Fall 2007

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Write for Rights

Join Amnesty
International's
Global Write-a-Thon

by Tom Morris

Our first Amnesty write-a-thon and the students’ response was enthusiastic and inspiring. Amazing really. We’ll definitely be back!

Our write-a-thon showed how students want to get their voices heard and stand up for the fair treatment of others around the world.

I’ve never seen my students so deeply engaged. I love this event.

Teachers rave about Amnesty International’s global write-a-thon, held on Human Rights Day, December 10—the day in 1948 when the United Nations proclaimed that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the law for all people everywhere.

Called “Write for Rights,” Amnesty International’s write-a-thon is growing each year, with thousands of students in more than 150 schools, ESL and literacy classes participating across Canada in 2006. Because “Write for Rights” is also global in scope, it is a unique opportunity for young Canadians to connect with thousands of other students holding write-a-thons in over 30 countries.

The activity is free, well-resourced and a perfect complement to many subjects. It’s also a great way to cultivate understanding of diversity, build awareness of universal human rights and inspire hope.

EASY TO PARTICIPATE, GREAT RESOURCES
Generate this same excitement in your school this year. It’s easy—just go to amnesty.ca/writeathon and register, or call Amnesty’s toll-free line at 1-800-AMNESTY.

You’ll find all the resources you need online—or you can ask Amnesty to mail you a free write-a-thon activity kit. You’ll have creative activity ideas, case stories, letter-writing advice and publicity materials. Even better: letter-writing advice and some cases are in French, Spanish and Arabic.

Hold a write-a-thon in your classroom, with your school’s Amnesty International or social issues club, or with your whole school. You can even set up friendly letter-writing competitions with other schools. Everyone can participate. There are no fees and membership in Amnesty is not required.

YOUTH-FRIENDLY HUMAN RIGHTS STORIES
Organizers can select child and youth-friendly case stories, each describing a human rights violation, who to write, and advice about what to say. Participants write simple letters directly to government leaders, or send messages of support to people who are standing up for their human rights.

Case stories come from around the world and Canada—including at least one appeal on First Nations concerns. The stories touch on critical real-life issues such as the rights of girls and women, loss of land and livelihood among Indigenous Peoples and threats against people who are courageously standing up for their human rights.

All materials are fact-checked by Amnesty International, an organization that is well-known and respected for its independent and impartial human rights work.

GREAT REASONS TO PARTICIPATE

• Strengthens writing and language skills.
  “Write for Rights” offers compelling reasons to write. It fit so neatly into our Language Arts Curriculum, with the activity’s focus on social justice and our role in humanity.
  
  
• Perfect for ESL and literacy classes.
  Letter-writing advice and some cases are presented in French, Spanish and Arabic. “Write for Rights” got our ESL classes engaged in vivid discussions. A perfect opportunity.
  
  
• Writing with an engaged purpose.
  I used “Write for Rights” stories in my Grades 3-6 classes. The kids felt so passionate about what they read. Their letters came straight from the heart.
  
  
• A forum to celebrate school values and spirit.
  We made a giant letter from a bed sheet so everyone could sign. It was raised higher and higher on the cafeteria wall as names were added. An inspiring moment of shared action.
  
  
• Brings alive understanding and tolerance of diversity.
  In our school, students from many backgrounds expressed words of hope, protest and peace. A wonderful chance to witness empowerment through the virtues of the pen.
  
  
• Supports student leadership and success.
  Many “Write for Rights” student organizers invite local media to their school events, then arrange interviews and photo coverage. It’s so satisfying to see my students enjoy the results of their leadership.
  
  
• Flexible timing.
  This year December 10, Human Rights Day, falls on a Monday. That’s the best day to be part of Amnesty’s global write-a-thon and get connected with students around the world. But you can also hold your event at any time that works best for you.
  
  
• Inspires awareness, action and hope.
  This really left our students feeling empowered. Some have already received replies to their letters. We’ll be back next year for certain.

Tom Morris coordinates Amnesty International Canada’s public engagement program. Contact him at 1-613-744-7667 (252) or email: tmorris@amnesty.ca. Or contact Jenn Farr at 1-613-744-7667 (280) or email jfarr@amnesty.ca.