Hundreds of activists meet for Amnesty International Conference | Events

More than 700 Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) members and supporters from across the country will converge in Denver to address the world's most pressing human rights issues during AIUSA's 2012 Annual General Meeting (AGM), March 30 through April 1 at the Denver City Center Marriott.  The event is open to the public and registration fees range from $50 to $125 for the weekend.

Building on the success of AIUSA's 2011 50th Anniversary AGM in San Francisco, organizers of the 2012 conference are creating yet another powerful weekend.  Amidst the backdrop of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Amnesty International supporters will attend presentations featuring prominent human rights defenders and leading activists, take part in sessions on organizing and movement building and connect with fellow Amnesty International supporters from across the nation.  

"The people of Colorado are historically very socially conscious," said Larry Haines, an AGM planning committee member from Steamboat Springs. "Holding the AGM in Denver presents a great opportunity to energize the community with Amnesty's mission of human rights for all and inspire a new wave of activism."  

The theme of this year's conference, Rise Up for Rights, will highlight the power of individuals and communities to stand up and challenge injustice. Events of the past year have proven that governments can no longer ignore the will of the people. From the millions who poured to the streets demanding freedom in the "Arab Spring" to the protesters across the United States seeking a more equal and sustainable world, the demand for change is pervasive.

"Popular demonstrations in the Middle East and North Africa have shaken the region like never before; now, more than ever, pressure must be brought to bear to ensure citizens' rights are respected going forward," said Rocio Diaz, AIUSA's director of events. "The annual conference in Denver is an opportunity to both celebrate the progress and reaffirm our commitment to building a world free of tyranny and injustice."

A special focus on students and activism will highlight this year's conference. From Jackson, Georgia, to the streets of Spain, Zuccotti Park to Tahrir Square, young people have shown that they will stop at no end to realize a future born of justice.  Hundreds of high school and university students will meet in Denver to further this goal.  Activists from Albany High School in California, winner of the 2011 Human Rights Ambassador Challenge for their work in organizing students and partnering with community groups, will be recognized. The school chapter will receive a $2,500 grant and two tickets to the annual conference.  

The three-day event will open Friday, March 30, with an AIUSA rally at 5 p.m. beginning at the Denver City Center Marriott.  Activists will march to the Capitol building to insist on an immigration system that protects the rights and dignity of all immigrants and asylum-seekers.  Following the rally, attendees will join Colorado government officials and renowned human rights leaders from across the world at the AGM's Opening Ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m.  Here, the winner of the highly anticipated Ginetta Sagan Award – a $10,000 prize recognizing an individual's work to protect the lives and dignity of women and children – will be announced.

Throughout the weekend, an amazing lineup of speakers and presentations will inspire activists to Rise Up for Rights. Saturday morning kicks off with remarks from Amnesty International USA's new executive director – Suzanne Nossel – followed by the first conference plenary on growing movements for social change.  Presentations throughout Saturday will feature global experts on human rights and delve into the most pressing issues of our time, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, closing Guantánamo Bay, and protecting women's rights. Later, the Saturday Night Social will offer conferences goers a chance to share their thoughts and work with like-minded activists

A second conference plenary, Death Penalty Abolition: From Troy Davis to Reggie Clemons to Abolition, featuring Diann Rust-Tierney, executive director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP), and Kica Matos, head of the U.S. Reconciliation & Human Rights Program at the Atlantic Philanthropies, will follow. The weekend closes with remarks from Suzanne Nossel.

"2011 saw human rights highs and lows.  We marked the execution of Troy Davis and the 10th anniversary of Guantánamo Bay detention center with heavy hearts.  But Amnesty International supporters have not lost our spirit of defiance," said Diaz.  "Each day, the movement to fix a broken justice system, free prisoners of conscience and press the Obama administration on its human rights obligations strengthens. This AGM clearly illustrates that activists are energized to mobilize to solidify human rights gains."

AIUSA has secured discounts with the Denver City Center Marriott and with a number of airlines to ensure an affordable and comfortable experience for participants. For more information or to register now to secure your spot, visit www.amnesty.org/agm.

Amnesty International – today the largest grassroots human rights organization in the world with nearly 3 million members worldwide – has helped win the freedom of tens of thousands of individuals jailed for expressing beliefs or defending basic rights, shut down torture chambers, halted executions, and established laws and treaties to protect the freedom and dignity of people around the world – and in the United States. Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977.
 

Press Release