What is the AGM
Overview
About Providence
Accessibility
AGM Site & Hotel Information
Alternative Housing
Smart Travel Options
AIUSA Resolutions & Eligibility for Voting
Pre-registration Form
Schedule of Events
The AGM 2000 A-Z GUIDE
SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
AGM Service Project
Student Activist Participation
Visions for Growth
AGM Panels
Ideas Fair
AGM WaterFire Action
"JUST FACTS" The AGM 2000 A-Z GUIDE
AGM OFFICE (Blackstone Room, 3rd Floor)A place to make copies, process document, watch AI program videos, and look for lost things or people. AGM Resource hours are Friday 9 am - 9 pm; Saturday, 9 am - 8 pm; and Sunday 9 am - 2 pm.
AGM PLANNING COMMITTEE
A group of AIUSA volunteers and staff that plan AGM program and logistics with support from local group members and the AIUSA Women's HR Program and Steering Committee. Reachable (when not planning) at {aiusa-agm@aiusa.org} or through the National Office (AIUSA-AGM, 322 Eighth Ave, NY, NY 10001.)
AGM SERVICE PROJECT
An opportunity for pre-registered AGM guests to volunteer with a community organization or an area school, connecting our work as HR activists with the community based HR work of our partner organizations and/or schools. Prior to the experience, participants will learn about how the work of community partners relates to the international human rights framework. After the experience, participants will reflect on the day and share their ideas on how they can strengthen activism by combining education with hands-on experience
UPDATE:
Placements have not yet been finalized as some of our community partners are trying to sort out the best fit. This process should be completed very shortly but we need to be sensitive to the constraints facing our community partners. Placements will vary among schools and community agencies that address a number of human rights issues. We need to identify a few participants who would be able to start their service project at 9:00 am on Friday morning March 10. If you'll be in Providence early, please let us know. Otherwise, you will receive your placement no later than the week of the AGM.
For those not starting at 9:00 am, there will be a meeting in the Narragansett Ballroom A at 9:30 a.m. at the Westin. During this meeting, we will discuss why and how this project fits into our work, we will review the goals of service learning, and we will identify some questions that we will answer during the evening reflection meeting at AS220 (115 Empire Street, off-site).
Should you have any questions or concerns from this point in, please contact Karen Robinson at krobinso@aiusa.org or 212-633-4270.
AGM SUBSIDY RAFFLE
A fundraiser for volunteer subsidies to AGM 2001 in Nashville. Tickets are $1 and are available in the Group Sales (Executive Board Room, 3rd Floor) or through an AGM Planning Committee Member. Prizes, courtesy of Eddie Bauer: Grand Prize: Crosswind Rolling Carry-On and Flight Bag, First Prize: several prizes, including Gear Guide Bag, Gear Document Bag, or Gear Briefcase; Second Prize: several prizes, Eddie Bauer logo baseball caps. Prizes will be picked and announced at the Closing Plenary.
ALTERNATIVE HOUSING
While we encourage everyone to stay at the Westin (double and triple up if you have to - but that's where all the fun will be!), there are several alternative hotels that are nearby and available: The Holiday Inn (401-831-3900 Reservations: ext. 277) which is close Federal Hill and Little Italy; Motel 6 (401-467-9800) in Warwick which is ten minutes away; and the Days Hotel on the Harbor (401-272-5577) which is accessible by free shuttle. Pre-registered students should call the AGM Planning Office to arrange housing with a Brown University student no later than Monday, March 9, 2000.
AS220
Art Space or Alternative Space 220
(115 Empire Street) is a popular local forum and home for the arts. Its mission is to provide an open and permanent venue for artists of all diversity. With an eclectic gallery, original performance art, and coffee bar, it also serves as a networking and community-building center.
