Amnesty International’s 2019 Annual General Meeting

Amnesty International USA is excited to be hosting next year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chicago, Illinois!

Amnesty International USA is excited to be hosting next year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chicago, Illinois! Our 54th AGM will be held at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. “Anchored by 400+ acres of protected park space in the heart of downtown Chicago, this Hotel enjoys pristine views of Lake Michigan, Millennium and Grant Parks, and the famous Chicago Skyline.” – Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park

2019 Annual General Meeting

Dates:
Location:
Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 3rd, 2019
Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
200 North Columbus Drive
Chicago Illinois, United States 60601

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an opportunity for members and activists to come together and inspire one another, to learn about each other’s efforts and campaigns, to share stories and experiences, and to listen and participate in our sessions and panels. Throughout the weekend, you will meet and interact with individuals and groups who share your commitment to human rights. We hope that when you leave AGM, you leave with new skills, inspiring stories, and a refreshed sense of hope and determination. Join us for AGM in March!

Online Registration has now closed. Onsite Registration will be available.

Please stay tuned for more updates on the 2019 Annual General Meeting, we look forward to seeing you there!


download agm 2019 save the date

agenda

You can view the AGM Agenda now by clicking ‘Agenda’ below. Be sure to check back for updates!

agenda

Please note: This is a draft Agenda and is subject to change. 

PROGRAM BOOK

You can view the AGM Program Book now by clicking ‘Program Book’ below. Be sure to check back for updates!

Program book

Please note: This is a draft Program Book and is subject to change. 

SPEAKER BIOS

You can view the AGM Speaker Bios now by clicking ‘Speaker Bios’ below. Be sure to check back for updates!

SPEaker bios

Please note: This is a draft Speaker Bios and is subject to change. 

agm app

After you register, you’ll receive an email from Eventbrite with information about how to download our official AGM App! By using this app, you can view the agenda, participate in live polls, share your real-time opinions by rating the sessions, network with other attendees with ease, and much more!

Minor Waiver

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 February 22nd, 2019. If you have any questions or concerns, contact [email protected].

Minor Waiver

Disclaimer: Attendees who do not email or bring the signed waiver to AGM will not be allowed to participate.

Harassment Policy

AIUSA is committed to promoting an environment that is professional and in which all employees, members, interns, volunteers and other individuals are treated with dignity and respect. AIUSA will not tolerate harassment of or among employees, members, interns, volunteers or others because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic.

Harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which may offend, denigrate or belittle any person because of or due to any of the characteristics described above. Such conduct includes pictures, jokes, comments, epithets, innuendoes, name-calling or any other behavior which creates an environment that is derogatory, intimidating, hostile or offensive to anyone. Conduct prohibited by this policy is unacceptable in the workplace and in any other AIUSA related setting outside the workplace, such as during business trips, organizational meetings, and other AIUSA events.

To view the Harassment Policy please click the box below.

harassment policy

Contact Us

For more information on this year’s Annual General Meeting, contact [email protected]

action alley

The deadline to apply has passed. 

The Action Alley is a forum to learn about and take action on human right issues and current AIUSA priorities. It is a space for AIUSA groups to creatively display their ideas and accomplishments. Come together with other passionate activists to find points of collaboration as we build our vision of justice, freedom, truth, and dignity. Past displays have shared particularly successful community events and activities.

Open on Friday at 9AM

Open on Saturday at 8AM

Open on Sunday 7:30AM

Located in the Imperial Foyer

 

For questions, please contact [email protected].

lodging

Conference Lodging Information

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, is our host hotel located in Chicago, IL. Our room rate is $169 (subject to applicable state and local taxes) for single, double, triple and quadruple occupancy. You can reserve your room by calling the hotel directly at 1-800-441-1414 and mentioning Amnesty International or by clicking on ‘Make Reservation’ below. A block of rooms has been reserved for March 1, 2019 – March 4, 2019. The special room rate will be available until February 6th, 2019 or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
200 North Columbus Drive
Chicago Illinois, United States 60601

Make Reservation

Subsidies

The deadline to apply has passed. 

AIUSA is providing limited subsidies in the form of lodging for Friday and Saturday night (March 1-3) of the 2019 Annual General Meeting in Chicago, IL. Subsidies are intended for active AI members and activists or those hoping to become active who otherwise would be unable to attend the conference due to financial constraints.

