Planning for June 26, the U.N. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Mona Cadena will be available online to answer questions related to organizing your June 26th event. Be sure to stop by and post a question or see what questions others are asking who are planning events.
Featured Guest: Mona CadenaFrom our featured guest: "I look forward to answering your questions!"
Question Submitted by Jackie Barshak:
Hi Mona, What are other groups doing around the country in their planning for June 26th?
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Jackie,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events being planned at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
I took a quick look at the list and groups are organizing events of all sizes and types: there are demonstrations, vigils, panel discussions, teach-in’s, tabling at local festivals, I even saw a dance event. The sky is the limit – if you can organize it, then it can be done!
If you are having trouble thinking of what to do, feel free to call your regional office and chat with the staff for more ideas. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
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Question Submitted by Nicole:
Dear Ms. Cadena, Thank you for your time and effort. I live in a small rural community that doesn't seem to be very concerned about this issue. How may I fire them up, how to get uninformed folks willingly involved? Most around here don't use computers. Not giving up, Nicole
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Nicole,
Great question. It seems that your first step is providing information to the folks in your area about what torture is and why it is so important for individuals across the USA to take action.
One great way to inform people about the insidiousness of torture is to highlight the issue of torture through everyday channels:
1. Consider writing a letter to the editor responding to relevant stories in the newspaper. The June 26 organizing guide has information about writing letters to the editor.
2. Start thinking about where folks gather, like a local coffee shop, diner, library, school, and use these spots as opportunities to educate. Here are some things to try:
Set up a table with petitions and information. Amnesty International’s website has a host of information about the issue of torture and how it affects countries, governments, and individuals.
Consider working with your local library, bookstore or community college to host a display or photo exhibit during one week or month. Perhaps they would be willing to feature books about torture and human rights. For a list of possible books, email the Denounce Torture Initiative at dtorture@aiusa.org and you will receive a list of books.
3. By the end of this week you will be able to sign up for a Special Education Week focusing on torture that will happen before June 26. During this week you will receive resources and activities you can use to start educating those around you. You can also count on opportunities for individuals to take action on and off line. Be sure to check back in a few days.
4. The AI website has many great resources for you to print out and distribute:
Sometimes the most compelling stories feature individuals imprisoned as Prisoners of Conscience (POC’s). You can check out some current POC’s and their stories at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/urgent/actions.do
Good luck - please contact us at dtorture@aiusa.org if you have more questions.
Mona
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Question Submitted by Jill:
Since we want, not only members, but all Americans who oppose torture to show up, what will Amnesty do to publicise this day beyond AI members?
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Jill,
Amnesty International is reaching out to faith communities to other national and local human rights organizations and other groups working to address torture and ill treatment in the contest of the war on terror.
The website is public and each event registered is posted. Anyone who visits the website will be able to see this information.
Most importantly, we are looking to individuals, such as yourself, to outreach to individuals and groups in your own city or town. Believe it or not, but you are one of the best ambassadors Amnesty International has, your personal relationships and interest in the issue can be infectious – don’t be afraid to be passionate about human rights.
The website also has good tips for reaching out to different communities, specifically, there is a special interfaith supplement on website.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/june26_interfaith_guide.pdf
Mona
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Question Submitted by Walter:
If anything is being done in the Monterey Bay or Santa Cruz area, I'd like to participate. Anything up? Thanks.
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Walter,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
Mona
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Question Submitted by Jeffrey:
1. I am online member but not a dues paying member. Can I put down on the application that the organization I represent is AI? I don't want to say I represent the organization if I don't. 2. Thought the focus will be on torture and Iraq, I am in a very conservative region. Is there bumper stickers, posters and signs that say "end torture" or such instead of the "Iraq" signs I found on the website.
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Jeffrey,
1. At Amnesty International, we value all types of activists and members. Human rights work happens from the playground to the computer desk and you should be proud of your commitment. If you are organizing the event using Amnesty International guidelines and actions, you can say that you are representing AI.
You might also consider contacting your regional office to see if there are other Amnesty International activists in your area to coordinate your event with. Many of our activists are well briefed on the issue of torture and can be a great addition to your event. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
It would be remiss of me to note that becoming a member of Amnesty International is easy and allows you access to the members section of the website, an opportunity to vote for the Board of Directors and participate in policy decisions at business meetings. You can become a member online at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/join/
2. Additional resources are being developed and unfortunately they won’t be ready in time for June 26. In the organizing guide there are suggested slogans that do not highlight Iraq, but still focus on torture. You might consider making your own stickers using these slogans.
good luck! Mona
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Question Submitted by bill:
are there any events scheduled for washington, d.c.?
Mona Cadena answers:
hi Bill,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
good luck, Mona
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Question Submitted by Glenn:
Where will the demonstration be heald in the California Bay Area?
Mona Cadena answers:
hi Glenn,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
good luck, Mona
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Question Submitted by Babette:
Is anything planned yet in Milwaukee? I have a few University students that I can coordinate with if some thing is planned that we could help with. Also what type of event are you looking for? I assume you want it to focus on the recent report and on US detention camps and their violations, some of which could be classified as torture (I am assuming here, I haven't read the whole report yet.)
