD! Come out and bring your friends!
-- This semester we are planning two major projects. The first will be an event where we plan to sell pictures people have taken from all around the world. In order to get this project off the ground we could use everyone's help. The second project we're pursuing is a human-rights film festival early in the spring semester. This is an ideal time to begin working on both of these projects. If you are interested in working on either of these exciting projects, please contact us so we can put you in touch with the coordinators.
-- Another initiative were striving to accomplish is to have helped establish an Amnesty International chapter at every high school in Athens. If you would like to become more involved in this project please contact Eli Tedesco directly.
-- Troy Davis still remains a priority for our organization. Currently, the United States Supreme Court has issued an order mandating a new evidentiary hearing for Troy's case. There will be an opportunity to travel to Savannah later this month to rally for Troy Davis. We'll send out more information and updates about this case when we know more.
--If you are interested in becoming more involved with our organization please let us know ASAP. After each regular meeting, the planning committee hangs back and has their weekly meeting. Anyone may attend this meeting and pitch in ideas! We're always open to new people who want to get involved.
Once again our first informational get together is tomorrow, September 8 at 6:00 PM in Journalism 516. And remember we'll have FREE FOOD!
Nima Patel
Eli Tedesco
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Human Rights Film Festival!
Amnesty International invites the Athens community to a film festival that will open your eyes to issues from around the world. Our five award-winning films take an uplifting approach to fighting for human rights, and we hope these stories encourage all of us to "become citizens of the world." The festival will be hosted at Cine from April 24-28.
On opening night, Friday April 24th, members of the Liberian Association of Metro Atlanta will join us to discuss Pray the Devil Back to Hell and contemporary issues in Liberia. Deputy Regional Director Laura Moye of the Amnesty International USA Southern Region office will also be on hand to open the festival and introduce Amnesty. Food will be provided by local Athens establishments. Tuesday, April 28th, local band Venice is Sinking will close the festival, and we'll be giving away great door prizes from the band, more Athens businesses, and Amnesty.
Information about Amnesty's goals and mission plus specific information related to each film will be available all weekend. Please take a few moments before or after watching to sign our petitions and learn more about the global human rights movement.
The festival is also a membership drive event for Amnesty International's Southern Regional office in Atlanta. For $15 you receive an annual membership with Amnesty International USA, a free festival t-shirt, entrance to the closing night event (including a chance at one of our great door prizes donated from local Athens businesses), and you enjoy $5 tickets Friday through Thursday April 30th on all films!
Tickets prices:
$15 - Opening Night Event including film, speakers and food ($10 with Amnesty membership)
$6 - Matinee
$8 - Evening
$5 - Each film Friday through Thursday April 30th with purchase of $15 Amnesty membership (great deal!)
Films:
Trouble the Water is a powerful documentary about Hurricane Katrina survivors from New Orleans. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell is a multiple award-wining documentary about a peaceful women's protest movement in Liberia. Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Letter to Anna is poignant, moving documentary about prominent Russian human rights journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the recipient of Amnesty International's 2001 Global Award for Human Rights Journalism, who was assassinated in 2006.
Were the World Mine is an award-winning musical comedy version of Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream that touches on the many of the issues facing the LGBTQ community today.
Favela Rising follows the remarkable story of Anderson Sá, a former drug gang member, who turned to music to turn his community around. Winner of 36 different international awards, including Best Documentary at the Sydney, Leeds, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and Sao Paolo International Film Festivals.
Film Line-Up:
Friday 24th
5:00pm Pray the Devil
6:30-7:30pm Opening Event
7:45pm Pray the Devil
9:45pm Trouble the Water
12:00am Were the World Mine
Saturday 25th
4:00pm Letter to Anna
6:00pm Pray the Devil
7:45 pm Trouble the Water
9:45 pm Favela Rising
12:00am Were the World Mine
Sunday 26th
4:00pm Favela Rising
6:00pm Letter to Anna
7:45pm Trouble the Water
Monday 27th
4:00pm Pray the Devil
6:00pm Favela Rising
7:45pm Letter to Anna
9:45pm Trouble the Water
Tuesday 28th
8:30pm Were the World Mine
10:00pm Favela Rising
10:00pm Closing Event with Venice is Sinking and door prizes
*Please note: film screenings will continue through Thursday April 30th.
Stay tuned for updates about the festival in the coming week. We also have a Facebook event available for those interested.
