It’s Oct. 1 – Time for our Group 4 Meeting!

Posted on October 1, 2013 by admin

Join us tonight for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 1, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the den at the Mosaic Coffee House, 4401 2nd Ave NE. First half hour is letter writing and socializing. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

We will be discussing upcoming events, including Jen Marlowe’s I Am Troy Davis book launch at Elliott Bay Bookstore on Wednesday night and the upcoming Social Justice Film Festival, which will include Jen Marlowe’s film about Troy and a visit from Sister Helen Prejean for the film Central Park Five.

Facebook event for I Am Troy Davis at Elliott Bay Books: https://www.facebook.com/events/729567277058663/

Social Justice Film Festival (Oct. 10-13): http://www.socialjusticefilmfestival.org/

We will also discuss other fall and winter actions. December write-a-thon at the Chaco Canyon Cafe in the U District again? Too early to decide?

Sorry for the short notice! Good night to warm up on some of the Mosaic’s coffee or tea drinks or even soup!

The Mosaic Coffee House is a nonprofit coffee house located in Seattle First Church (behind the Dick’s Drive In on 45th Street in the Wallingford Neighborhood).

The Mosaic’s recently updated website: http://www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org/

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Oct 2: I Am Troy Davis – 2 Years Later at Elliott Bay Books

Posted on September 20, 2013 by admin

As we pass the second anniversary of Troy Davis’ execution by the state of Georgia, join Amnesty International and our allies on Wednesday, October 2nd, 7 pm at Elliott Bay Books as author Jen Marlowe, Kim Davis (Troy’s sister), Oscar Eason (NAACP Alaska-Oregon-Washington State Conference President) and others, in the words of Haymarket Books, “reflect on Troy Davis’s legacy, celebrate the remarkable success that the movement to end the death penalty has achieved, and launch the book ‘I Am Troy Davis‘, co-authored by Jen Marlowe and Troy’s sister Martina Davis-Correia, with the participation of Troy himself.”

Troy Davis Vigil in Seattle - Sept. 16, 2011

Troy Davis Vigil in Seattle – Sept. 16, 2011

On September 21, 2011, the state of Georgia shamefully executed Troy Davis despite serious doubts about his guilt. With his final words, Troy issued a call to continue to “fight this fight” against the wrongs that cost him his life. On the two-year anniversary of his execution, make a pledge in Troy’s memory – together we can win the fight to abolish the death penalty.

Add your name today at www.amnestyusa.org/pledge4troy and on October 1, two years to the day since Troy’s family grieved at his funeral, we will deliver to his family your commitment to put an end to the death penalty once and for all.

Facebook event for Oct. 2 at Elliott Bay Books at: https://www.facebook.com/events/729567277058663/

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Sept. 3 Meeting – Guatemalan Human Rights & More

Posted on August 30, 2013 by admin

Join us for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 3, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the den at the Mosaic Coffee House, 4401 2nd Ave NE. First half hour is letter writing and socializing. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

Phil Neff, former coordinator of the Guatemala Accompaniment Project of the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA), will talk about human rights and justice in Guatemala .

We will also be discussing other human rights issues and recent and upcoming events.

The Mosaic Coffee House is a nonprofit coffee house located in Seattle First Church (behind the Dick’s Drive In on 45th Street in the Wallingford Neighborhood).

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August Meeting Change – First Monday, August 5

Posted on July 30, 2013 by admin

For our August meeting only, we will be meeting the first Monday, August 5 (instead of Tuesday), from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at our usual meeting place, at the Mosaic Coffee House, 4401 2nd Ave NE. First half hour is letter writing and socializing. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

We will be reviewing June and July advocacy events, including China human rights, Guantanamo letter writing and phone calls to congress, “Dirty War” viewing and responses and individuals at risk.

Then we will be planning for the future:

AI’s Death Penalty Abolition program:

*Group 4 could use a volunteer from the group to be a contact person for AIUSA on ending the the death penalty. Flexible schedule and self designated hours.

*Jen Marlowe and Sister Helen Prejean – TBA Sept. 21 or early October

*Holly from the Washington Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty will be present and talk about our shared goals for ending the death penalty in Washington State.

Also updates & opportunities for Individuals and Communities at Risk program, Women’s Human Rights Program and Security with Human Rights Program.

* AI is co-sponsoring on Sept. 11 at Town Hall, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm, “Indefinite Detention and Human Rights/Civil Liberties.” Further details soon. Volunteer opportunity for AI information table.

*October – AIUSA’s Security with Human Rights will be able to screen “Dirty Wars.” Ideas? UW group and others may join us on this. Topics to include: ending killings by military drones and a new report by AIUSA on the issues.

