Tonight we got an update on our speaker Francis Bok, mainly about the budget for the event. Heather has emailed Jim Chase about obtaining a podium, microphone, and table. Rich was emailed and talked with about getting Bok's books for a book signing. She talked to Gary about refreshments and food. Nancy Karpinski was asked about the Prophet's Chamber, but that's already booked so Heather has emailed Pam Sheritian about the Alumni House. We're still waiting on word from her. Kelly Tehan was emailed about Publicity and we're sending out a Press Release to 20 local reporters. We need to purchase a potted plant, water, fruit, candy, soda, and a card for Bok's room. Heather also emailed Janet Mapstone about posters and she has all the info needed except for the title of his lecture. The lecture is scheduled for March 16th, so keep those calendars clear.
What does this mean? We now only need $175 more dollars to cover the costs. On a related and yet odd note, Prof. Greenwood would like Francis Bok to come to one of her Spanish classes to talk to her students. How Francis Bok and Spanish are related, no one really knows...
Also on the agenda, the Symposium. Since it's about activism and Amnesty is an activist organization, we want to have a presence there. We'll be helping to stuff those tote bags they give out each year and will be tabling in the lobby that day.
Last, but certainly not least, our Urgent Action! Everyone at the meeting handwrote the letter I've included at the end of this email. (Hint: If you missed the meeting and still want to write a letter, feel free to copy what I've typed, make any alterations you care to, and drop it in Heather's mailbox) We'll be tabling the Urgent Actions next week, starting Monday, ending Thursday night. If you've never tabled before, here's the deal: You go to the dining hall at your scheduled time, sit at the table across from where you punch in your number in the south wing, and you get people to sign urgent action letters much like the one included at the end of this email. You can eat your lunch or dinner while you do this. There will be a cheat sheet available so you can read up on the urgent action and can answer any questions posed. Everything you'll need will be waiting for you on a chair under the table. We ask that everyone table at least once next week. The times that have been taken are also included at the end of this email. Please let Heather know when you can table.
The Urgent Action:
Dear Chief Minister,
I ask that you ensure that the at least 100 individuals including social activists, human rights defenders and lawyers who are being questioned in connection with the escape of four detainees from Burail Jail, Chandigarh on 22 January 2004 are not subjected to torture or ill-treatment. Furthermore, I ask that those who are being illegally detained to be charged with a recognizably criminal offence, or immediately released. Finally, ensure that human rights activists are free to carry out their peaceful activities without fear of harassment or physical violence,
Sincerely,
~Monica Chapman '05