For more information about the festival or Cine please see:
Athens Cine
234 West Broad Street
Athens, Ga 30601
View Larger Map
On opening night, Friday April 24th, members of the Liberian Association of Metro Atlanta will join us to discuss Pray the Devil Back to Hell and contemporary issues in Liberia. Deputy Regional Director Laura Moye of the Amnesty International USA Southern Region office will also be on hand to open the festival and introduce Amnesty. Food will be provided by local Athens establishments. Tuesday, April 28th, local band Venice is Sinking will close the festival, and we'll be giving away great door prizes from the band, more Athens businesses, and Amnesty.
Information about Amnesty's goals and mission plus specific information related to each film will be available all weekend. Please take a few moments before or after watching to sign our petitions and learn more about the global human rights movement.
The festival is also a membership drive event for Amnesty International's Southern Regional office in Atlanta. For $15 you receive an annual membership with Amnesty International USA, a free festival t-shirt, entrance to the closing night event (including a chance at one of our great door prizes donated from local Athens businesses), and you enjoy $5 tickets Friday through Thursday April 30th on all films!
Tickets prices:
$15 - Opening Night Event including film, speakers and food ($10 with Amnesty membership)
$6 - Matinee
$8 - Evening
$5 - Each film Friday through Thursday April 30th with purchase of $15 Amnesty membership (great deal!)
Films:
Trouble the Water is a powerful documentary about Hurricane Katrina survivors from New Orleans. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell is a multiple award-wining documentary about a peaceful women's protest movement in Liberia. Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Letter to Anna is poignant, moving documentary about prominent Russian human rights journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the recipient of Amnesty International's 2001 Global Award for Human Rights Journalism, who was assassinated in 2006.
Were the World Mine is an award-winning musical comedy version of Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream that touches on the many of the issues facing the LGBTQ community today.
Favela Rising follows the remarkable story of Anderson Sá, a former drug gang member, who turned to music to turn his community around. Winner of 36 different international awards, including Best Documentary at the Sydney, Leeds, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and Sao Paolo International Film Festivals.
Film Line-Up:
Friday 24th
5:00pm Pray the Devil
6:30-7:30pm Opening Event
7:45pm Pray the Devil
9:45pm Trouble the Water
12:00am Were the World Mine
Saturday 25th
4:00pm Letter to Anna
6:00pm Pray the Devil
7:45 pm Trouble the Water
9:45 pm Favela Rising
12:00am Were the World Mine
Sunday 26th
4:00pm Favela Rising
6:00pm Letter to Anna
7:45pm Trouble the Water
Monday 27th
4:00pm Pray the Devil
6:00pm Favela Rising
7:45pm Letter to Anna
9:45pm Trouble the Water
Tuesday 28th
8:30pm Were the World Mine
10:00pm Favela Rising
10:00pm Closing Event with Venice is Sinking and door prizes
*Please note: film screenings will continue through Thursday April 30th.
Stay tuned for updates about the festival in the coming week. We also have a Facebook event available for those interested.
For more information about the festival or Cine please see:
Athens Cine
234 West Broad Street
Athens, Ga 30601
View Larger Map
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
4/1/09: Film Festival Planning + Liberian Truth Commission
Hey everybody,
Tomorrow we're doing a letter of support on behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission being conducted by Liberia and its citizens. This continues our series of actions focused on issues featured in our upcoming Human Rights Film Festival. For more info:
http://liberiatrc.mnadvocates.org/
https://www.trcofliberia.org/
If you'd like to write a letter yourself, here is the address (thanks Eli):
Here's the address:
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights
650 Third Avenue South
Suite 550
Minneapolis, MN 55402
We will also be completing much more planning for the festival. We will have films screening Friday April 24th - Tuesday April 28th. Opening night will feature a speaker and food, closing night will feature music. Discounts will be available all weekend to those purchasing a $15 Amnesty International annual membership.
***This is a great event, but it will take a lot of time and energy to pull it off! We need as much help as possible, so please join us tomorrow night to chip in and give some advice. All officers, both outgoing and incoming are expected to attend! This is an important part of being an officer.***
A list of films we're screening at Cine:
Favela Rising
Letter to Anna
Trouble the Water
Were the World Mine
Pray the Devil Back to Hell
__________________________________________
Another news:
ISL World Fest: We'll be there this Saturday, April 4th, from 12-5pm downtown on College Avenue (between Broad and Clayton Streets). Join the international community of the University to celebrate diversity. We'll have petitions and more info on the film festival, too!
Updates from Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GFADP): SB 42 and 151 continue to pose threats to the integrity of Georgia's criminal justice system. Please take a moment to read up on these bills pending before the State Legislature and make an informed call to your legislator.
Visit:
www.vote-smart.org (for your rep's contact)
http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp
___________________________________________
Meetings 6:30pm Wednesdays in SLC 277. Contact zach.l.fox@gmail.com or elitedesco@gmail.com with questions.
