Your Annual Group Assessment Fee
All Amnesty groups are asked to make a minimum annual contribution of $50 to AIUSA to help cover the cost of training, resource materials and other support you receive throughout the year. See below for FAQ’s and fundraising ideas and print out the Assessment Fee Submission Form (PDF).
Why is there a group assessment fee?
AIUSA provides support and resources to groups to strengthen their human rights activism. This comes in many forms, including the Activist Toolkit, Basic Field Manual, Membership Video, trainings and other support. These resources all cost money, and your contribution directly helps cover these costs. At the 2005 Annual General Meeting, Amnesty members submitted and passed a resolution (a decision) that set a suggested minimum annual contribution of $50 per group.
How can our group raise funds to cover this fee?
Fundraising is an essential skill for all Amnesty groups. If your group is new, or is new to fundraising – check out How to Raise Funds: The Basics.
5 fundraising ideas:
- Student groups - Your school may have an activity budget that helps fund the activities of student groups and campus associations. Check with your student council or school administration.
- Sell fair trade products - A simple way to raise money, while helping low-income farmers around the globe. Order direct from Equal Exchange at 1-774-776-7333 or www.equalexchange.com/fundraiser.
- Social network - Ask your family, friends, co-workers and teachers to donate any amount of money. Remember, money does not have to come from only one person.
- Bake sales - Sell baked goods donated by local bakeries, grocery stores, group members, family and friends. Social and school events are great places to set up bake sales.
A-Thons - Write-a-thons, sports-a-thons, dance-a-thons, etc. can be extremely profitable. You can ask for a block pledge ($10 for the event) or agree to have a certain number of letters, dance a certain number of hours, etc. and ask for payment up-front. Include a speaker or show a human rights-related movie during a write-a-thon.
Can we give more than $50?
While $50 is the minimum requested contribution – if your group has the capacity to raise additional funds, that’s excellent!
What if we can’t pay?
If you need ideas or are having trouble raising money contact your Field Organizer for support at (toll free) 1-866-A-REGION.
How often do we pay the fee?
Student AND local groups should contribute one time per year, and should submit their fee by March 15th, 2010.
How do we send in the fee?
Please complete the Assessment Fee Submission Form (PDF) and mail it to the appropriate address (listed on the form), along with your check or money order made payable to Amnesty International USA. All groups should submit their payment by March 15th, 2010.