Mona Cadena answers:
hi Babette,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
The focus for June 26 is for vigils and/or commemorative demonstrations related to torture and ill-treatment in relation to the War on Terror. You may focus on any aspect of torture under this aegis.
For some guidance on issues and focus, please see the key messages and talking points in the June 26 organizing guide at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/organizingguideb.pdf
bonne chance - Mona
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Question Submitted by Madelyn Morales:
People are talking about shutting down Gitmo, but how about Abu Ghraib, and all the other prisons in Iraq, Afghanistan and who knows where else, where people are brutalized and worse? And now they want to build death chamber, was it at Gitmo or Abu Ghraib?
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Madelyn,
Amnesty International has a 12 point program for the prevention of torture and ill treatment by agents of the state. This program includes demands such as:
ensuring access to prisoners, condeming torture and ill-treatment, eliminating secret detention, etc. To view the program, please see: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/document.do?id=B10C72B4FFC25C7180256FEA00424B4F
Mona
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Question Submitted by Alfonso:
Isn't stalking, harassment, psychological warfare, and defamation a sophisticated form of TORTURE ? Please elaborate, thanks.
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Alfonso,
Torture can be defined as "any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person." This includes torturing someone to obtain information or a confession, to punish, intimidate or coerce, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind.
You should take the "torture test" on the website, once you take it, you will be connected to case studies and other resources related to the issue.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/torturetest/
good luck - Mona
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Question Submitted by Alfonso:
I live in west Broward County, is there anything going on here ? Please let me know, thanks.
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Alfonso,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
Good luck - Mona
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Question Submitted by Sterling:
I'm not particularly immense at organizing things, but I would like to take part in any action planned in Tucson, AZ. Do you know of anything?
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Sterling,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
thanks for asking, Mona
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Question Submitted by Julio Soto:
I am an activist and lobbyst aginst the torture. I survived the torture in Cuba. Cuente conmigo para trabajar. Gracias. Estoy en New Jersey.
Mona Cadena answers:
hi Julio,
Thank you for your commitment to human rights and willingness to share your story. It is an honor for me to know I am working in solidarity with you.
If you are willing to speak to Amnesty International groups in your area about your work and experiences, please contact the Northeast regional office toll free at: 1.866.273.4466
Mona
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Question Submitted by Katie:
How can I get in contact with other Amnesty International members who might be in my area to organize a protest/meeting group?
Mona Cadena answers:
hi Katie,
Groups and individuals who are planning events are registering their plans on the AIUSA website. You can see all the events listed at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/events.html
If there is not an event listed in your area yet, call your regional office and ask to be connected to other activists signed up for June 26 in your area. You will automatically be connected to your regional office if you dial: 1.866.273.4466
If you still can’t find one, its not too late to organize your own event.
Mona
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Question Submitted by LarryE:
Looks as though, Amnesty UW & Group 4 Seattle, will pull-off a fine vigil type of event (here in Seattle at UW campus). Any suggestions re: simple ways to focus questions away from the distracting "Gulag comparison" and back to the real human rights facts (in case media actually do appear, and primarily do ask "Gulag comparison" questions, before vanishing into the nightly news)?
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Larry,
Glad to hear Seattle will be representing on June 26!
Be sure to register your event at:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/event_form.html
When responding to these types of questions, be sure to point out that no one has been able to successfully challenge the facts in any of AI's reporting. Instead of addressing the abuses, the Administration and its supporters have resorted to what so many other governments do when confronted with the evidence: they challenge our motivations or those of victims/survivors who supply information, question our impartiality, attempt to deny the facts, pin blame somewhere else, or otherwise do whatever they can to avoid confronting the real issues.
This is about torture, and torture is never hyperbole.
If you want to see all the press coverage related to the annual report release, including some transcripts, see:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/annualreport/newsupdate.html
You can also see a compilation of what is being said outside of Amnesty International:
http://www.amnestyusa.org/annualreport/quotes.html
If you still have questions, give me a call and we can chat!
Mona
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Question Submitted by David:
I'm the coordinator for Chicago Group 113, and our next meeting is tomorrow. I wanted to bring a sample Op Ed letter to the meeting and invite members to each write their own letter to submit to the newspapers. I remember seeing a link to the amnesty site or an email recently that had suggested points for an Op Ed on this subject, but i can't find it now. Could you tell me where that information is so i can write up a sample letter tomorrow afternoon? Thanks!
Mona Cadena answers:
hi David,
In the organizing guide there is a set of talking points and key mesages that you should use to draft an Op Ed. They can be found on page 7. Some tips for drafting Op Eds are also on page 11.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/organizingguideb.pdf
if you still have questions, email us at dtorture@aiusa.org
Mona
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Question Submitted by CARROL:
Some towns require not only a "permit" but also proof of liability insurance in order to get permission to use a public park for a vigil or demonstration. > Could you please tell us what needs to be done to access Amnesty's service in covering groups for this purpose.
Mona Cadena answers:
Hi Carrol,
Thanks for this question! Amnesty does have insurance. You will need to contact the office administrator in your region who will be able to help you get the documentation you need. If you know you need this information, please contact the office as soon as you can, it does take some time to get the material. Carrol, since you are in the west, send kathy Brown an email at kbrown@aiusa.org and she can help you.
If you don't know who your office administrator is, simply call the regional office toll free at 1.866.273.4466
Mona
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