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
The Westin Hotel is 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle from the Providence T.F. Green Airport. Upon your arrival, follow signs towards "Baggage Claim" and "Ground Transportation." An airport shuttle to the Westin Hotel (telephone: 401-737-2868) will cost approximately US $ 9.00, leaving every hour on the hour between 5:00 - 23:00. Taxis (telephone: 401-846-2500) will cost approximately US $ 20.00 (not including tips) and are located outside the baggage claim area. Shuttles and taxis returning to the airport can be scheduled with the hotel staff.
BENEFIT STREET AND THE HISTORIC DISTRICT
A great place to relax and take in the historic charm of Providence. Walk through tree-lined streets with picturesque gaslights, sublime Colonial, Federal, and Victorian architecture, and four centuries of history. Accessible by a short walk, by trolley, or taxi. Please ask the hotel concierge for directions.
COPIES
Photocopies are available in the AGM Offie during AGM Resource Hours (see AGM Office) or at nearby Kinko's on 160 Westminster Street (ask hotel concierge for directions).
DEFENDER
A remarkable activist working to prevent widespread human rights abuses in the pursuit of social justice.
DELIVERIES AND PRE-DELIVERED PACKAGES
Packages may be delivered to the Westin Hotel two working days prior to the first date of the AGM (March 7). Packages or materials of excessive weight or value must be approved for receipt by the hotel prior to shipping. Receiving hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All following information must be included on every package to ensure proper delivery:
c/o Karen Grabowski, Convention Services, The Westin Providence, One West Exchange Street Providence, RI 02903, Hold for: ______________, Amnesty International USA, Dates of Meeting: March 9-12, 2000.
Packages sent directly to the hotel can be requested in the AGM Office (Blackstone, 3rd Floor).
DISABILITY ACCESS AT THE WESTIN HOTEL
The Westin Providence Hotel is in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA). The hotel has complied with all applicable regulations and guidelines of the ADA and agrees to provide auxiliary aids and services as provided for under the provisions of ADA whenever such services are required.
EVALUATION FORM
Click here to send the AGM Planning Committee an evaluation of AGM 2000.
FEDERAL HILL
Vibrant and relaxed "Little Italy" section of Providence with both inexpensive and fancy dining, shopping, and places to decompress within close walking distance of the Westin Hotel. Ask hotel concierge for directions.
GETTING THERE ON WHEELS
Bisected by Interstates 95 and 195, Providence is strategically located 396 miles from DC, 185 miles from New York City, and just 45 minutes from Boston. Bus companies with service to Providence include Bonanza Bus Service (800) 556-3815 and Greyhound Lines (800) 231-2222.
GINETTA SAGAN FUND AWARD
The annual Ginetta Sagan Fund award, named after the Honorary Chair of AIUSA, recognizes and assists women doing effective work to protect the dignity, liberties, and lives of women and children in regions where abuse of human rights is widespread.
GROUP SALES AND PUBLICATIONS HOURS (Executive Board Room, 3rd Floor)
Purchase special merchandise, a publication you've been looking for, or a souvenir from the AGM. Vending is open to pre-registered groups only and not individual sales. Groups interested, contact Bonne Knipfer at the Northeast Regional Office, (617) 623-0202, bknipfer@aiusa.org. Hours are as posted.
| Friday, March 10, 2000 | |
| 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Group Sales Registration and Installation |
| 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Open for Sales |
| 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Closed for WaterFire Action |
| 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Open for Sales |
Saturday, March 11, 2000 | |
| 9:30 am - 1:30 pm | Open for Sales |
| 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Lunch Break: Closed |
| 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Open for Sales |
Sunday, March 12, 2000 | |
| 9:30 am - 3:00 pm | Open for Sales |
| 3:00 pm | Remove Items from Group Sales |
IDEAS FAIR
A standing exhibit of displays submitted by AIUSA local and campus chapters, individual AI activists, task forces and steering committees, and staff. A designated "Ideas Computer" will be available during AGM operating hours for access to the Amnesty web site {http://www.amnestyusa.org}, spontaneous idea sharing, and trainings about web activism.