Tomorrow we're doing a letter of support on behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission being conducted by Liberia and its citizens. This continues our series of actions focused on issues featured in our upcoming Human Rights Film Festival. For more info:
http://liberiatrc.mnadvocates.
https://www.trcofliberia.org/
If you'd like to write a letter yourself, here is the address (thanks Eli):
Here's the address:
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights
650 Third Avenue South
Suite 550
Minneapolis, MN 55402
We will also be completing much more planning for the festival. We will have films screening Friday April 24th - Tuesday April 28th. Opening night will feature a speaker and food, closing night will feature music. Discounts will be available all weekend to those purchasing a $15 Amnesty International annual membership.
***This is a great event, but it will take a lot of time and energy to pull it off! We need as much help as possible, so please join us tomorrow night to chip in and give some advice. All officers, both outgoing and incoming are expected to attend! This is an important part of being an officer.***
A list of films we're screening at Cine:
Favela Rising
Letter to Anna
Trouble the Water
Were the World Mine
Pray the Devil Back to Hell
______________________________
Another news:
ISL World Fest: We'll be there this Saturday, April 4th, from 12-5pm downtown on College Avenue (between Broad and Clayton Streets). Join the international community of the University to celebrate diversity. We'll have petitions and more info on the film festival, too!
Updates from Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GFADP): SB 42 and 151 continue to pose threats to the integrity of Georgia's criminal justice system. Please take a moment to read up on these bills pending before the State Legislature and make an informed call to your legislator.
Visit:
www.vote-smart.org (for your rep's contact)
http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/
______________________________
Meetings 6:30pm Wednesdays in SLC 277. Contact zach.l.fox@gmail.com or elitedesco@gmail.com with questions.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
3/24/09: Film Festival Actions + Planning
Hey everybody!
We are nearing the end of the semester, and our big project for the year is coming along great. In one month we'll be hosting a human rights film festival downtown at Cine. Over the next month we will be providing a set of actions, available each week, that directly correspond with the movies. We will also be going into high gear for the festival itself, so come join us to take part in this exciting event.
Our current roster of movies are all relatively new releases, some are very new. Almost all have won major awards at festivals like Tribeca, Sundance, and Cannes:
Trouble the Water - Powerful documentary about Katrina survivors from New Orleans...very well done, and not to be missed! Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell - Multiple award-wining documentary about a peaceful women's protest movement in Liberia. Winner of Best Documentary 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.
Letter to Anna - Very moving documentary about the prominent Russian human rights journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the recipient the Amnesty International's 2001 Global Award for Human Rights Journalism. Politkovskaya, who was often at the forefront of recording human rights abuses by the Russian military in Chechnya, was assassinated in 2006 in the elevator of her apartment building; her murder(s) remain at large.
Were the World Mine - Musical comedy take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream that is funny, but also touches on many of the issues facing the LGBT community today. Another multiple award winner. [waiting on confirmation]
Favela Rising - Winner of 36 international awards, including Best Documentary at the Sydney, Leeds, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and Sao Paolo International Film Festivals. FR follows the story of Anderson Sá, a former drug gang member, who turned to music to turn his community around. [waiting on confirmation]
________________________________
More announcements:
- Thursday March 24th the Roosevelt Institution is hosting an exceptional event. Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Couch, a former Guantanamo Bay military prosecutor, will be in Athens to describe his experience at the military base in Cuba. This is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about a topic that Amnesty has worked hard on for years. 7pm in Journalism 106.
- The Indian Student Association is hosting a week of events. The list is in the picture below:
We are nearing the end of the semester, and our big project for the year is coming along great. In one month we'll be hosting a human rights film festival downtown at Cine. Over the next month we will be providing a set of actions, available each week, that directly correspond with the movies. We will also be going into high gear for the festival itself, so come join us to take part in this exciting event.
Our current roster of movies are all relatively new releases, some are very new. Almost all have won major awards at festivals like Tribeca, Sundance, and Cannes:
Trouble the Water - Powerful documentary about Katrina survivors from New Orleans...very well done, and not to be missed! Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
Pray the Devil Back to Hell - Multiple award-wining documentary about a peaceful women's protest movement in Liberia. Winner of Best Documentary 2008 Tribeca Film Festival.
Letter to Anna - Very moving documentary about the prominent Russian human rights journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the recipient the Amnesty International's 2001 Global Award for Human Rights Journalism. Politkovskaya, who was often at the forefront of recording human rights abuses by the Russian military in Chechnya, was assassinated in 2006 in the elevator of her apartment building; her murder(s) remain at large.
