Why You Should Join Amnesty International Now
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Should Join Amnesty International Now

Human rights are being violated every day; be a voice that gets heard and stand up.

1472
Why You Should Join Amnesty International Now
Pexels

If you haven’t heard of Amnesty International (which is quite possible because a lot of people ask me what it is), you should know that it is a non-profit, non-government human rights activist organization that spans all across the globe. As an active member and an urgent action coordinator, I’ve found that while many of the issues we tackle seem so fiercely large and intimidating, the way we go about trying to solve said issues is multi-angular and upbeat. Some examples of issues Amnesty International addresses are protecting the rights of displaced people (refugees), saving individuals from the death penalty (especially if they are wrongly accused or if the crime isn’t equal to the punishment), ending solitary confinement in New York prisons, gun violence, protecting shelters and hospitals, human rights at Standing Rock, etc.

So why am I telling you this? Well, as a member and someone who cares deeply about human rights, I believe there are so many people who would benefit if we got more involved in AI and other activist organizations.

One reason Amnesty International rises above other groups is because it has over 7 million members worldwide and has been around since 1961. It educates the public on present-day global issues and gives them a means to have their voices heard. The organization focuses on policy makers and legislation.

Not only will you become more aware of the problems people face in our world, you get to see these issues not as pages in your textbook or data for statistics and charts, you see them as real people suffering real problems that can be stopped (and stopped with your help). AI deeply values public voice and believes every effort, no matter how small, counts.

You can visit http://www.amnestyusa.org/ and become a member today. If you would rather not become a member and just stay up to date on issues, this is also a great site for that. There is a chance that your school has an AI chapter on campus, but many campuses I’ve come across don’t have them (including the school I go to!) If you happen to look more into this organization and really want to get involved you could start your own student chapter on campus! I’ve begun the process of starting a chapter on my campus but I’ve been so busy with work and classes to get meetings set up (sorry folks!)

As an anthropologist I believe it is important to have human rights protectors. The topic of culture and relativity has come up a lot in my courses and I find I struggle deeply with what I think is right and what may be right in other cultures. I’m often wondering what right and wrong even mean. However, all of that being said, many of the issues AI specifically targets don’t necessarily involve cultural differences. However, when lives are at stake, culture seems to be at its limit of power.

I encourage all of you reading this to please take a gander at the AI site and learn more about the organization. If their values match your own and you’re truly interested in becoming more involved, there are easy ways to connect and become a member. You don’t even have to be a member to sign petitions or write letters. If I’m going to be honest, it also will look good on your resume, but that should NOT be the reason you choose to get involved! AI can help you see the world not how it should be, but how it could be. Join our family, become a voice for the silent.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53242
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34207
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956796
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181557
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments