2022 Regional Activism Conference

Amnesty International USA is announce our first ever fully hybrid conference.

Dates: October 21st – 23rd

theme: Resilient Activism

AIUSA’s Regional Activism Conference will provide a space for people to come together to increase knowledge, build skills, and exchange ideas and strategies for progressing a human rights agenda! We are excited to share that we will be testing our first ever hybrid conference. We will host our virtual conference via Whova while streaming from a test site with limited attendance from Atlanta, GA. If you are local we invite you to join us in person. 

Continuing our AGM theme of Resilient Activism, the Regional Activism Conference is a hybrid conference and will bring to you the same energy that we have brought to you for the last 60 years.

This year’s Regional Activism conference offers 20 sessions which cover an array of human rights issues such as Ending Racial Discrimination & Ensuring Equality and Equity, Reproductive rights, Refugee and Migrant Rights, Ending Gun Violence and more. Please check the agenda for a full list of sessions offered.

AGENDA

This year’s Regional Activism conference offers 20 sessions which cover an array of human rights issues such as Abortion and Reproductive rights, Refugee and Migrant Rights, Ending Gun Violence and more. You can view the RAC Agenda now by clicking visiting our conference platform on WHOVA for most updated program.

EVENT PLATFORM

We are excited to be hosting the Regional Activism Conference on our trusted platform Whova!

Whova is available on BOTH desktop and smartphone devices.

Once you register, you will receive an email with details on how to access the event page on Whova. Whova will host all aspects of the conference live sessions, discussion rooms, scheduling capabilities, and other opportunities for networking.

For more information on Whova, please click the Attendee Guide below.

Attendee Guide

Please note, all registered attendees will receive a Welcome Packet which contains detailed instructions on accessing Whova and navigating the platform.


accessing sessions

During the conference, zoom links for all sessions will be found in Whova in the descriptions for sessions. These links will be populated the Friday morning of the conference. In order to join the zoom link, you will go to agenda, look for the session you wish to join, click “view session” in Whova and then click the zoom link.

For some helpful tech tips on zoom, please click the box below. 

zoom 101


Community Agreements

Community Agreements are an aspiration, or collective vision, for how we want to be in relationship with one another. 

  • While participating via our trusted platform Whova we encourage you to:
    • Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
    • Be mindful of the speaker during sessions by asking questions in the chat box and not having side conversations
    • Be present! Stay engaged, participate, and make room for others to participate. 
    • Assume good faith and be aware of your own impact. 
    • Do not spam message boards. This restricts access to posts by other attendees. 
    • Refrain from submitting unrelated comments to the session you are attending.

Violation of Community Agreements

Violation of these community agreements may result in removal of an attendee from the meeting space. Continued violation will result in removal from the conference.

Unacceptable Behavior

  • Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
  • Sustained disruption of sessions or other conference related events
  • Posting harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, age, appearance, or other personal characteristics.
  • Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant at RAC’22, at all related events and in one-on-one communications carried out in the context of RAC’22.
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior. I.e. reposting disparaging comments or otherwise promoting any of the above mentioned behaviors. 

 

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior

  • If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns on site, please contact our care ambassador Ebony Brickhouse [email protected] immediately. If you are attending virtually please contact [email protected]. All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to promptly. The cultivation of community and trust among those who take part is critical to our movement. RAC’22 aims to be an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all.

 

 

Governance

We are excited to announce that this year’s Activism Conference governance sessions will be presented in a hybrid format! The National Resolutions Committee (NRC) is working with staff and members to create a working party and voting plenary that is accessible both in person and virtually. Please be patient as we implement this new system and check back for working party and virtual voting details.

Group Authorization Form

Virtual Platform:

We are once again partnering with ClearPicture for our governance sessions, both in person and virtually!  This platform will allow remote attendees to participate and vote online using this link: https://aiusa.emeetings.live.  Your login details will be emailed to you from our vendor.  Attendees may also participate as guests by creating their own logins using the same link.  See how the platform works here: https://youtu.be/dhIc_6VeIJo.

 

Resolutions:

Please note, the deadline to submit resolutions is October 1st.  Please contact [email protected] if you’d like to submit a resolution, have any questions or would like help in compiling the document.

 

Registration Deadline for Voting:

Please note, to ensure your ability to vote during working party and voting plenary, please register for the conference by October 16, 2022, and ensure you are up to date on your membership dues.  For any questions on voting privileges, or if you register for the conference and/or pay your dues after October 16th, please contact Aashka Merchant at [email protected].