Were the World Mine - Musical comedy take on Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream that is funny, but also touches on many of the issues facing the LGBT community today. Another multiple award winner. [waiting on confirmation]
Favela Rising - Winner of 36 international awards, including Best Documentary at the Sydney, Leeds, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and Sao Paolo International Film Festivals. FR follows the story of Anderson Sá, a former drug gang member, who turned to music to turn his community around. [waiting on confirmation]
________________________________
More announcements:
- Thursday March 24th the Roosevelt Institution is hosting an exceptional event. Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Couch, a former Guantanamo Bay military prosecutor, will be in Athens to describe his experience at the military base in Cuba. This is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about a topic that Amnesty has worked hard on for years. 7pm in Journalism 106.
- The Indian Student Association is hosting a week of events. The list is in the picture below:
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
3/18/09: Indigent Defense Slashed in Georgia! + Death Penalty in New Mexico
Hey Everyone!
Hope Spring Break was restful, or at the very least fun. We're gearing up for our big film festival less than two months away now! But first...
Tomorrow we will be doing two actions.
First, Senate Bill 42 in the Georgia Legislature is currently undergoing debate before seeing the Senate floor. This bill would drastically reduce already chronically underfunded indigent defense resources for public defenders. This is totally unacceptable, especially in light of the Troy Davis case. Help us take a stand to ensure that our justice system is not undermined!
Second, the House of the State of New Mexico recently legislatively abolished the death penalty. Gov. Richardson, a staunch supporter of the death penalty himself, has publicly voiced concern about the high costs of imposing the death penalty and the potential to execute an innocent person. Help us help New Mexico become the latest state to abolish the death penalty!
*Dinner afterward for those interested, too!
More announcements:
- The Center for International Trade and Security is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a series of lectures this week (starting tomorrow). Participants will include the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and General Eugene Habiger, former U.S. Commander in Chief of STRATCOM (Commander of all American strategic nuclear weapons). Visit http://www.uga.edu/cits/ for more information.
- On Thursday, March 19 at 12:30pm on the 4th Floor, Dean Rusk Hall, North Campus "The Conduct of Foreign Policy under the Obama Administration: A lecture (with a Q&A on careers in foreign affairs) by former U.S. career diplomats Earle and Barbara Scarlett. Refreshments provided ;).
- On Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. in the Miller Learning Center Room 101, representatives from Invisible Children will be coming to UGA to show a short documentary entitled "The Rescue".
- On Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Miller Learning Center Room 101, representatives from LiNK will be at UGA to show the award winning film "The Crossing". LiNK, or Liberty in North Korea, is a non-profit organization that educates, protects, advocates, provides, and empowers the North Korean people so that one day they will have the opportunity to live in true freedom.
Hope Spring Break was restful, or at the very least fun. We're gearing up for our big film festival less than two months away now! But first...
Tomorrow we will be doing two actions.
First, Senate Bill 42 in the Georgia Legislature is currently undergoing debate before seeing the Senate floor. This bill would drastically reduce already chronically underfunded indigent defense resources for public defenders. This is totally unacceptable, especially in light of the Troy Davis case. Help us take a stand to ensure that our justice system is not undermined!
Second, the House of the State of New Mexico recently legislatively abolished the death penalty. Gov. Richardson, a staunch supporter of the death penalty himself, has publicly voiced concern about the high costs of imposing the death penalty and the potential to execute an innocent person. Help us help New Mexico become the latest state to abolish the death penalty!
*Dinner afterward for those interested, too!
More announcements:
- The Center for International Trade and Security is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a series of lectures this week (starting tomorrow). Participants will include the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and General Eugene Habiger, former U.S. Commander in Chief of STRATCOM (Commander of all American strategic nuclear weapons). Visit http://www.uga.edu/cits/ for more information.
- On Thursday, March 19 at 12:30pm on the 4th Floor, Dean Rusk Hall, North Campus "The Conduct of Foreign Policy under the Obama Administration: A lecture (with a Q&A on careers in foreign affairs) by former U.S. career diplomats Earle and Barbara Scarlett. Refreshments provided ;).
- On Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. in the Miller Learning Center Room 101, representatives from Invisible Children will be coming to UGA to show a short documentary entitled "The Rescue".