To be eligible for a subsidy you must apply with a group of two – four people who are committed to registering and attending the entire three-day conference, working one three-hour volunteer shift, and meeting the requirements included in the application linked below.

For more information, including the selection process, please read the Frequently Asked Questions below prior to submitting your application.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

SUBSIDIES FAQ

resolutions

Voting on Resolutions

Be Part of Our Future

AGM is more than just a conference, it is also an opportunity to take part in decision-making at AIUSA. As a dues-paying member, you can participate in our governance process by discussing and voting on resolutions. All dues-paying members and verified student/local groups who attend can vote:

  • Individual – one vote per person
  • Groups (local/student) – one vote per group

DEADLINE TO RENEW MEMBERSHIP IS JANUARY 10th, 2019

Please note that in order to cast a vote in the 2019 AGM Working Parties and Voting Plenary, you must be an active member of AIUSA and you must have purchased your membership (or received a valid dues-waiver) by no later than January 10, 2019 (50 days before the start of the AGM).

Renew your membership or become a member now!

Renew MemBErship

Group Authorization Form

At the Annual General Meeting, resolutions may be voted on by Individual Voting Members and by one designated delegate from each registered AIUSA Student or Local Group.

Group voting cards are available to AIUSA chartered groups that have renewed their status with the organization, by completing the annual Local Group Census. To obtain a Group Voting Card at the AGM, the Group Coordinator/Chair must submit a completed copy of this authorization. The recommended deadline is Wednesday, February 27th (the Weds before the AGM). The purpose of this form is to indicate who the authorized Group delegate will be at the AGM. You will be asked to also indicate 2 back-up delegates in the event that the Group delegate is unable to pick-up the card. At the AGM, the Group delegate should report to the personnel at the Member Services table. As Group delegate, you will be asked to sign your name in order to receive the group voting card.

Please discuss the resolutions with your group before the conference. The Resolutions to be considered at the AGM will be found on the Member Center prior to the conference.

Submit Form

subsidies

Subsidies

The deadline to apply has passed. 

AIUSA is providing limited subsidies in the form of lodging for Friday and Saturday night (March 1-3) of the 2019 Annual General Meeting in Chicago, IL. Subsidies are intended for active AI members and activists or those hoping to become active who otherwise would be unable to attend the conference due to financial constraints.

To be eligible for a subsidy you must apply with a group of two – four people who are committed to registering and attending the entire three-day conference, working one three-hour volunteer shift, and meeting the requirements included in the application linked here.

For more information, including the selection process, please read the Frequently Asked Questions below prior to submitting your application.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

SUBSIDIES FAQ

Minor Waiver

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. In order to be confirmed for a subsidy, you must submit your signed waiver and email a copy to [email protected] by no later than February 5th, 2019. If you have any questions or concerns, contact [email protected].

Minor Waiver

Disclaimer: Attendees who do not email or bring the signed waiver to AGM will not be allowed to participate.

ticketing

Ticketing Information

Online Registration has now closed. Onsite Registration will be available.

Tickets are available for General and Student/ Educator/ Senior Citizen/ Fixed-Income (S/E/S/FI). Day passes are available, as well as full-conference passes (which includes admission to the full 3-day AGM). Ticket prices range from $20 – $130, inclusive of group rates.

Disclaimer: No refunds. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

AGM APP:

After you register, you’ll receive an email from Eventbrite with information about how to download our official AGM App! By using this app, you can view the agenda, participate in live polls, share your real-time opinions by rating the sessions, network with other attendees with ease, and much more!

Minor Waiver

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 February 22nd, 2019. If you have any questions or concerns, contact [email protected].

Minor Waiver

Disclaimer: Attendees who do not email or bring the signed waiver to AGM will not be allowed to participate.

travel

Travel Information

Airport Information
CTA (“L”) and Bus Information
Rental Car Information
Parking Information

We look forward to having you join us for Amnesty International USA’s 2019 Annual General Meeting!

We are excited to be hosting the conference in Chicago. The links below provide resources that can help in your planning, including information about traveling to and around the conference. We encourage you to book your travel early, as rates will change and increase as the conference gets closer.

