A new initiative is being launched next month – Amnesty South West England Network. This aims to enhance human rights activism and awareness across South West England, encompassing both national and global issues. Local groups have been at the heart of Amnesty International UK from its inception and have been a vital part of its activism. Unfortunately, the number of local groups has declined gradually, leaving parts of the country without a means to connect with others and participate in campaigning. The Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch group is now the only local group left in Dorset.
What are the benefits of being part of the network?
- Being more informed about human rights issues
- Meeting and working with people who also care about these issues
- Gaining support for issues you already work on and care about
- Feeling you can help to make a difference
Similar initiatives have already been successfully launched in Kent and Central England, primarily online, enabling potential activists to meet, listen to speakers, plan regional campaigns, and coordinate location-specific actions. As well as existing Amnesty members, these networks aim to attract people who may not be Amnesty members but who are interested in human rights issues and/or may not have the time or inclination to join traditional local groups or come to meetings. Networks are a response to societal and lifestyle changes, making it easier for more people to participate in a movement for positive change.
Amnesty South West England Network isn’t going to replace local groups. Apart from our group, there are currently twelve other Amnesty Local Groups across the South West. The network should enhance local groups as a way of publicising our campaigns and events. In both Kent and the Central Midlands, it has led to the establishment of new groups.
