Tell us a little about Amnesty International. How would you describe the overall missions and goals of your organization?
We campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights.
How long has Amnesty International been in existence?
We have been operating for more than 50 years.
Where are your offices located? And what parts of the world do you work in?
Amnesty International Canada’s National Office is in Ottawa. We also have offices in Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax, and we have activists all across the country.
To learn more about our work on women’s rights see www.amnesty.ca/women.
How did you commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) this year?
We co-organized “Join the Feminist Party,” Ottawa’s largest celebration of International Women’s Day. Activists in Toronto participated in the annual IWD walk on March 7. In Regina, our activists took part in an awareness-raising photo exhibition. Across the country our supporters took part in local IWD events.
Download our IWD kit to learn more about the priority actions we promoted for IWD (all of these actions run throughout the Spring, so there is still plenty of time to take action!): http://www.amnesty.ca/sites/default/files/iwd_2015_toolkit_0.pdf
Are you currently looking for any volunteers? If so where can they find more information about the volunteer opportunities available?
Contact lmulvihill@amnesty.ca for information on volunteer opportunities.
Although International Women’s Day has passed, we understand that the fight for human rights is a long-term one. Where can we find out more about Amnesty International, more generally, and the work you do?
Learn more at www.amnesty.ca/women. Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/women.amnestycanada/. Follow us on Twitter at @AI_WomenRights
Thank you! Final question: In 3 words, what advice would you give anyone who is trying to “Make it Happen” (make a difference) in their communities?
Learn. Ask. Do.
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This interview is part of the WPSN-C International Women’s Day blog series. Take some time to read the other interviews posted in the series and learn how you too, can Make it Happen.
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