Greetings and Happy New Year!Thank you to the many of you who have sent messages of condolence. The circle of life continues. The last 3-4 weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions for me and my family. Not only were we delighted with the smile and presence of our 3 and 1/2 year old granddaughter but also attended my nephew's wedding. We also made the final arrangements for my dear, dear mother-in-law who passed away during this time. Unfortunately our group was not able to find someone to update our website, social media posts, and Weekly Update while I was involved in making these final arrangements and therefore, the work was left undone. We are still searching for someone to help with our work. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Azam at azamnrad@gmail.com . I would be very happy to show you how to do all of this either in person, by phone, or via Skype or Facetime. The work and time are very flexible and is VERY rewarding. We need you in order to continue this very important work.
We would also like to thank our
many contributors to Group #139 of Amnesty International. Your generous
support let's us know that you value what we are doing and makes it
possible for us to continue making a difference for human rights in the
world.
Martin Luther King Day is celebrated on Monday, January 16, 2017. During these very troubling days, we need to be reminded of his words. Here are just some of his very inspiring words.
- Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
- The ultimate measure of a man [and I would add woman] is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
- Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
- We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.
Next Saturday is the Women's March on Washington and Sister Marches. Amnesty International is one of the sponsors of the March. Here is a link to
the March's Guiding Vision and Definition of Principles. These Values
and Principles include: (1) We believe that Women’s Rights are Human
Rights and Human Rights are Women’s Rights, (2) We believe Gender
Justice is Racial Justice is Economic Justice, (3) Women deserve to live
full and healthy lives, free of violence against our bodies, (4) We
believe in accountability and justice for police brutality and ending
racial profiling and targeting of communities of color, (5) We believe
it is our moral imperative to dismantle the gender and racial inequities
within the criminal justice system, (6) We believe in Reproductive
Freedom, (7) We believe in Gender Justice, (8) We firmly declare that
LGBTQIA Rights are Human Rights and that it is our obligation to uplift,
expand and protect the rights of our gay, lesbian, bi, queer, trans or
gender non-conforming brothers,sisters and siblings, (7) We believe in
an economy powered by transparency, accountability, security and equity,
(8) We believe in equal pay for equal work and the right of all women
to be paid equitably, (9) We recognize that women of color carry the
heaviest burden in the global and domestic economic landscape,
particularly in the care economy, (10) We believe that all workers -
including domestic and farm workers - must have the right to organize
and fight for a living minimum wage, and that unions and other labor
associations are critical to a healthy and thriving economy for all,
(11) We believe Civil Rights are our birthright, (12) We believe it is
time for an all-inclusive Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution, (13) Rooted in the promise of America’s call for huddled
masses yearning to breathe free, we believe in immigrant and refugee
rights regardless of status or country of origin, and (14) We believe
that every person and every community in our nation has the right to
clean water, clean air, and access to and enjoyment of public lands.
This March and the Sister Marches are FREE and OPEN to EVERYONE. Click here
for more links found on our website. Check with your area for local
Sister Marches if you cannot attend the National March in Washington,
D.C.
- The Women’s March on Washington will convene on Saturday, 10:00 am, January 21, 2017. The starting point will be the intersection of Independence Avenue and Third Street SW, near the U.S. Capitol.
- The Women's March in Madison, WI will convene on Saturday, noon-5:30 pm, January 21, 2017. The starting point will be at Library Mall, 728 State Street.
In my absence, Urgent Actions from Amnesty International were posted at this link. Please consider writing a letter or signing a petition on behalf of these Amnesty International cases. Thanks, Azam for keeping the list current.
I want to thank our Group #139 for giving me the privilege of writing the Weekly Update over all of these years. I work with an incredible group of passionate and dedicated members. My work with Group #139 has broadened my understanding of human rights around the world. Together our group has written letters, signed petitions, posted human rights news, created & attended events around the world, and has helped to shine that light for others. You are amazing! I'm not sure how long I can continue as editor in light of my current family situation. Please consider volunteering. Contact me with any questions you may have.
In Solidarity Always,
-Debbie, Weekly Update Editor