  • VIRTUAL WORKING PARTY 1
  • Proposed changes for the Standing Rules for the Membership Resolutions Process, submitted by the National Resolutions Committee
    • Tuesday, October 18th 8:00 PM-10:00 PM ET
  • VIRTUAL WORKING PARTY 2
  • Two resolutions will be considered. One would modify the method for selecting candidates for the Board of Directors. The second addresses the recent controversy between the International Secretariat and the AI Ukraine section over an AI report on the current war in Ukraine.
    • Wednesday, October 19th 8:00 PM-10:00 PM ET
  • HYBRID WORKING PARTY
    • Friday, October 21st 6:00 PM-7:30 PM ET.
  • VOTING PLENARY 
    • Sunday, October 23rd 2:00 PM-4:00 PM ET.

 

Please note, only participants that registered prior to the October 16th deadline will be verified as voters.  If you registered after that date, please contact [email protected].  Additionally, if you paid your dues after October 16th,  please contact us so we can ensure you have the most up to date voting credentials.

INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY

Ground Rules


IDEA AT AMNESTY

Amnesty International is committed to the principles of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility) because we all belong in the movement for human rights. As we host our first ever hybrid conference, we are still implementing IDEA practices and measures in order to create an inclusive space for everyone. Please review our Code of Conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We are continuously working towards our conferences being IDEA centered events and are committed to our growth in this area. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions on the topic of IDEA at the RAC’22, we can be reached at [email protected].

For more information about IDEA at Amnesty International, please click the box below.

IDEA INFO


accessibility

All sessions will utilize a closed captioning feature.

All registered attendees will receive a Welcome Packet which contains detailed instructions on accessing Whova and navigating the platform.

For some helpful Zoom tips, please click the box below.

Click here for

zoom 101


SELF CARE

We know zoom and general tech fatigue is real. Check out our tips below on how to take care of yourself and stay energized throughout our conference weekend.

  • Find your comfort and embrace it.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Take deep breaths and stretch when possible.
  • 20/20 Rule: Take a 20-second break from looking at a screen every 20 minutes, then focus on an object 20 feet away.
  • Be kind to your eyes. Review your display settings, consider changing the color and brightness. Rest your eyes.
  • Keep some snacks by your workstation so you don’t go too long without eating. Sweet, salty, protein.
  • Catch some sun and fresh air.

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

At AIUSA, we are dedicated to fostering a virtual community that is open to learning and incorporating IDEA values into our work spaces. Members of our virtual community agree to incorporate these principles into each of our interactions.

General
  • Observe the Inclusive Behavior , including:
    • Manage your biases and behaviors
    • Manage speaking time and make space for different voices
    • Respecting and learning from different perspectives
    • Understanding the difference between intent and impact (assume good intent and take
      responsibility for your impact)
    • Listen to understand, rather than to just respond
  • Be as present as possible and manage distractions as best you can.
  • Be open to giving and receiving feedback about the effectiveness of virtual meetings.
  • No exclusionary or harassing speech is allowed. This includes “calling-out” in a way that puts someone on the spot or shames them.
Large-Group Video Calls
  • When possible, join calls by video and stay on mute when not speaking.
  • Recognize and respect that others may have limitations regarding the use of video.
  • Use the reaction features on the platform to share your reactions.
  • Follow the host’s directions about how to use the chat function (general comments and reactions, questions, etc.)
  • Use the same guidelines for the chat feature as you would for email as they are both forms of public written communication.
  • Some questions, comments or feedback may be better shared offline or in a 1:1 conversation rather than on the call; determine the best course of action accordingly.
  • Recognize that there are different comfort levels and technological circumstances with virtual participation, so have patience and flexibility.
Pandemic-Related
  • Be mindful that talking about COVID-19 may be a trigger for some; refrain from asking others if they have the virus or if loved ones were affected by the virus. If doing ice-breakers, use neutral and non-pandemic related questions and prompts.
  • Recognize that anxiety and stress due to our external conditions can cause reactivity in ourselves and others.
  • Virtual communication can add to things getting lost in translation and can cause assumptions/misinterpretations. Feel free to ask for clarification, check for understanding, and create a space for others to do the same.
  • Be respectful of everyone’s unique WFH situation; refrain from comments about their surroundings and be understanding of distractions that may occur. Be mindful of what you say, knowing that children or other people in their space may hear.

Best Practices

Be open to giving and receiving feedback about the effectiveness of virtual meetings – As we consider the overall meeting burden, be mindful of the amount of time scheduled and the ways in which we each process information individually. Also consider whether (or not) a meeting is the most effective form of communication for the objective. This should also speak to the importance of discussing meeting effectiveness with each other in an open, honest and respectful way.

Manage speaking time and make space for different voices –Consider community members who haven’t yet spoken (before you speak multiple times).

