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.
How will the Network work?
You will receive a regular newsletter listing activities that you might like to support, such as online speaker events, street stalls, campaigns, protests, and fundraisers. A core team of people will coordinate activities, local groups will contribute information about their activities, and some individuals will take on roles in their own areas, such as linking with the local MP or local organisations.
One aim of the Network is to have a representative in every Parliamentary Constituency – there are thirty-six across the South West. Advocacy with Members of Parliament has been a crucial part of campaigning over the years. Making them aware of human rights abuses at home and internationally; highlighting campaign concerns and asking for their support; asking them to take action – such as raising an issue with a minister, signing an Early-Day motion.
But Members of Parliament only respond to communication from their constituents. The Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch group isn’t currently able to call on anyone in the two Poole constituencies – both with new, progressive MPs – when we do advocacy work (do let us know if you live in Poole and would like to help).
What commitments would I have to make?
You can choose the level of involvement that works for you, which could range from just receiving the newsletter or joining an occasional online talk to helping to organise events as a member of the core team.
What Happens Now?
South West England Network will launch on Thursday, 14th October, 7.30, with a Webinar.
Luiz Aberbuj from Breaking the Silence will expose the reality of life for Palestinians in the West Bank. Founded in March 2004, Breaking the Silence is an organisation of veteran soldiers who have served in the Israeli military since the start of the Second Intifada and have taken it upon themselves to expose the Israeli public to the reality of the horrendous conditions faced by the Palestinians in the West Bank. They endeavour to stimulate public debate in Israel about this and, through their work, aim to bring an end to the occupation.
Go to Eventbrite to find out more about the Webinar, or get tickets (it’s free). Breaking the Silence: Disillusioned Israeli soldiers speak out.
How do I find out more about the South West England Network?
Send an email to aswenetwork21@gmail.com. It would be helpful if you could give us the following information:
- Name
- Area/ town where you live
- Level of involvement you would like to offer, ie (1) receive information only, (2) join activities on an occasional basis, (3) become involved in organising activities
- Any areas of activism you are already involved in
- Suggestion for issues you would like to see the network work on
