There are Amnesty Groups and Action Circles spread out in communities across Canada. Each group is different. They range in size from only a few members to up to 30-50 members.
Amnesty groups engage in many types of human rights campaigns and activities.
- They raise awareness about human rights issues in their communities by talking to the local media
- Lobby their local politicians and government officials,
- Organize educational events with guest speakers, videos, and webcasting
- Group members write letters, hold vigils, organize demonstrations and other public events, and
- Work on specific long-standing appeal cases of individuals whose human rights are at risk.
>> Find a group near you!
Community-based structures
Community Group: a well-established gathering of local Amnesty activists who come together regularly (at least once a month) to work on human rights issues. A Community Group usually has a defined operating structure, led by elected or selected group leaders. Each year, the group develops an annual work plan of activities.
Action Circle: a flexible, loose arrangement of activists working together on specific events or projects. Action Circles were set up to enable busy activists to contribute to human rights on a short-term basis. Some Action Circles take on year-round projects, while others are formed around special projects. The Action Circle could go into hiatus or disband when their projects are completed. If you are interested in forming your own Action Circle, please click here.
Youth Activism: student activists have always been at the frontlines of human rights movements: from standing in front of tanks in Tiananmen Square to petitioning governments to abolish the death penalty. Students are there.
Community Activism Guide
Amnesty International publishes a handy, printable seasonal guide for community activists and organizers. Download the current version from the Seasonal Activism Guide page.