INFORMATION TABLE
A place to ask questions, pick up updates, and post messages located in the hotel lobby near the Registration Desk. You cannot get registration packets here.
INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
Members or "section" representatives of Amnesty International from other countries, the International Secretariat (IS), or the International Executive Committee (IEC).
LAGER LIBERDADE
Amnesty International was founded nearly 40 years ago when Peter Benenson drew inspiration from a group of Portuguese students raising a toast to Freedom only to be imprisoned for simply expressing this basic right. Union Station Brewery, across from the Westin Hotel, will offer a specially created Amnesty International microbrew, Lager Liberdade, in honor of the AI movement and the AGM. Union Station Brewery will donate $.25 for each pint sold of Lager Liberdade to AIUSA and provide information about Amnesty. All proceeds raised from Lager Liberdade will go towards developing the work of AIUSA Providence Local Group 49. So… those of you of age - Cheers!
PANELS
Explorative presentations from distinguished guest speakers on a variety of topics related to both the AGM focus on women's human rights as well as AI's ongoing work to stop international human rights abuses.
PARKING
Available at the Rhode Island Convention Center Garage attached to the Westin Hotel (approach via West Exchange Street). Rates, subject to change, are $10 for parking up to 10 hours and $15 for overnight guest parking with in/out privileges.
REGISTRATION DESK
Pick up registration totes with the AGM program guide, Providence restaurant and entertainment information, meal tickets (for pre-registered guests), voting cards, resolutions and Visions for Growth documents, and updated flyers. Also for on-site, speaker and panelist registration. Please ask general, non-registration questions at the Information Table.
RESOLUTIONS
A means by which AIUSA members have the power to affect policy decision-making at regional, national and international levels. Resolutions topics and backgrounds are available to members via the Amnesty web site and in the Monthly Mailing before the AGM. Copies will also be in pre-registration packets at the AGM. Individual members and/or representatives from local/campus groups are eligible to vote if membership dues have been paid or a dues waiver has been completed between Jan. 1, 1999 and March 1, 2000. Group members will receive an authorization form in the Monthly Mailing printed on AIUSA stationery. This form must be submitted at the Registration Desk for a voting card. Current individual members must also request a voting card at registration in order to vote. Trainings on the resolutions process and resolution writing will be available by request at the Ideas Fair display, and a revised resolution process round table is scheduled for Sunday morning to discuss the current process. New and old AGM attendees are encouraged to attend Working Parties and the Resolutions Plenary to see how resolutions from the regional conferences are dynamically worked through, discussed, passed or defeated, although only current members will be eligible to vote.
ROUND TABLES
Informal discussions with other AGM attendees and staff on topics chosen by AIUSA members. Will be held over breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. TOPICS: Saturday- Saudi Arabia Campaign, Motivation and Care of AI Activists, New AGM Attendees, Improving Communication and Coordination Between AI Groups, Youth Violence in Schools and HRE, Tibet, the Death Penalty Moratorium, Sanctions and Human Rights, and Visions for Growth. Sunday- School of the Americas, the Revised Resolutions Process, Amnesty's Web Presence, Student/Local Group Activism-- Is it Working?, Police Brutality, Increasing Diversity in AI's Membership, and Working with Multinational Corporations.
SECURITY
Although Providence is generally a peaceful and safe city, please use precautions when travelling alone or to areas off site. Travel in groups and let people know where you will be going.