We will be returning to our first Tuesday meeting night for September, when Phil Neff will talk about Justice in Guatemala.

The Mosaic Coffee House is a nonprofit coffee house located in Seattle First Church (behind the Dick’s Drive In on 45th Street in the Wallingford Neighborhood). Check for directions, free parking and bus line information at: http://www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org/directions.htm

Posted in Amnesty International, China, Death Penalty, Guantanamo | Leave a comment

No July Monthly Meeting

Posted on July 1, 2013 by admin

No July monthly meeting at the Mosaic Coffeehouse (which is temporarily closed). Updates on events here and on our Facebook page as they come up.

Enjoy the sun!

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June 3 & 4: Tiananmen Square Events / NO June Meeting

Posted on May 31, 2013 by admin

Join us and allies on June 3 & 4 for two Tianamen Square memorial events at the University of Washington (details below). Because of the time conflict with the June 4 event (and also because the cafe is temporarily closed due to flooding), we will not be having our June monthly meeting at the Mosaic Coffee House.

TiananmenTanks

On Monday June 3, 6 pm – 8 pm, Room 119, William H. Gates Hall, UW’s Center for Human Rights & Justice is marking the 24th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre with the showing of a documentary film followed by a moderated discussion of the day and why it is still relevant.

Then on Tuesday June 4, 6:30 pm at UW’s Thompson Hall, Room 101, Amnesty International, the University of Washington’s Center for Human Rights and other allies are sponsoring a special commemoration of the 24th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, “In Search of Guidance from History to Build a Democratic China,” featuring Feng Congde, a 1989 Student Leader as the keynote speaker.

Sponsor: Chinese Democracy & Human Rights Alliance. Including: Federation for a Democratic China, Amnesty International, China Democracy Party, Alliance for  Democracy, China Social Democratic Party, and the Release Dr. Wang BingZhang Committee. Co-sponsor: Center for Human Rights, University of Washington.

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Drones, Guantanamo and Human Rights Events – This Week

Posted on May 15, 2013 by admin

Join us to hear Zeke Johnson, Director of Amnesty International’s Security with Human Rights Campaign at Bellevue College, Room D106 on Thursday May 16, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, and at the University of Washington, HUB 238 on Friday, May 17, 1:30 – 2:30 pm. See below for further details. Also, take action online at: http://www.amnestyusa.org/drones

drones

The use of drones to kill has increased. Guantanamo is still open. President Obama and Congress have embraced indefinite detention, military commissions and impunity for torture. More than a decade after the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government continues to violate human rights in the name of its never-ending and vaguely defined “global war” against al Qaeda and other armed groups and individuals. The negative consequences for human rights are immense. The message sent is that a government can ignore its human rights obligations whenever it deems the circumstances warrant.

Despite this bleak picture, now is not the time to give up–it’s time to campaign even harder for human rights than ever before. Director of Amnesty International’s Security with Human Rights Campaign, Zeke Johnson, is coming to Washington to share the latest news, tell the personal stories of those affected and discuss what each of us can do to stand against torture, Guantanamo and extrajudicial executions.

Upcoming events:

Human Rights and the U.S. Drone Policy

What: 
Zeke Johnson will be discussing the civilian impact and human rights implications of the U.S. drone policy.
When:
1:30-2:30 Thursday, May 16th
Where:
Room D106
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA 98007 (MAP)

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/573130002708382/

What Can We Do About Drones, Guantanamo & Torture?

What:
A brownbag discussion with Zeke Johnson, touching on drones, torture, and Guantanamo.
When:
1:30-2:30 Friday, May 17th
Where: 
HUB 238 (Husky Union Building)
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195 (MAP)

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/235417693266706/

Other events during Zeke Johnson’s visit for activists to RSVP to if interested:

Friday, May 17 – Dinner with Zeke Johnson, Director of AIUSA’s Security with Human Rights Program
Who: **Space is limited and active AI activists will be given priority. Guests are asked to cover their own expenses. Must RSVP to sschmidt@aiusa.org.
Where: TBD – location will be sent to confirmed guests
When: 6:30pm-8:30pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/241379636003123/

Saturday, May 18 – What can we do about drones? A strategy workshop for activists.
Who: Open to the public (RSVP appreciated)
Where: Savery Hall Room 158
When: 11:00am-12:15pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/419491191481849/

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Violence Against Women: Causes, Effects and Resistance

Posted on May 10, 2013 by admin

Join Amnesty International UW, ASUW’s La Raza Commission, and SUPER UW on Monday, May 13, 6:30 pm at Savery 132 on the UW campus in a discussion with Almendra Sandoval, an activist survivor of Femicides in Juarez, Mexico and Yasmin Christopher an activist and survivor of human trafficking. We will be discussing violence against women, human rights, activism, and resistance.

