2008 Midwest Leadership Training

In early August, about twenty activist leaders from around the Midwest gathered in Chicago for a weekend training designed for Amnesty International Statewide Volunteer leaders. Most of the member-activists attending the training were Student Area Coordinators (SAC) and Area Coordinators (AC). Newly appointed volunteer leaders initially experienced an intense training to prepare participants for their new roles as leaders. A select team of Amnesty International USA staff field organizers representing 4 of the regional offices augmented the Midwest Regional Office staff to conduct the three hour session. Oak Park local group coordinator Russ Conte graciously volunteered his time and documented the training on video for use of AIUSA staff trainers.

Attendees learned about Amnesty International USA's priorities, and committed to building a strong attendance by members at the St Louis Midwest Regional Conference.

Frequently the Midwest Regional Office offers training to activists. The leadership training was a typical Amnesty training combining mini-lectures, inspirational pep speeches, and experiential learning exercises.

By the end of the weekend, trainees were well versed in the Midwest Regional Office's CORE vision for leadership. CORE is the concept that all Amnesty International USA volunteer leaders should be Collaborators, Organizers, Representatives of AIUSA, and Educators to the pubic and members about Human Rights.

Every spring the Midwest Regional Office kicks off its annual drive for volunteer leaders, however, frequently vacancies occur throughout the year. For more information about MWRO volunteer opportunities follow this link.

photos are courtesey of Robert Schultz, MW Field Organizer

Amnesty training offer the opportunity for activists with various levels of experience to learn from each other.	Small group discussion is a popular Amnesty training method.
Field organizers prepare for the training.	Participants take part in an experiential learning exercise.