- On Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Miller Learning Center Room 101, representatives from LiNK will be at UGA to show the award winning film "The Crossing". LiNK, or Liberty in North Korea, is a non-profit organization that educates, protects, advocates, provides, and empowers the North Korean people so that one day they will have the opportunity to live in true freedom.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
3/4/09: AIUSA Priority Cases
Hello everyone,
This week will be an informal meeting. We'll be providing several different letters for priority action cases. These are high profile individuals who are being detained, or whose whereabouts are not known, simply because of peacefully exercising their right to freely express themselves. We will have one case each from: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Turkey, China, Gambia, and Myanmar. In addition, we'll also be continuing our special focus case on the Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) movement.
For anyone interested, or anyone who needs a break from midterm studying, we'll also be doing dinner and sign painting (maybe) after the meeting.
Reminder: Next Wednesday, from 5:00-7:00pm, we'll be participating in a rally for accountability for abuses in the War on Terror. It's being held in Atlanta, at the intersection of 14th and Peachtree Streets in the heart of Midtown -- should be a lot of fun (we'll be in jumpsuits and business suits) and get the chance to meet some other Amnesty activists from the Atlanta area. We can grab dinner afterward, too!
Monday, February 23, 2009
2/25/08: ELECTIONS! + Angola 3 + Sign-making
Hello everybody,
This week is packed with events and opportunities, so we hope you take advantage of at least some. We apologize for canceling last week's meeting, as we were herded into the ground floor of the SLC during the tornado warning (which conveniently started just as we were). The Angola 3 case is rolling over to this week.
In addition, we are having elections this Wednesday for new officers for the upcoming academic year! Please join us if you are interested in participating more with Amnesty, or just want to help direct the activities for next year. Current officers are expected to participate.
Lastly, we will also be making signs for a newly planned demonstration in Atlanta. The demonstration will be focused on accountability for violations committed during the War on Terror. It will be held Wednesday, March 11th (yes, Spring Break) from 5:00-7:00pm at the corner of Peachtree and 14th Street in Midtown Atlanta (Colony Square, for those familiar with the area). We will be joined by several other student groups from the Atlanta area, the Atlanta Group 75, and other members of the community.
__________________________________
More announcements:
Stand-Up is screening Rendition (2007) this Wednesday 6:15pm in SLC 171. If you want to catch the movie and discussion, but also want to participate in our meeting, please drop by at least for elections. We will make every effort to finish elections as quickly as possible.
Amnesty members also have an opportunity to have lunch with Martina Correia, human rights activist and sister of Troy Anthony Davis, this Saturday. The Law School is hosting a panel on the Death Penalty from 10:45am-12:15pm. Contact Zach at zach.l.fox@gmail.com ASAP to participate, as space may be limited.
Not For Sale Campaign anti-slavery event this Friday, hosted by UGA graduate student Ryan Willoughby. Modern day slavery and human trafficking are forms of organized crime and are truly awful human rights violations. Two times to catch the presentation and discussion: 1:30-2:30pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm, both SLC 150.
This week is packed with events and opportunities, so we hope you take advantage of at least some. We apologize for canceling last week's meeting, as we were herded into the ground floor of the SLC during the tornado warning (which conveniently started just as we were). The Angola 3 case is rolling over to this week.
In addition, we are having elections this Wednesday for new officers for the upcoming academic year! Please join us if you are interested in participating more with Amnesty, or just want to help direct the activities for next year. Current officers are expected to participate.
Lastly, we will also be making signs for a newly planned demonstration in Atlanta. The demonstration will be focused on accountability for violations committed during the War on Terror. It will be held Wednesday, March 11th (yes, Spring Break) from 5:00-7:00pm at the corner of Peachtree and 14th Street in Midtown Atlanta (Colony Square, for those familiar with the area). We will be joined by several other student groups from the Atlanta area, the Atlanta Group 75, and other members of the community.
__________________________________
More announcements:
Stand-Up is screening Rendition (2007) this Wednesday 6:15pm in SLC 171. If you want to catch the movie and discussion, but also want to participate in our meeting, please drop by at least for elections. We will make every effort to finish elections as quickly as possible.
Amnesty members also have an opportunity to have lunch with Martina Correia, human rights activist and sister of Troy Anthony Davis, this Saturday. The Law School is hosting a panel on the Death Penalty from 10:45am-12:15pm. Contact Zach at zach.l.fox@gmail.com ASAP to participate, as space may be limited.
Not For Sale Campaign anti-slavery event this Friday, hosted by UGA graduate student Ryan Willoughby. Modern day slavery and human trafficking are forms of organized crime and are truly awful human rights violations. Two times to catch the presentation and discussion: 1:30-2:30pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm, both SLC 150.
