One thing that helps our group stay together is monthly meetings in which everyone participates at one point or another during the year. At each gathering, one person volunteers to offer a land acknowledgement. Another presents background on an action and prepares letters on it that each member signs. At the end of each meeting, the pile of letters destined for the mailbox is very satisfying!
Group 18 has taken up the case of Canadian Huseyin Celil who is detained unjustifiably in China for 20 years. Under the guidance of fieldwork Wilf Ruland, we strategize how best to support Huseyin’s quest for freedom. One member manages a rota which currently comprises over 50 writers across this country. Each writer is tasked with sending letters to the president of China, Canada’s prime minister, and the Director of the Prison three times a year. Three other members send solidarity messages to Huseyin each month and his family in Burlington, Ontario also receives a greeting once a month. Should you wish to join the rota, please contact marilynjmckim@gmail.com.
At monthly meetings, Group 18 sometimes invites guest speakers or airs a video about a human rights issue. At the December meeting, we hold our own Write for Rights event centered around a potluck at a member’s home. We recently organized a public event to share the story of how the Hudbay Minerals case was won – and at what cost. Partnering with Rights Action and the lawyers who were involved in the successful conclusion to present the event was quite wonderful.
Group 18 members are active outside the group in attending AGMs, holding executive positions in the Amnesty International Toronto Organization, organizing community events like Write for Rights and participating in Amnesty Canada’s governance issues.
