Why I’m going to the 2016 AGM‏

	Why I’m going to the 2016 AGM
	Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben AIUSA's national Annual General Meeting and Human Rights Conference will be held in Miami, FL from April 1-3. You can be one of the human rights activists from around the country who will engage in networking opportunities, actions, inspiring plenaries and keynotes, hands-on workshops and policy discussions.   Dear friends, I joined Amnesty International eight years ago because of the profound idea that a movement of people concerned about defending human rights can change our world. We work together across borders to free prisoners of conscience, abolish the death penalty in more countries and in the United States, take action on behalf of human rights defenders at risk, and so much more. Join me at AIUSA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Miami so we can work together towards the next human rights victories. Advocating for human rights takes endurance, and I have seen firsthand the resilience of the human spirit. My father was a Chilean immigrant who left his country under a harsh dictatorial regime. He, like so many in our world, embodied activism through his everyday actions. He has consistently instilled the importance of human rights and equity in Chile and in my home state of Iowa. With his example and encouragement, I joined in the campaign for human rights with a passion for integrating political and social activism. We cannot be socially conscious members of society without pushing for a better future—not only for ourselves but for all others who come after us. Having spent years now as an activist with Amnesty, I've found the AGM to be a place where I can network with other activists, learn new exciting ways to organize and campaign, join in our governance process,* and be inspired by the work shown in break-out sessions and large presentations. Don't miss out on this year's AGM and human rights conference. Register to attend today. Together we have proven we can make a human rights impact. At the AGM we can connect, organize and take action to change our world. I look forward to meeting you in Miami. Sincerely, Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben Ladis Kristof Memorial Fellow for Human Rights Advocacy National Youth Action Committee, Midwest Representative Amnesty International USA
*In order to be eligible to cast a vote for resolutions at the AGM, you must be a current dues paying member who joined or renewed your membership no later than February 11, 2016.
© 2016 Amnesty International USA | 5 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001 | 1-800-AMNESTY