Monday, February 16, 2009
2/18/09: Angola 3 Louisiana Prison Case
Hey everyone,
Sorry for the late notice this week. We're doing an action on the Angola 3 (referring to Angola Prison in Louisiana) prisoners. Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox, who were convicted of a stabbing murder in Louisiana's Angola Prison while incarcerated there, have been held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day for at least 28 years. The two inmates also helped organize a prison chapter of the Black Panther Party. Since their convictions, additional restrictions have been imposed on their personal property, reading materials, access to legal resources, work and visits.
As the Troy Davis case has also illustrated to us, the criminal justice system in the United States suffers from some serious flaws and unwarranted or cruel and unusual punishments. Please join us to help end this injustice, and for more info on the Angola 3 case, please see this Amnesty USA press release (a bit outdated from 2007, but helpful nonetheless): http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGAMR511452007&lang=e.
Also, for those interested, we'll be going to see Milk following the movie. It just opened at Cine downtown and its $5 student ticket night Wednesdays! Dinner beforehand perhaps, too :).
_________________________
Other announcements:
-- GFADP Lobby Day is tomorrow (actually today!). If you've got a last minute urge to go (if you hadn't already planned on attending), the program runs 9am-1pm at the State Capital in downtown Atlanta. MARTA would be easiest, as the Georgia State station is very close to the Golden Dome.
-- We continue to work on our film festival to be held at the end of April. This will be a major event held at Cine downtown, with sponsorship from the national Amnesty organization and several organizations on campus. If you'd like to be a part of the planning process let us know ASAP.
-- Elections for officer positions for the upcoming year are scheduled for February 25th. THIS DATE IS SET IN STONE. If you are interested in becoming more involved with Amnesty on campus, please consider inquiring about the positions available! :)
-- African Night 2009 is being held at the Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall, February 21, 2009 at 7pm. Tickets may be purchased at the Tate Cashier office, $5 for UGA Students, $10 for Non-UGA Students. For more information contact Joseph Abdallah, President of the African Student Union at jfabdallah@gmail.com or visit www.uga.edu/asu.
Monday, February 9, 2009
2/11/09: Valentine's Day Action for Women of Zimbabwe Arise!
Hey everyone,
I hope you got to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend, despite it still being February!
This Wednesday we will be doing a solidarity action for WOZA, a womens' rights and human rights activist group in Zimbabwe. WOZA members and leaders have been harassed, detained, and beaten in some cases simply for trying to peacefully speak out against injustices in Zimbabwe. The group is also our current focus action for the Southern region! We'll be making paper roses (which are a symbol WOZA activists use) and a letter/card to be sent to the Zimbabwean embassy.
We also had a good time last week getting dinner and catching a movie at Cine last week ($5 student tickets Wednesday nights!), and we plan on doing so again this week. Let me know if you'd like to join us for dinner and movie if you can't make the meeting.
See everyone Wednesday :)
Zach
zach.l.fox@gmail.com
A few more opportunities:
-- The UGA Living Wage Campaign is hosting a rally and speakers this Thursday, February 12th at 3:00pm at Tate Plaza. The rally will conclude with a march up to President Adams' office where members of the LWC will present a letter to Adams. Amnesty will be in attendance to support this worthy cause, and so should you!
-- The annual Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GFADP) Lobby Day at the Georgia State Capital is Tuesday February 17th. The day begins with training at 9:00am and concludes at 1:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity to work on lobbying skills while making your voice heard on an immensely important issue here in the state. More info soon!
-- The first 2009 Georgia cluster meeting of north Georgia (primarily Atlanta and UGA groups) Amnesty groups will be held Feb. 21st (Saturday) at the Atlanta Regional office. We'll be working with Atlanta groups to plan a coordinated action on the 100 Days Campaign. Let us know ASAP if you'd like to attend.
I hope you got to enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend, despite it still being February!
This Wednesday we will be doing a solidarity action for WOZA, a womens' rights and human rights activist group in Zimbabwe. WOZA members and leaders have been harassed, detained, and beaten in some cases simply for trying to peacefully speak out against injustices in Zimbabwe. The group is also our current focus action for the Southern region! We'll be making paper roses (which are a symbol WOZA activists use) and a letter/card to be sent to the Zimbabwean embassy.
We also had a good time last week getting dinner and catching a movie at Cine last week ($5 student tickets Wednesday nights!), and we plan on doing so again this week. Let me know if you'd like to join us for dinner and movie if you can't make the meeting.
See everyone Wednesday :)
Zach
zach.l.fox@gmail.com
A few more opportunities:
-- The UGA Living Wage Campaign is hosting a rally and speakers this Thursday, February 12th at 3:00pm at Tate Plaza. The rally will conclude with a march up to President Adams' office where members of the LWC will present a letter to Adams. Amnesty will be in attendance to support this worthy cause, and so should you!
