WHAT WRITE FOR RIGHTS MEANS....

What Write for Rights means A few weeks ago, I got a letter from Albert Woodfox. In it, he wrote something that I haven’t stopped thinking about since: “I am just an ordinary man, caught up in extraordinary times.” Albert has survived more than four decades behind bars – most of it in a solitary confinement cell the size of a parking space. Before his flawed conviction for murdering a prison guard in Louisiana State Penitentiary, he organized against injustice there. Whenever I think about Albert’s story, it certainly sounds like the life of an extraordinary human being. But I can’t get his words out of my mind, because they’re a reminder of an important truth – every “ordinary” person has an extraordinary capacity to stand up for rights, dignity and justice. You’ve done just that by signing up for Write for Rights this year. Your voice has power and you’ve made a choice to use it. I think that is extraordinary. So, when you put pen to paper in the coming weeks, I hope you remember that you’re part of something bigger than you, me or Albert – you’re part of a millions-strong global movement. In Bermuda, Amnesty activists will be rallying in front of City Hall to call for the release of Prisoners of Conscience and for human rights defenders to be able to do their work safely and without harrassment. Activists from Amnesty International Chile will take to the streets to dance and to cycle for rights. At Guinea’s National assembly, Amnesty members will encourage Members of Parliament to Write for Rights. The Amnesty office in the Netherlands will host a 24 hour letter writing marathon, skyping with different Amnesty groups around the world throughout the night. Here in the United States, more than 200 people will take part in different events on December 10 alone. I am inspired and humbled to be part of this unstoppable force for human rights change, and I’m so grateful that you’ve decided to be part of it with me. Together, the voices of the global Amnesty movement wield extraordinary power – power that we already saw at work this week when Cambodian Prisoner of Conscience Yorm Bopha was released on bail after her appeal hearing. Our work isn’t done for Yorm Bopha or any of the other individuals at risk featured in this year’s Write for Rights, but it’s this kind of momentum that keeps me going, even when the human rights challenges around the world seem insurmountable. Thanks for being part of this with me. In Solidarity, Jasmine Heiss Individuals and Communities at Risk Campaigner Amnesty International USA P.S - Write for Rights is a chance to take action on urgent cases and connect with your own community. If you decide that you want to join a public event in your city check out our Write for Rights map to RSVP. Don’t see anything? Invite some friends or family over and host your own event! © 2013 Amnesty International USA | 5 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001 | 212.807.8400     