Plugged In: Summer 2008

Tom Morello: Wielding His Guitar as a “Cudgel for Justice”

Fortunately for us Tom Morello has never been shy about sharing his opinion. The idiosyncratic guitar genius for Rage Against the Machine, the Night Watchman, Audioslave and co-founder of the NGO Axis of Justice, recently talked to Plugged In. He had a lot to say about music, growing up and the power of social activism. Read on.

Plugged In Q and A:

Do you think performers should talk about human rights or other "hot button" issues during concerts or stick to the music?

Tom Morello does it. Bono does it. Serj Tankian does it too. Amnesty International has lots of fans in the music biz and they often talk about AI's human rights concerns during their shows. Do you think artists should discuss their causes during concerts?

o Yes
o No

Images against Impunity

More than 10,000 people in 22 countries around the world participated in Amnesty International's Reach out for Kenya on Feb. 27. Read More.

Guantánamo Coming to You

Amnesty International launched its Guantánamo Cell tour in Miami on May 8. The cell, an accurate, life sized replica of an actual Guantánamo cell, is a powerful indictment of six years of failed U.S. policy in the "War on Terror." Visitors will be able to enter the cell to see for themselves the isolated conditions in which detainees are being held and then record and send a message to President Bush telling him to shut Guantánamo down. Next stops include: Philadelphia, May 27-June 2; Portland, Maine, June 4-8; New York State's Hudson River Clearwater Festival, June 21-22 and Washington, D.C. for a big anti-torture rally on June 26, International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The tour continues through the summer. Check AIUSA's website for future dates.

AIUSA's New Generation of Freedom Riders

A new generation of "Freedom Riders" rode the buses to New York on April 11 for "Get On The Bus," a day of human rights activism. Read More.

Attention Student Groups

Don't forget to re-register your group for fall. It’s easy. Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll be able to log in and update your information anytime. Don’t miss out on Urgent Actions and other key information and resources that officially registered groups receive. Be sure to register before June 30 to ensure your group receives the latest 2008-09 materials by early September. Have questions? Contact your regional office (toll free) at 1-866-A-REGION, or e-mail mrc@aiusa.org.
Even if your group is registered for 2007-08, you MUST re-register to remain an official group for 2008-09.

What’s On the Blogs

Check out what other students across the nation did during AIUSA’s National Week of Student Action (NWSA).

ACTIVIST PROFILE
Name: Scott Frost
School: Brandeis University
City, State: Global Citizen (...or Boston)
Local Group: Brandeis
Favorite Dish: Rajmaa and Naan
Favorite Band: Right now - Santogold
Favorite Quote: "The human race is the most stupid and unfair kind of race. A lot of the runners don't even get decent sneakers or clean drinking water. Some runners are born with a massive head start, every possible help along the way and still the referees seem to be on their side. It's not surprising a lot of people have given up competing altogether and gone to sit in the grandstand, eat junk and shout abuse. What the human race needs is a lot more streakers." - Banksy

Calendar of Events

You want involvement? We've got involvement! Check out the calendar below for a complete listing of cool events, deadlines not to be missed, road trips and opportunities for action.

Cell Tour:
May 27-June 2 - Philadelphia
June 4-8 - Portland, Maine

New York State’s Hudson River Clearwater Festival:
June 21-22

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture:
June 26-Join AIUSA on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. as the Guantánamo Cell tour arrives in the nation’s capital. For more information, click here.

2008 REGIONAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Oct. 24-26, St Louis
Oct. 31- Nov. 2, Memphis
Nov. 7-9, Pasadena
Nov. 14 – 16, Boston
Nov. 14 – 16, Harpers Ferry, W.V.