by megiana

Updates and SPB Success!

January 23, 2011 in events, information by megiana

Hello everyone,

I think you will all agree that Saturday went above and beyond what we hoped for! I cannot express enough how much all the help in the run up (flyering, cakes, ticket selling, raffle prize collecting), and help during the evening (setting up/clearing away, manning the door, raffle tickets selling) was appreciated. A ginormous THANK YOU to you all – we definitely pulled together as a team and we should all be very proud of ourselves.

So to get down to it, and drum roll please – the amount of money raised (as it stands just now, we think there’s a little more to come) is the absolutely fantastic amount of £1,414!!!!! What an amazing amount of money that Amnesty International is going to benefit from!

So, I’m exhausted! And I’m sure you all are too – and that’s why we’ve decided to take a wee break from being super human beings and from organising/planning anything new, by having a much more informal, relaxed meeting tomorrow.

Tuesday 25th January, Meeting, 5pm, QMU: We shall be showing a documentary on the 2003 Liberian civil war. “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”. Biscuits and other tasty snacks shall be provided and this shall be followed by a celebratory drink in Jims Bar.

For more info follow: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/pray-the-devil-back-to-hell/episode-guide/series-1/episode-1

However, this well deserved break can only last for one week as we have lots coming up:

What’s Coming up in GU Amnesty:

Sleep out week, 21st-27th February: in collaboration with STAR. We shall be holding a sleep out one evening during this week and shall be looking to out together a team of people who are interested in helping to organise this.

Gaza 2 years on: After last weeks introduction we shall be arranging a carefully thought out event/action around this issue. Again, looking for a team of people.

Scottish Parliament Elections: I have contacted the Scottish office and they inform me that full candidate listings will be released on Wednesday (26th Jan) and they shall be sending all relevant information immediately to me. This means that next weeks meeting shall see us making a start on this very exciting opportunity.

Phewph!

Hope to see some of you tomorrow and just want to say once again – thank you thank you thank you for all the incredible hard work!

Best wishes,
Megan and GU Amnesty.

by megiana

TOMORROW: Secret Policeman’s Ball

January 21, 2011 in events by megiana

So it’s finally here. THE SECRET POLICEMAN’S BALL, tomorrow!!! Saturday 22nd January, doors 7.30pm, QMU. Not to be missed!!!

First off, thank you all very much for all cake baking, stall manning and flyering over the past few days, publicity stint well and truly achieved!

I’m sorry to have to say that we shall no longer be doing our Lumberjack sketch, Billy doesn’t think he’ll have time to teach us it so it’s been scrapped I’m afraid. HOWEVER! We do need everyones help tomorrow!

* Setting up: 5.30pm, QMU, (This will include helping set out tables and chairs and decorating the place with our beautiful new banners).

* During the event: Manning the door and helping to sell raffle tickets.

Anyone who is able to help set up give me a wee text on 07842094672 and everyone else – see you tomorrow!

Thanks again,
Megan

by megiana

This Week!

January 18, 2011 in events, information by megiana

Hello everyone,

Just a very quick email to remind you all of this weeks Secret Policeman’s Ball plans and what we’re going to look at in this weeks meeting:

Meeting: Scottish Parliament Elections and focuses for the coming term.

Immediately after the meeting, Tuesday 18th January 6pm onwards: Secret Policeman’s Ball decoration making (painting banners will be the main task). We’ll be heading round to Catherine’s flat for tea and painting!

All this week
: Flyering over the lunch period.
Thursday 20th January: Cake stall outside the library 11-2 (Rotas for both of these will be decided at the meeting).

Best,
GU Amnesty.

by megiana

First Week Back!

January 9, 2011 in campaigns, events by megiana

Hello everyone,

Happy New Year to you all. I hope you’ve had a nice relaxing time off and are back feeling refreshed for a new term filled with Amnesty fun! There are lots of exciting things coming up over the next few weeks and whilst essay deadlines and exams are still nice and far off, I hope you’re all as excited as I am!
What’s coming up?

* Tuesday 11th January – 8th Anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo Bay.

