Midwestern Regional Conference 2007 - Highlights
Over 300 human rights and social justice activists from the Midwest region, a record for a non-Chicago host city, attended the "Hope and Justice for All" 2007 Midwest Regional Conference, which took place in Omaha, NE, November 2-3. Speakers on the plenary panels (Death Penalty: Onwards to Abolition, Justice for Genocide, and Justice for Child Soldiers) provided conference attendees with thought provoking information as well as inspiration to continue fighting for human rights; and fifteen workshops and special sessions offered several opportunities for activists to build/enhance their skills, as well as opportunities to engage in dialogue and action.
During the Saturday night dinner, five inaugural awards were presented to activists in the categories of Outstanding Student Group (Columbia College, Chicago), Outstanding Local Group (St. Louis), Outstanding State Leadership Team (Kansas), Most creative event/action (Reggae for Women's Rights), and Spirit of Human Rights (Outstanding Individual Activist, Tarah Demant).
MWRO FO Amanda Flott was also honored by members of Standing Rock Sioux Nation with a Star Quilt, the second highest honor they bestow, for her work in solidarity with the women and children of Standing Rock through the Maze of Injustice report. In an unbelievably moving ceremony, she was wrapped in the quilt while everyone in attendance came to offer their words of honor and congratulations, all accompanied by Lakota drums and singing. The evening closed with a showing of the new AIUSA video, Justice without Borders.
Breakfasts were hosted by the Board of Directors on Saturday and the Regional Planning Group on Sunday.
Fair trade store Blue Summit, sales buoyed by conference attendees, donated 10% of their entire weekend sales to Amnesty International. A drive for personal care products and children's toys for the Pretty Bird Woman House on Standing Rock Reservation filled the donations box six times over.
In the days leading up to the conference, Dori Dinsmore, the Midwest Regional Director participated in an editorial board meeting with the Omaha World-Herald on the death penalty and other human rights issues. The paper also ran an article about the conference the Thursday before hand. Several community newspapers and newsletters ran articles about the conference as well, helping to ensure substantial local interest in the conference. Several (Republican) US Representatives in Nebraska with interests in particular angles of human rights work (such as trafficking and child soldiers) were also identified with whom MWRO staff hope to further develop relationships in the coming year.
 Curt Goering AIUSA's Deputy Executive Director |
 Iowa activist Sherry Hutchison |
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 Student Group Caucus |
 Jesus Tecu Osorio |
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 Jesus Tecu |
 Jesus Tecu speaking after the movie. |
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 Outstanding Volunteer of the year |
 Justice for Child Soldiers |
 Justice for Genocide plenary |
 Amanda's ceremony |
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 Minnesota volunteers |
