Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all.  If you find yourself outraged by human rights abuses but inspired by hope for a better world, then help work to improve human rights through campaigning and international solidarity.  Now, I realize that this is a hot topic for some, because the 2.2 million-strong organization fights to free prisoners of conscience, abolish the death penalty, stop violence against women and ensure everyone enjoys full human rights.  If, however, you find yourself, like me, passionate against stopping human abuses around the world, then you can help by:

•  publicating and promoting their research findings
•  public demonstrations
•  holding vigils
•  letter-writing campaigns (Some of the easiest & one of my favorites)
•  human rights education (Whether you're holding an assembly or talking with friends and family)
•  awareness-raising concerts (Are you a musician?  Then this is for you!)
•  direct lobbying
•  targeting appeals
•  email petitions and other online actions (Another easy thing to do from the comfort of your home)
•  partnerships with local campaigning groups
•  community activities (I would really encourage this one!)
•  co-operation with student groups (or, if you're still in school, form your own!)

If you would like to help, but aren't sure where to start, I would suggest taking a look at their Action Center:  http://www.amnesty.org/en/activism-center

You may not think that YOU can make a difference, but your participation helps immensely. When you add your name to their "Actions" you increase the pressure on governments and human rights violators to tackle human rights abuses...and for some, that can literally be the difference between life and death, and I can hardly think of anything more important than that.

Another cool feature their site offers is an Online Community Volunteer program that allows you to offer your skills and leadership in activism and mobilization for an Online Community. Your primary role will be to encourage and support your fellow activists to engage and mobilize for human rights. It is a virtual role, which means that no matter where in the world you are, you can still participate.

There are three main roles where they need activists to take a leadership role:

-  Online Ambassador: Write blogs, online commentaries and posts that help highlight human rights issues and Amnesty International’s campaigns to a wider audience.  You can also choose to be an Online Ambassador specifically for our Demand Dignity campaign and become a Voice Ambassador. As a Voice Ambassador, you will highlight the link between poverty and human rights.
-  Moderator: Engage with activists in Amnesty International social networking spaces, engage in conversation and make sure the debate stays respectful and constructive.
-  Greeter: Engage with activists in Amnesty International social networking spaces and support fellow activists by answering their questions and welcoming them to the Online Community.

To follow Amnesty International on twitter:  http://twitter.com/AmnestyOnline
To follow Amnesty International on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/London-United-Kingdom/Amnesty-International/111658128847068
Their Demand Dignity Campaign on facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Demand-Dignity/237214434274?v=wall#!/pages/Demand-Dignity/2372144342744
Their Demand Dignity website:  http://demanddignity.amnesty.org/
For a complete action list:  http://www.amnesty.org/en/activism-center/all-actions
To read Amnesty International's blog:  http://blog.amnestyusa.org/

If you, like myself, are based in the USA, check out their US specific page here:  http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-priorities/page.do?id=1108051

<3 and peace, Helena