SPECIAL INITIATIVES FUND
One of the great secrets of AIUSA is the availability of funds (up to $4,000) for YOUR special project. On Saturday, Rick Roth, a member of Group #133, Somerville, MA will speak briefly on how to access this fund from the perspective of a project originator and fund recipient. For further information contact Bonny Rhoads, c/o AIUSA Membership Mobilization Office, phone: 312-922-6300 or email: brhoads@aiusa.org
STUDENT ACTIVIST "CREATE SPACE"
The Create Space (WaterPlace I & II, 2nd Floor) will be open for students as a resource studio to gather information, with scheduled opportunities to meet the Board Chair, Executive Director, volunteer leaders, and program staff. Information will be available about the roles and responsibilities of Student Area Coordinators (SAC's) and opportunities of the Patrick Stewart Scholarship. The Create Space will provide opportunities for students to participate in the HR and the Environment "Pipeline Action" and a card action in conjunction with the National Week of Student Action. In preparation for the AI 40th anniversary, students will be provided materials to compile, by magnetic poetry, a message that they can pass on for the campaign.
STUDENT ACTIVIST NIGHT AT AS220 (115 Empire Street)
This student caucus after-party will be held immediately following the caucus Friday evening from 10 pm - 12:30 am. It will be an opportunity for activists to relax, network, and organize with other young activists in Providence to help build a strong human rights culture among local and regional youth. The event will be held at a popular local forum and non-profit home for the arts. It will feature original music and dance by area performers and a chance to step up to the "activist mike" to let student activists describe how they are contributing to stop human rights abuses. Special guest defender Najat Bouda of Algeria will be on hand to provide an international perspective. Entertainment provided by hip-hop breakdancers from Rock Steady and juzz/funk fusion band Uncle Sammy.
TELEPHONE/FAX AND TELEPHONE MESSAGES
The AGM Office's phone number will be 401-598-8264. Westin Hotel guest can be reached directly at 401-598-8000 and at fax number 401-598-8200. Guests staying at the Westin should have calls or faxes directed to their rooms. General telephone messages can be placed by 1) calling the Westin, 2) identifying the person to be connected as a Westin Hotel Guest or AGM Guest (by which a connection will be made to the AGM Planning Office in the Blackstone Room.) Messages will be posted on a message board near the AGM Information Desk on the 1st Floor.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to the airport can be scheduled through the hotel. To visit other places in Providence, ask the hotel concierge for more information about taxis, trolleys, and buses. The new trolley system Providence Link costs $.50 per trip and operates 9am - 9pm Fridays and Saturdays with locations to Federal Hill and historic areas. It is not possible to hail a cab on the street, so please carry a taxi number with you, such as the Rainbow Cab Company (401) 849-1333 or Best Taxi at (401) 781-0706.
VISIONS FOR GROWTH (VFG)
A draft strategic 10-Year plan for AIUSA introduced at Regional Conferences and revised with comments solicited from members and staff. The revised draft will be posted the week of Feb 21 on the AIUSA web site. A substantive resolution for AGM discussion has been prepared to replace the "placeholder" resolution passed at regional conferences. Hard copies will be available in the AGM pre-registration packet and at the Ideas Fair. Copies also available through the Board Office (212) 807-8400.
VOLUNTEERING
If you are interested in volunteering at the AGM, please contact Planning Committee Member Jennifer Gallas at email: pew117@aol.com or phone: 309 692-5762 before the AGM or stop by the AGM Information Table. Thanks for your help!!
VOTING CARDS
Necessary to vote in Working Parties or the Resolutions Plenary. Available to current members (see Resolutions) at the registration desk.
WATERFIRE A multi-media public art installation created by artist Barnaby Evans that sets the water of the Providence River ablaze with ritual bonfire after sunset. Best viewing times will be after the Welcoming Plenary when the fires and music are at peak levels. Made possible by Reebok Human Rights Foundation.
WICKENDEN STREET
Find amazing antiques, visit eclectic stores, sip the perfect coffee, or hang out at a lively pub (21 years or older). A short cab ride away from the Westin. Please ask hotel concierge for directions.
WORKING PARTIES
Opportunities to discuss resolutions passed at regional conferences, modify their content, and draft new resolutions (important for deliberation in this resolution cycle) before the Resolutions Plenary. Includes a brief resolutions process overview.