-- The annual Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (GFADP) Lobby Day at the Georgia State Capital is Tuesday February 17th. The day begins with training at 9:00am and concludes at 1:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity to work on lobbying skills while making your voice heard on an immensely important issue here in the state. More info soon!
-- The first 2009 Georgia cluster meeting of north Georgia (primarily Atlanta and UGA groups) Amnesty groups will be held Feb. 21st (Saturday) at the Atlanta Regional office. We'll be working with Atlanta groups to plan a coordinated action on the 100 Days Campaign. Let us know ASAP if you'd like to attend.
Monday, February 2, 2009
2/4/09: Red Hand Campaign against Child Soldiers!
Hey everyone,
Hope the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. This Wednesday we'll be discussing the global (and growing) use of child soldiers. Obviously this is a very serious issue because the long-term individual and societal effects of children in combat can be devastating to communities. We'll also be taking part in the Global Red Hand Campaign. The campaign is a worldwide petition being presented to the UN on Feb. 12th. Come hang out with us, get some info, and have fun with finger paints too.
Also, we're planning on grabbing a bite to eat after the meeting and then catching a late screening at Cine. If you're interested just stick around for the planning meeting after the petition, or if you can't make the meeting but would like to go to the movie let Zach know at zach.l.fox@gmail.com.
Monday, January 26, 2009
1/28/09: 100 Days Campaign!
The inauguration of President Obama and his quick action to decisively end American abuses in the War on Terror -- including closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay -- give us hope that change on human rights issues is indeed on the way. To carry this momentum, we are dedicating this semester to a new theme:
"New Year + New Administration + New Policy = More Human Rights!"
This week will be writing to President Obama, thanking him for his quick action but also impressing on him the importance of concrete plans to implement his executive orders. The letters will also give us the opportunity to demand accountability for past violations -- a full reckoning of past abuses is necessary to truly understand what was done and why those violations are unacceptable and illegal.
PLEASE NOTE: This week's meeting will be informal as we do not have a reservation for the room this week. Instead we'll be at Jittery Joe's in the SLC, just down the hall from our room, starting at 6:30. Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, write a letter, and take a break to socialize with us. :) We'll also have info on some other opportunities of interest in the coming weeks (including Lobby Day with GFADP!) Our (always open) planning session will start about 7:30 so stick around if you'd like to get more involved this semester and/or next year, or just to hear what's around the corner.
Monday, January 19, 2009
1/21/09: Welcome Back + Gaza
Hello everyone,
I hope you're enjoying the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and looking forward to building on the dramatic change that he helped initiate over 40 years ago. Dr. King remains one of the most prominent and important examples of human rights advocacy and action today, and I hope his legacy inspires us all to work harder for human rights.
This week, Amnesty at UGA will be hosting a Welcome Back meeting. ***Meetings are now Wednesdays, 6:30pm in SLC 277.*** We'll be introducing Amnesty as a movement, our group, and some exciting new opportunities for the semester and next year. Also, THERE WILL BE FREE PIZZA :). Even if you've done work with us in the past, or are familiar with Amnesty International, please join us to have fun, meet new people, and get some free food.
Our action for this week is focused on the Gaza crisis. Thankfully both sides have now entered into a tentative ceasefire, but serious concerns remain. The most pressing concerns now are delivering humanitarian aid to the hundreds of thousands of Gazans without basic necessities and services and ascertaing what violations of international law were committed by Hamas militants and the Israel military.
Our action will be addressed to members of Congress, urging them to 1) halt all arms transfers to Israel until it is certain that the weaponry will not be used in contravention to international law, and 2) pressure countries in the region to block the flow of smuggled weapons into Gaza, which have been used indiscriminately against civilian targets in southern Israel. Accountaiblity for violations on both sides is the primary goal.
***Again, meetings are now Wednesdays at 6:30pm in SLC 277. Our open planning sessions will be directly after letter-writing meetings, too, so join us! PLEASE NOTE: We will not have meetings every Wednesday due to scheduling conflicts. On those dates, an alternate location for letter-writing will be announced in advance (probably coffee somewhere!).***
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
News for the Spring Semester!
Hey everyone!
We hope the winter holidays were relaxing and everybody is recharged for a new semester. There are several opportunities and updates we would like to inform you about:
-- Letter-writing meetings are now tentatively Tuesdays 6:30-7:15pm in the SLC. We do not have a room confirmation just yet, and unfortunately the time change was necessary to meet in the SLC. If this time slot and location absolutely do not work for you, PLEASE LET US KNOW so we can factor your availability into any schedule change we might make in the coming weeks. Topics for each week are open and suggestions are always welcome. As usual, topics will always be posted and emailed out in advance of letter-writing meetings.