1. Refreshers Fair: 1pm – 5pm, Qudos, QMU. All help welcomed for half an hour here and there – we’ll be petitioning for those still detained in Guantanamo as well as hosting a stall to promote our society.
2. First Meeting: 5pm – 6pm, Committee room 1, QMU. We shall be a) making plans for Secret Policeman’s Ball preparation. b) Appealing to release Shaker Aamer from Guantanamo. Please bring along a postcard/photograph/something along those lines of your hometown for the action this week.

* Next Week: Exact dates TBC at Tuesday’s meeting-cake stalls and flyering for the Secret Policeman’s Ball.

* Saturday 22nd January: The Secret Policeman’s Ball, 7.30pm, £5, Qudos, QMU. Not to be missed!!! All information at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170131473022936

Thanks!

by megiana

The Secret Policeman’s Ball

December 28, 2010 in events by megiana

The Secret Policeman's Ball

GU AMNESTY'S EVENT OF THE YEAR!


The Secret Policeman’s Ball on The Skinny

For the third year running, the Glasgow University Amnesty International group is holding their very own Secret Policeman’s Ball, the long-running benefit show regularly held for human rights. The prestigious AIUK show has hosted such acts as Peter Cook, Monty Python and the Mighty Boosh alongside many impressive others.

The work that Amnesty International does is vital in the fight against human rights abuses all over the world. In celebration of the 62nd anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the university group is hosting a night of comedy, laughter and high-jinks, with events in previous years winning numerous awards.

Saturday 22nd of January will see the Queen Margaret Union host such well-known Scottish names as 2009 Scottish Comedian of the Year Finalist Chris Henry, our double Bafta Award winning compere, Billy Kirkwood and our television and radio presenting head-liner, Des Clarke.

Doors open at 7.30pm on 22nd January at the Queen Margaret Union, University Gardens. Tickets are £5 and are available from the QMU box office, as well as online via www.guamnesty.org.uk.

by megiana

‘Women’s Rights are Human Rights’ Photo Exhibition

November 30, 2010 in events, information, main by megiana

‘Women’s Rights are Human Rights’ photo exhibition’, Tuesday 30th November-Thursday 9th December, Daily, 9am-5pm, University Chapel, West Quadrangle, Main Building.

Just to inform everyone that the ‘Women’s Rights are Human Rights’ photo exhibition is now up and ready for viewing. It documents the extensive work carried out during Amnesty International UK’s six-year campaign, ‘Stop Violence Against Women.’

This campaign ended in 2010 but is by no means the end of Amnesty’s work on gender and women’s human rights. The exhibition celebrates the success and gives recognition to Amnesty supporters for their commitment and enthusiasm. It highlights that there is still much to be done on women’s human rights and achieving gender equality around the world, and that Amnesty will continue to work beyond the campaign.

The exhibition will be up in the University Chapel’s exhibition space until the 9th of December. Open every day, 9am-5pm, drop by at a time that suits you. Powerful and informative, this is well worth a visit.

Warm regards,
Megan.

by megiana

*ROOM CHANGE* – Wednesday 17 November: Organ Harvesting in China

November 16, 2010 in events by megiana

Hi everyone,

There’s been a double booking and so we’ve been reallocated for Wednesday night’s film screening:

Wednesday 17th November, 6pm, Room 435, cap 16, The St Andrew’s Building: Organ Harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168044299883419

Falun Gong Logo

by megiana

Flash Mob Finalised Plans

November 4, 2010 in actions, events by megiana

Hello everyone!

So, after deciding last night that we would postpone the flash mob again because of the forecast rain, it’s (typically!) not rained at all today!

Never mind, Flash mob this Friday 5th November, 11am-2pm. Forecast is for dry weather so let’s all cross our fingers and toes and go implement all the hard work we’ve put in over the past few weeks making props and getting prepared! I for one will be there no matter what, i promise, promise Friday is the day!

This e-mail is a plea for folk to let me know when they’re available on Friday so i can draw up a wee rota.

The Plan:

On the hours of 11am,12pm and 1pm as many of us as possible will commune on the library hill to flash mob for a 2 minute period with our masks/banners and traffic lights set up.