Be as present as possible and manage distractions as best you can – Understand that managing distractions does not mean eliminating distractions.

Be mindful when recording meetings/downloading chat – If meetings are being recorded, the community should be made aware. The same applies for if/when the host plans to download the chat.

Consider questions, comments or feedback that may be better suited for sharing offline or in a 1:1 conversation rather than on the call; determine the best course of action accordingly – This may include both critical and constructive feedback. We agree to use our best judgment.

Join calls by video when possible and stay on mute when not speaking. Recognize and respect that others may have limitations regarding the use of video – This pertains to large group calls. For smaller team/1:1 meetings, the directive expectation should come from the host/meeting lead.

Make considerations depending on your meeting community– Not every agreement will apply to every meeting/situation, and agreements may apply differently based on your meeting role (i.e. facilitator vs. participant).

REGISTRATION

Virtual Conference Registration: Pre conference Virtual registration is now closed. You will be able to register onsite. Please email [email protected] for any questions you may have.

ATLANTA IN-Person Pre conference  registration is now closed. You will be able to register onsite. Please email [email protected] for any questions you may have.


REGISTRATION Costs

There are two tickets for the RAC ’22. Both tickets will grant you access to the full 3-day conference.

  • $10 – Student/Educator/Senior/Fixed-Income Ticket
  • $15 – General Admission Ticket

REGISTRATION DEADLINES

  • Virtual RAC’22 Registration deadline 10/16
  • Atlanta in-person RAC’22 Registration deadline 10/7

TICKET PRICING

Virtual RAC’22 Registration deadline 10/16

  • $10 – Student/Educator/Senior/Fixed-Income Ticket
  • $15 – General Admission Ticket

Atlanta in-person RAC’22 Registration deadline 10/7

  • $25 – Student/Educator/Senior/Fixed-Income Ticket
  • $35 – General Admission Ticket

Minor Waiver
Fill out here

If you (or a member of your group) are 17 years of age or younger, AIUSA requires that a waiver form be completed by a legal guardian and that a chaperone accompany you for the entire duration of the conference. AIUSA does not assume responsibility for minors. Please read the waiver carefully. Please sign the waiver and email a copy to [email protected] no later than Friday October 14th, 2022. If you have any questions or concerns, contact [email protected].

Disclaimer: Attendees who do not email or bring the signed waiver to RAC’22 will not be allowed to participate

Subsidy

Subsidies are now closed. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Volunteer with us

Applications for Volunteering are now closed.

Take your experience at the Regional Activism Conference to the next level. Volunteer with other activists at the conference. Those who volunteer for a three-hour shift will be awarded a complimentary conference pass. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please submit your application by: October 7th, 2022 11:59 PM ET.

Three-hour time slots for the following positions are available:

  • Registration/Welcome: The registration team will be in tasked with assisting registration process. The registration team will check attendees into the conference. The welcome team will help usher the attendees thru conference spaces.
  • Plenary Ambassador: Plenary  Ambassadors will usher attendees to  the plenary space. They will also ensure that everything runs smoothly, and on time. Other responsibilities can include speaker and guest support.
  • National Resolution Shadows: Support our National Resolutions Committee with the governance pieces of the RAC, including staffing the resolutions session, taking minutes and passing the microphone.
  • Workshop Session: Support speakers for the RAC’s program sessions! Help them keep time and ensure attendees complete our session polls.
  • IT Help Desk: Assist attendees with Whova access.

For questions, please contact: Tony Goodwin, Senior Organizer at AIUSA [email protected]

TRAVEL 

We are excited to be hosting the conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The links below provide resources that can help in your planning, including information about traveling to and around the conference. 

Dates: Friday October 21, 2022- Sunday October 23, 2022

book your hotel here

Hotel info: Hilton Atlanta Downtown
You can book your lodging using Amnesty’s promo rate of $139.99+ tx/fees 
Deadline: Friday, October 7, 2022. Rates will go up after this date.

Attractions: The conference is close to all major attractions in Downtown Atlanta such as; Centennial Olympic Park: 0.80 miles, Center for Civil and Human Rights: 1.40 miles, Children’s Museum of Atlanta: 0.90 miles, Atlanta Botanical Gardens: 2.40 miles, and the Atlanta History Center: 7.00 miles.

Public Transit:
The hotel is located at a 7 minute walk from the Peach Tree Marta station. For more information on fare and transit times visit the MARTA website here

You can also enter the Mall at Peachtree Center directly from the MARTA station via sky bridge.

Conference Parking:
Self parking: $35
Valet parking: $55
Parking details: Valet Required for Oversized Vehicles