Amnesty International Australia... Volunteers... CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Amnesty International Australia… Volunteers

Whatever your skills or background, there is something that you can do to help!

We need people to write letters; hold placards at demonstrations; speak to school groups; stuff envelopes; answer phones; run information stalls… The list is endless!

What do Volunteers do at Amnesty International in the ACT and Southern NSW?

General Volunteer Work

The Amnesty International Activist Resource Centre in Canberra has a well-organised system of office volunteers, who are the "front line" people for the Organisation in the region. They answer phone and desk enquiries; do daily office tasks (like mailing); and work on major projects with other members of the regional team. Occasionally, we need people to fill-in on the odd day, or take on a permanent shift.

Sometimes, people are needed to work on major events (eg mailing out invitations); phoning; doing computer work (eg mailing lists, letters, data entry); or even cataloguing materials.

The diversity of Amnesty International, means that all sorts of skills and experience may be needed. For example, occasionally, people may be needed with skills in computers; book keeping; cataloguing; pamphlet and poster distribution.

The best way to find out if your skills are needed, is to contact the Community Campaigner, to discuss what you can do!

Volunteering for a Specialist Team

As well as general volunteer work, there are Teams that require volunteers:

Stalls Team

The Stalls Team aims to increase awareness in the community, of the work Amnesty International is doing. By doing this, we can get members of the community to also work against human rights abuses (by signing petitions or writing letters), and perhaps even joining up as members. The stalls are also a useful avenue for selling Amnesty International merchandise, and raising essential funds.

Youth Team

This team is actively involved in working with people under the age of 24 years, and also with anyone who works closely with children (such as teachers). The team largely works through School Groups, to educate youth on basic human rights issues, through a variety of fun and informative activities. These include drama events; debating team competitions; classroom lectures and lessons (eg political studies, English classes, civic citizenship, teacher training).

Speakers Team

This team increases the awareness of Amnesty International in the region, by speaking to schools, churches, local groups and Organisations. Training, plus a special Speakers Kit, is given to all speakers. This is a crucial part of Amnesty's work, and "getting the message" out.

Local groups

Joining a local group is one of the best ways to find out how Amnesty International works. Local groups are made up of people working together for human rights protection. They get involved in a wide variety of Amnesty activities, including:

working on behalf of prisoners of conscience;

taking part in major Amnesty International campaigns;

monitoring and working on human rights issues in a specific region of the world;

raising local community awareness of Amnesty International's work, by holding information stalls, and working with the media; and

holding fundraising events, such as film nights or dinners.

Groups can also give talks; hold protests; and have fun together. They generally meet once a month, in an informal social atmosphere. All members are welcome to attend.

To find out about a group near you, go to Groups and Networks.

Campus Groups

University and TAFE students can make a very positive, focused and enthusiastic contribution to the work of Amnesty International.

One group that has been active for many years, is the Australian National University Group. They hold weekly meetings, stalls, letter writing workshops, social nights, and much more. The University of Canberra Group is also up and running, with regular events taking place.

Networks

If you don't wish to join a group… joining an Urgent Action network, is an important thing you can do, from the comfort of your own home. The Urgent Action network, operates by getting as many people as possible, to write letters on behalf of particular cases of human rights abuse. All you need is a pen, some paper, and a few minutes to write a letter or two.

There are also specialist networks, which give you the opportunity to do human rights work, in an area which you have a particular interest or expertise. They promote an affinity between members of the network, and the individuals for whom they campaign. For example, the members of the Women's Network, are involved in letter writing, community outreach and education, in an effort to highlight cases of gender specific human rights violations, and to raise public awareness about these violations.

Members can also be involved in other activities, such as forums; media interviews; and lobbying.

Click here to find a group or network you are interested in joining.

How to become a volunteer?

You can either volunteer online,
or contact the Community Campaigner

*********************

For additional information about Amnesty International Australia - ACT
Phone: (02) 6249 8263
Fax: (02) 6257 7588
Email: actaia@amnesty.org.au

Please click on the Web Link to go to the Amnesty International Australia Web Site.

Web Link: www.amnesty.org.au

Home Page

******************************

This Community Support Website