Those who then have lectures within the main hour can head off and those who are free for half an hour slots can stay around collecting petition signatures.

Be great if there’s quite a lot of us for the 2 minute stints as we’ll make a much larger impact!

So pop me a line, saying whether you’re free on the hour for 2 mins and then in the time slots of:

  • 10.30am, QMU, to help collect the traffic lights and set them up in time for the first mob.
  • 11am-11.30am
  • 11.30am-12pm
  • 12.30pm-1pm
  • 1pm-1.30pm
  • 1.30pm-2pm.

Read the rest of this entry →

by megiana

Updates For Week 7

October 31, 2010 in events, information, main by megiana

Hello,

Weekly updates in the land of GU Amnesty…

Short

  • Tuesday 2nd Novembers meeting: Flash mob prep completion (please print off Troy Davis mask templates if you have not done so already)
  • Tuesday 2nd November: Love is a human right dance party! Nice N Sleazy, £3, 11pm-3am ‘GET KRUNK FOR EQUALITY!’
  • Wednesday 3rd November: Death Penalty flash mob (rescheduled date), weather permitting, 11am-2pm, Library Hill
  • Saturday 6th November: AIUK’s Scottish regional conference, Scottish Trade Union Congress Building, 333 Woodlands Road, 10am-4.30pm, free/£5 if you want lunch, pre-booking necessary so let me know if you’re interested, (I’m definitely going so do join me :))
  • Friday 12th-Sunday 14th November: AIUK’s student conference, London, still places available but need to book so let me know ASAP.

Long

Tuesday’s meeting this week:

After the huge amounts of enthusiasm last week where we all ended up splashing lots of paint around we soon realised that props would not dry or anywhere near ready for a flash mob the next day so it was democratically decided to postpone the flash mob until this coming Wednesday the 3rd November and to use this Tuesday’s meeting to finish off our creations. Come along and help out as we prepare to petition for Troy Davis and his urgent case (http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11458).

And please print off your Troy Davis mask templates if you’ve not already by opening the attachment. Resources to make them into masks will be provided on Tuesday.

Love Is A Human Right!Tuesday 2nd November – LOVE IS A HUMAN RIGHT DANCE PARTY

What better way to spend your Tuesday evening than to go out have a few drinks, a wee boogie and a fun night with some friends than to also be doing it in the name of human rights? Raise some money for Amnesty and show some awareness about equal rights for the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you then we’re going to have pre-drinks at myself and Jens flat to use this chance for some Amnesty socialising and chat. Everyone is welcome, 9pm, we’ll then all head to Nice N Sleazy together as it’s not too far away! My number is 07842094672 if you want to get in touch and I’ll let you know where to find us!

Wednesday 3rd November – Troy Davis Flash Mob

Again, details will be arranged on Tuesday but the general idea is to commune for a 2 minute demonstration on the hour of 11am, 12pm and 1pm. That way we’ll catch the rush and everyone can come along even if you have a lecture. Then we’ll use a rota system to gather petition signatures through the remaining time. It’s going to be highly visual and so will hopefully have a high impact and result in lots of signatures!

Saturday 6th November – AIUK Regional Conference

Amnesty staff and volunteers hold a range of conferences around the UK across the year, offering a great way to meet other active supporters, share your interests and passion for human rights, and to learn more about Amnesty’s campaigning work. This year the conference is to be held in our very own West End and running from 10am-4.30pm this Saturday it’s too handy to miss! If you’d like to come along just let me know and I’ll book us in a few places.

Friday 12th-Sunday 14th November – AIUK National Student Conference

This years Amnesty UK’s student conference will be in the Human Rights Action Centre in London. We have 11 places to send people down so i will ask that if you’re interested please e-mail me back and we’ll arrange places.

