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
Considered a Renaissance city, Providence is centrally located along the "Northeast corridor." It is quaintly historic with the conveniences of a newly developed, yet small-scale downtown area. The Rhode Island's state house, Providence's town hall and its monumental colonial-style courthouse are each within eyesight and walking distance of the Westin Hotel, the AGM meeting site. Brown University and RISD among other local colleges and universities are also within walking distance. Benefit Street near Brown is the most well preserved, historically landmarked area in the US. There are several good locations for a Board retreat and special functions. Within walking distance is a vibrant and extensive "Little Italy" with restaurants and shops ranging from low-end take-outs to upscale dining. The waters around the revitalized riverfront take on a pagan purity, as the fires of 80 braziers reflect across the waves, and woodsmoke and music fill the air. For a touch of Venice, take a weekend gondola ride along the Providence River.
Accessibility
Providence is greatly accessible by air, train, bus, and car. The small but efficient airport is newly renovated and offers many national carriers with fares ranging from DC ($100) - San Francisco ($400). There are 104 arrivals and departures daily with direct flights from major cities. With the introduction of Southwest, other carriers have been lowering prices to and many Bostonians are now flying into Providence as a less expensive option. The US Dept of Transportation recently reported that the Providence airport is the least expensive in the country. Airport shuttles are $9 one way; taxis run $24 but can be shared and the trip takes 15-20 minutes.
Train fare from Boston to Providence is very low-- currently $12 and Amtrak is introducing by 2000 a high speed bullet train from DC to Boston with a stop in Providence. The train station and Greyhound Station are within safe walking distance of the hotel, which is clearly visible when exiting either station. Providence is a few hours by car from New England and Mid-Atlantic States. Members from the Canadian will also be invited.
DISABILITY ACCESS AT THE WESTIN HOTEL
The Westin 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. Please specify with your registration if you are in need of assistance or will need a disability-compatible room.
AGM Site & Hotel info
The Westin, Providence's premiere hotel, has reduced its regular rates in support of Amnesty International's work and its members. The hotel has very comfortable guestrooms and good, well lit and ventilated plenary and meeting space. The staff is excellent and very attentive. There are two hotel restaurants (one upscale) and two lounge/bars. Parking, adjacent to the hotel is $10 daily for hotel guests w/ in/out privileges. Parking passes are available for sale.
Providence has an impressive array of options for inexpensive dining and shopping located within short walking distance of the hotel in its nearby "Little Italy." 24-Hour copy facilities are around the block from the hotel. Other attractions near or at the hotel: free live music and dancing in the hotel lounge Thur-Sat evenings every weekend provided by the Westin, excellent health club facilities, the RI Culinary Academy, microbreweries, trolley tours, and close proximity to theaters and museums.
The Westin Hotel has greatly reduced its rates in support of AIUSA's Annual General Meeting. Deadline for the Amnesty Group Rate: Friday, February 4, 2000. The rate is not guaranteed for reservations made after this date. Reservations at the Westin must be made by phone: 1-800-WESTIN-1. Please identify yourself as an Amnesty Member with the code "AMNESTY-AGM." Address: West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903. phone: 401.598.8000 fax: 401.598.8200. Room Rates: Single/Double:$115; Triple/Quad:$125
Rates do not include room tax. Reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card or first night's deposit, due within seven days of making the reservation. Should it become necessary to cancel, you must notify the hotel 24 hours prior to the arrival date to avoid penalties. When you make your reservations, please specify any special needs. The hotel is a disability-equipped facility. Check-in time is after 4pm. Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
Parking is available at the Rhode Island Convention Center Garage. The hotel rate is currently $10.00 for self parking (with in/out privileges) and valet. The rate is currently $7.00 for day parking only. These rates are subject to change.
Alternative Housing
There is a Holiday Inn (401-831-3900) close to Little Italy, behind the Westin with Motel 6 (401-467-9800) close by in Warwick which is ten minutes away and the Days Hotel on the Harbour (401-272-5577) accessible by free shuttle. The AGM Planning Committee will be looking into further alternative housing, including opportunities to stay with students of Brown University. Please contact the AGM Office (212-807-8400) for updates. We will post any new information on this website, so keep looking or call Rohini Verma at 212-633-4291 to be put on an Alternative Housing mailing list.
AGM Updates and Reaching the AGM Planning Committee Get updates on programming, speakers, registration, and activities by following articles in the Monthly Mailing and by visiting the AGM web-site at www.amnestyusa.org/events/agm2000. Contact the AGM Assistant at rverma@aiusa.org with questions regarding alternative housing and current AGM infomation. The AGM Planning Office can be reached at 212.807.8400, or by writing to AIUSA-AGM, 322 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001, e-mail: aiusa-agm@aiusa.org
Smart Travel Options
The AGM has negotiated an exclusive contract with Southwest Airlines for a savings of 10% off the published fares, based on availibility. Call Stratton Travel Management at 1-888-387-5438, as early as possible to take advantage of this offer. The AGM is also offering volunteer travel subsidies through the regional offices. Please contact your Regional Office to determine what funding is available and how to apply. Local groups traveling in large numbers might consider carpooling or renting passenger vans. We encourage everyone to seek alternative and creative funding sources, including applying for financial assistance from your local AI group or participating in a fund-raising drive. Sample Fares