Come with questions to ask the panel or just sit back and listen.

Facebook event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/499305576785363/

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May 7 – Amnesty International Seattle Monthly Meeting

Posted on May 4, 2013 by admin

Join us for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 7, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the den at the Mosaic Coffee House, 4401 2nd Ave NE. First half hour is letter writing and socializing. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

Actions and upcoming events in May include closing Guantanamo, drones and conscientious objectors.

There may be a tipping point on Guantanamo, so the first two links are urgent!

Guantanamo Action: New!
Additional Guantanamo Related Things We Can Do:
For May 15th International Conscientious Objectors Day: This blog and Action Update
on Nathan Blanc, Isreali Objector.

http://blog.amnestyusa.org/middle-east/the-courage-of-youth-israeli-conscientious-objectors/

Military Drone Five Point Plan – Zeke Johnson, Director of AIUSA’s Security with Human rights Campaign, will visit Seattle hosted by AIUSA Student Group at Bellevue Community College on Thurs. May 16th (1:30pm), and AIUSA Student Group UW; May 17th (12:30 to 2:30pm at UW). More details about these discussions TBA.
Thus flier is ready to use now for educational purposes:http://www.amnestyusa.org/pdfs/5PointPlanForReformingUSDroneStrikePolicy.pdf

The Mosaic Coffee House is a nonprofit coffee house located in Seattle First Church (behind the Dick’s Drive In on 45th Street in the Wallingford Neighborhood). Check for directions, free parking and bus line information at:http://www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org/directions.htm

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April 2 – Amnesty International Seattle Monthly Meeting

Posted on March 30, 2013 by admin

Join us for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 2, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the den at the Mosaic Coffee House, 4401 2nd Ave NE. First half hour is letter writing and socializing. Meeting starts at 7 pm.

AGENDA:

LETTERS ON BEHALF OF INDIVIDUALS/COMMUNITIES AT RISK, AND LEGISLATIVE LOBBY LETTERS
-Includes two letters for conscientious objectors (Kimberly Rivera- USA; Nathan Blanc- Israel)
– Includes latest petition from Women’s Program to Secretary State Kerry, regarding advancing reproductive human rights (at the U.N. Conference on Population and Development);

INTRODUCE YOURSELF: You could do so by responding to the Question “What human rights topic/situation is of most concern to you now” or “What events are REALLY getting your attention, that seem hopeful about worthy changes?;”

REVIEW OF MOST RECENT MONTH’S ADVOCACY, EDUCATIONAL EVENTS:
-March 8: International Women’s Day – “Women of Sand” (See, E-Action version of petition:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=519439 >;
-WA Legislature: “Dreamer” Legislation is moving ahead. The Dream Act related Bill[s], WA Legislature, passed in the House, but are now in the Senate (see, Saturday’s, 3/30/2013 “Seattle Times” for a blurb about it);there are obstacles in the Senate;
“DP repeal legislation has gone educational not legislative, for this year/try again next year/as always”;
-U.N. Arms Trade Treaty Conference: (see, proposed Treaty in Resources Below), which so far will not include military drones, or grenades;
-AIUSA Working Group Updates IOPTPA[Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories/Palestine Authority]: Gaza – Education as Human Right;
-AIUSA Annual General Meeting in DC: Anyone here attend? Please do share ideas and impressions gleaned from the Conference;

APRIL: April 14th: AIPS Executive Board Elections – Please participate – can phone participate, too;
IDEAS OR PLANS FOR EDUCATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS EVENTS? Larry suggests working with Philippine Solidarity Group of Seattle – he will invite a spokesperson to present their work to us soon; Larry suggests, possibly doing!!, an educational event on behalf of IOPTPA ,TBA;

April 26Th: Northwest Immigrant Rights Project hosts THE ANNUAL fancy get-together/The cluster (AIPS) has six tickets in order to attend – [Contact, LauraN;]

Lobby Delegation will visit Local Staff/Congress and U.S. Senate, later in April/early May; TBA.

MAY: *Military Drone Event, TBA*; *May 15* is International Conscientious Objectors’ Day (see Letters, for two who can use appeal letters now/no need to wait);

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please Do!
Resources:
http://www.un.org/disarmament/ATT/docs/Draft_ATT_text_27_Mar_2013-E.pdf

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=dc0e5c54b3684d2b83785f42a&id=9e974391ff&e=1d510f9a70

The Mosaic Coffee House is a nonprofit coffee house located in Seattle First Church (behind the Dick’s Drive In on 45th Street in the Wallingford Neighborhood). Check for directions, free parking and bus line information at:http://www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org/directions.htm

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