The weekend will allow you to hear inspirational speakers discuss and debate today’s human rights issues, learn new skills, take action, vote and meet Amnesty students from across the UK. I highly recommend it, it’s always a great weekend! (http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11635)

Conference places cost £20 per person, which includes:

  • Crashpad accommodation – bring bedding to make yourself comfortable (e.g. sleeping bag, mat)
  • All food for the weekend, from an evening meal on Friday through to a packed lunch on Sunday
  • Entry to the social events on Friday and Saturday evening
  • Transport between the conference centre and crashpad

Of course there will then also be the cost of travelling to London, by which means of transport can be decided. We will be able to apply for some funding from the SRC but it will involve presenting receipts so anyone wanting to go will need to be able to pay upfront in order to reclaim costs back. Not sure how much they will offer us either but if trains are booked early or people are up for mega busing it then travel needn’t be expensive! 🙂

Thank you!Troy Davis Mask

by megiana

Week 6 and Conference Info

October 25, 2010 in events, information, main, news by megiana

Hi everyone,
Week 6 in Brief:
  • Monday 25th October, Protect the Human gig night, The 13th Note, 8.30pm, £3.50 (for directions and travel arrangements see below).
  • Tuesday 26th October, meeting, committee room 1, QMU, 5pm. Troy Davis and the death penalty flash mob preparation. Please print off Troy Davis mask by opening the attachment.
  • Wednesday 27th October, 11am-2pm, Flash Mob and signature collecting.
  • AIUK Student Conference, 12th-14th November, London.
Itty Bitty Details:
Protect The Human

Protect The Human!

Protect The Human Gig (Monday 25th October)
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1552414063922#!/event.php?eid=155659441137836. Please invite everyone you know along to this promised to be awesome event! Music from Michael Timmons, Iona Bain, Overtone and Floor 16 it’s a night not to be missed! Tickets are £3.50 with all proceeds going to Amnesty International.
The 13th note can be found at 50-60 King St, Glasgow, G1 5QT, just down from Trongate. Check Google Maps.
If anyone fancies helping to decorate, a few of us will be heading there for 7.30pm. Either come along to the venue for then or if you wish to head down with me I’ll be at Kelvinbridge underground at 7pm and consequently at St Enoch underground at about 7.15pm. Anyone opting for that text me on 07842094672. Will be much appreciated!
Anyone else wanting to be directed, Jen will be leaving at 8pm from Kelvinbridge underground station (by the ticket machine as entrances get confusing) and thus also at St Enoch at 8.15pm. Anyone fancy that let me know also, 07842094672.
Otherwise hopefully see you all there!
Tuesday 26th Meeting
Following our recent death penalty campaign focus we shall be using Tuesdays meeting to prepare for a flash mob to take place the following day. Information on the campaign can be found at the following link: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11458.
We shall be making placards, banners, props etc. so if anyone has any cardboard boxes/card/crafty things in general please bring them along. Anyone who is free on Wednesday and up for taking part in the flashmob then please open the link and print off the Troy Davis face which we will then make into masks on Tuesday. The picture is colour but if we all just do black and white then we’ll be a unit.
Wednesday 27th Flash Mob
All the details shall be decided Tuesday so I shall send them out Tuesday evening so all can join in.
Student Conference
This years Amnesty UK’s student conference will be in the Human Rights Action Centre in London. We have 11 places to send people down so i will ask that if you’re interested please e-mail me back and we’ll arrange places.
The weekend will allow you to hear inspirational speakers discuss and debate today’s human rights issues, learn new skills, take action, vote and meet Amnesty students from across the UK. I highly recommend it, it’s always a great weekend!(http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=11635)
Conference places cost £20 per person, which includes:
  • Crashpad accommodation – bring bedding to make yourself comfortable (e.g. sleeping bag, mat)
  • All food for the weekend, from an evening meal on Friday through to a packed lunch on Sunday
  • Entry to the social events on Friday and Saturday evening
  • Transport between the conference centre and crashpad
Of course there will then also be the cost of traveling to London, by which means of transport can be decided. We will be able to apply for some funding from the SRC but it will involve presenting receipts so anyone wanting to go will need to be able to pay upfront in order to reclaim costs back. Not sure how much they will offer us either but if trains are booked early or people are up for mega busing it then travel needn’t be expensive! 🙂
Finally, thank you very much everyone, and thank you for all your continued dedication to the group. A win for the letter-off and a cracking fundraising start with the Isle of Arran we’re well on the way to a successful year!