SVAW Campaign Success #2

Amnesty International UK and partners came together to form an End Violence Against Women coalition to campaign for a cross-government strategy to end violence against women and girls. It succeeded in gaining an announcement from government that it would do so. See http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=18522 for more information.

Campaign Trick #2

The featured campaign trick this week is that perceived weaknesses are strengths. For an individual for example not being a member of the ‘usual suspects’ can be a strength. Doing things in an authentic individual way is a strength – you don’t have to be an experienced activist to succeed and approaching things in a different manner can be the key to succeeding.

Being a member of a particular group can be a great way to coordinate things. For example an LGBT person can be better placed to campaign on LGBT rights, someone from an ethnic minority likewise. The key is that one size doesn’t fit all – look at how your experiences connect to your campaigning and remember everyone brings a different yet valuable contribution to a campaign.

A Global Beat For Peace In Sudan

With one year to go before a referendum to decide Sudan’s future, campaigners around the world have called on world leaders to take urgen steps to prevent a return to severe and widepsread conflict in the country. Basically the idea is that you upload your beat for peace in Sudan at www.sudan365.org where some famous drummers have recorded a film of their beats for peace. It looks like a fab project and something that could inspire some public action in the West Midlands or be a theme for a fundraising night.

SVAW Campaign Success #1

As the Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) campaign comes to an end I am going to highlight the key successes. One of these is the Anti-Trafficking Convention ratified in the UK. This entitles victims of trafficking, for the first time, to a recovery period, specialist care, accommodation and other services. You can find out more at http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?newsId=17992

Follow West Midlands Amnesty International

West Midlands Amnesty International can be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wmai

Central Birmingham AI Group Library

The Central Birmingham Amnesty International Group have a library of online information that provides useful background reading for their key campaigns. It can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/brumamnestylibrary/

Don’t push asylum seekers into deeper poverty

Most asylum seekers now have to survive on just £5 a day while waiting for a decision to be made on their asylum claim and they aren’t allowed to work to support themselves.

The Government is now considering what level of support to give asylum seekers in the next financial year.

We are asking for asylum seekers to get at least 70% of Income Support (accommodation and utility bills are paid) and no less than £45 a week for single adults.

Go to http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=678 to take action

Campaign Trick #1 – Keep It Simple

It is important in campaigning not to ignore the simple things. A letter to your MP and others can make a difference. It is though important not to be fobbed off by a lousy reply and where necessary to write back to them. If you allow anger to turn to apathy you haven’t a chance. Amnesty activists have seen prisoners released and policies changed because they chose to write a letter so it can work.

Please feel free to add your comments and thoughts on these campaign tricks.

Church Stretton Ceilidh – Sat 27th Feb

Ceilidh on Saturday 27th February, 7pm onwards

Sylvester Horne Institute Church Stretton 

The Compost Band from Worcester will get your feet tapping to traditional Scottish and Irish tunes.

Bring your own alochol

Fun for all – do come and join us!

Tickets £8 (children £4)- Family ticket £20,all including buffet. Refreshments are available. Tickets from John Thomas, Florist, Sandford Avenue, or Amnesty members or David Owen phone (01694) 722525.

General Election 2010

The next General Election can take place no later than 3 June 2010, and conventional wisdom would suggest that the most likely date will be 6 May as there are already local elections on this day.

Why is it important?

The general election provides a unique opportunity for making contact with your local political candidates and raising their awareness of human rights issues. It is important that they are aware that they have constituents who care about human rights and believe that it should matter to their MP. 

What are Amnesty’s key concerns?

Amnesty believes respect for human rights should be at the centre of government policy and practice and urges all parties to make the following commitments in their manifesto:

• The rights of women in the UK and overseas
• Security and human rights 
• The human rights framework in the UK
• Human rights and poverty

To find out more and download our election pack go to www.amnesty.org.uk/election