*Meetings will start January 21st. Stay tuned for the SLC room number.
-- We have restructured the Amnesty officer group for this semester in order to make the organization more efficient and visible on campus. A diagram of the new positions is available on request (because I can't figure out how to attach the doc in Blogger). This plan is flexible and tentative, but not all positions have been filled, and there are lots of opportunities to work with officers on projects. If you are interested in becoming more involved with our organization please let us know ASAP.
-- This semester we are planning two major events. The first will be a 5-K run fundraiser mid-semester for the HEAL Africa clinic in Goma, Dem. Republic of the Congo which serves sexual assault and violence victims in the war-torn eastern DRC. The second will be a human-rights film festival later in the semester. If you are interested in working on either of these exciting projects, please contact us so we can put you in touch with the coordinators.
-- Another great opportunity we are pursuing this semester is a teach-in program for local public schools. This is a brand new initiative, but something we're very excited about. Please contact Nima directly to help get our teach-in program started.
-- The Troy Davis case remains a local priority for our group. We are committed to sparing Troy's life and seeing him receive a new trial. Currently Troy is awaiting word from the 11th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta on whether has grounds to pursure a second federal appeal. If the 3-judge panel finds in his favor, Troy could potentially receive a evidentiary hearing in Savannah. Please stay tuned for updates about the case.
-- There will be an opportunity to travel to Atlanta later this month to rally with Atlanta student and local groups in Midtown Atlanta calling on President-elect Obama to end abuses in the War on Terror. This is a major priority for Amensty USA and part of the 100 Days Campaign. Join us to make your voice heard, and in a very public place too!
Thanks for all the work you've done with us in the past! We look forward to another great semester.
***We will have a planning meeting open to everyone (as they always are!) this weekend to get the ball rolling on all our projects for the semester. When a time, date, and location are determined, we will notify everyone as quickly as possible.***
Zach Fox
zach.l.fox@gmail.com
Nima Patel
nimapt@uga.edu
We hope the winter holidays were relaxing and everybody is recharged for a new semester. There are several opportunities and updates we would like to inform you about:
-- Letter-writing meetings are now tentatively Tuesdays 6:30-7:15pm in the SLC. We do not have a room confirmation just yet, and unfortunately the time change was necessary to meet in the SLC. If this time slot and location absolutely do not work for you, PLEASE LET US KNOW so we can factor your availability into any schedule change we might make in the coming weeks. Topics for each week are open and suggestions are always welcome. As usual, topics will always be posted and emailed out in advance of letter-writing meetings.
*Meetings will start January 21st. Stay tuned for the SLC room number.
-- We have restructured the Amnesty officer group for this semester in order to make the organization more efficient and visible on campus. A diagram of the new positions is available on request (because I can't figure out how to attach the doc in Blogger). This plan is flexible and tentative, but not all positions have been filled, and there are lots of opportunities to work with officers on projects. If you are interested in becoming more involved with our organization please let us know ASAP.
-- This semester we are planning two major events. The first will be a 5-K run fundraiser mid-semester for the HEAL Africa clinic in Goma, Dem. Republic of the Congo which serves sexual assault and violence victims in the war-torn eastern DRC. The second will be a human-rights film festival later in the semester. If you are interested in working on either of these exciting projects, please contact us so we can put you in touch with the coordinators.
-- Another great opportunity we are pursuing this semester is a teach-in program for local public schools. This is a brand new initiative, but something we're very excited about. Please contact Nima directly to help get our teach-in program started.
-- The Troy Davis case remains a local priority for our group. We are committed to sparing Troy's life and seeing him receive a new trial. Currently Troy is awaiting word from the 11th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta on whether has grounds to pursure a second federal appeal. If the 3-judge panel finds in his favor, Troy could potentially receive a evidentiary hearing in Savannah. Please stay tuned for updates about the case.
-- There will be an opportunity to travel to Atlanta later this month to rally with Atlanta student and local groups in Midtown Atlanta calling on President-elect Obama to end abuses in the War on Terror. This is a major priority for Amensty USA and part of the 100 Days Campaign. Join us to make your voice heard, and in a very public place too!
Thanks for all the work you've done with us in the past! We look forward to another great semester.
***We will have a planning meeting open to everyone (as they always are!) this weekend to get the ball rolling on all our projects for the semester. When a time, date, and location are determined, we will notify everyone as quickly as possible.***
Zach Fox
zach.l.fox@gmail.com
Nima Patel
nimapt@uga.edu
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