Transportation from Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) – 18 miles northwest
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – 12 miles southwest

From Chicago International O’Hare Airport (I-90/94):

  • Take I-90/94.
  • Follow signs to Chicago.
  • Exit at Ohio Street (Exit number 50B) and proceed three blocks to LaSalle Street.
  • Turn right on LaSalle Street and proceed five blocks to Wacker Drive.
  • Turn left on Wacker Drive and proceed ¾ mile to Columbus Drive (second light after Michigan Avenue).
  • Turn right on Columbus Drive after1¼ blocks.
  • The Fairmont Chicago will be on your right, immediately after South Water Street.

This hotel does not provide shuttle service. Alternate transportation:

  • Take the Blue Line from O’Hare for approximately 40 minutes (17 stops) to Washington stop.
  • From Washington, walk approximately 11 mins or 0.5 miles to the venue.

From Midway Airport (I-55):

  • From Midway Airport follows signs to Cicero Avenue (Northbound).
  • Proceed on Cicero Avenue for two miles to I-55 North.
  • From I-55 North, follow the signs to Lake Shore Drive North.
  • From Lake Shore Drive North, drive one mile past Museum Campus, staying to the right.
  • Exit onto Randolph Street/Wacker Driv
  • Upon crossing Randolph Street, stay to the left following the signs to Wacker Drive.
  • Once on Wacker Drive, immediately merge right driving up ramp to upper level.
  • Turn left on Columbus Drive (first stoplight) after 1¼ blocks.
  • The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park will be on your right (immediately after South Water Street).

This hotel does not provide shuttle service. Alternate transportation:

  • Take the Orange Line from Midway for approximately 30 minutes (13 stops) to State/Lake stop.
  • From State/Lake, walk approximately 8 mins or 0.4 miles to the venue.
CTA (“L”) and Bus Lines

L Station:

  • State/Lake: Pink, Green, Brown, Orange, and Purple Lines – 0.4 miles W
  • Washington/Wabash: Pink, Green, Brown, Orange, and Purple Express Lines – 0.5 miles SW

Bus Station:

  • Columbus & Randolph: Bus #6 and #20 – 0.1 miles S
  • Columbus & E. Wacker: Bus #124 – < 0.1 miles N
Rental Car Services

Hertz
Address: Chicago – State Street HLE, 401 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60610
Phone: (312) 372-7600

Enterprise
Address: 5150 W 55th Street, Chicago, IL, 60638
Phone: (773) 735-8860

Alamo
Address: 203 N La Salle Street, Chicago, IL, 60601
Phone: (312) 236-2581

Parking

Conference Parking: onsite, self-parking: $56/nightly, $35/daily

Parking at Chicago International O’Hare Airport

  • Hourly Garage: $2/first 30min
  • Daily Garage: $40/day
  • Daily Lot: $30/day
  • Economy Parking: $15/day

Parking at Midway Airport

  • Main Garage Hourly Parking: $2/first hour
  • Main Garage Daily Parking: $40/ day
  • Economy E: $17/day
  • Economy G: $10/day
  • Economy H: $17/day
  • International Flights: $2/first day

volunteers

Volunteers Information

The deadline to apply has passed. 

Take your experience at the Annual General Meeting to the next level. Volunteer with other activists from around the nation at the conference. Those who volunteer for a three-hour shift will be awarded a full-conference pass free of charge.

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

  • Registration/Welcome: The registration team will be in charge of aiding with the registration process. The registration team will check attendees into the conference. The welcome team will help direct the attendees to where they need to be for check in. Volunteers should be energetic and outgoing.
  • Ballroom Ambassador: Ballroom Ambassadors will direct attendees when they enter the ballroom and make sure everyone is on time for the program. They will also ensure that everything runs smoothly and timely within the room, including supporting speakers and guests.
  • National Resolution Shadows: Support our National Resolutions Committee with the governance pieces of the AGM, including staffing the resolutions session, taking minutes and passing the microphone.
  • Action Alley/Guest Services: Support the organization of our most interactive space, our action alley. This volunteer will support action alley participants and be available to answer general questions for attendees.
  • Workshop Session: Support speakers for the AGM’s program sessions! Help them keep time and ensure attendees complete our session polls.

If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please submit your application by February 8th, 2019 at 5:00pm EST.

For questions, please contact [email protected].