Friday, August 26, 2016

AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update - August 26, 2016


"On this Women's Equality Day, we thank those who've fought and continue to fight for the rights of American women." (Facebook, August 26, 2016)

Greetings Everyone!
     This week we have included many petitions, human rights news stories, videos, and important dates. From slavery in Iraq to lives in Aleppo, online petitions are a quick and easy to make a difference. Amnesty International Urgent Actions include appeals on behalf of prisoners from Egypt to Djibouti. Among our many human rights news links are articles about Colombia, the Olympics & Human Rights, and the misunderstood Burkini. This rather long video is an inspiring story about the Yazidi activist Nadia Murad
     Finally, celebrate TODAY! The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Also, mark your calendar with these events: Sept 24: PEACE DAY Festival, Irving, CA, October 3-November 11: Fall Lobby Weeks, and October 7-9, 2016: Midwest Regional Conference.Unfortuantely, I'll be in Italy during the Midwest Regional Conference. If anyone attends, please let me know and I'll share the information with our members (Weekly Update), website, Facebook, and Twitter. Thanks!
 
Member News:     Dr. Azam Niroomand-Rad, Coordinator for Amnesty Group 139, attended the Disarm Hate Rally in Washington D.C. The campaign focuses on the goal for "equal rights for the LGBTQ community" and "realistic gun control." Click here for more information and more photos. Share your photos and activism with us by emailing azamnrad@gmail.com
     Also, don't miss Angie's email/newsletter, "Keeping You Connected." We should have all received it directly from her. Lots of good information about Amnesty and human rights. Click here for excerpts.
     Have a wonderful week!
     -Debbie, Weekly Update Editor

Click here for links to this week's Amnesty International and Human Rights Information and Actions