Minutes/Notes

Amnesty International Group # 642

May 13 , 2005

 We began the meeting at the Red Mug, but it became too noisy so we moved the meeting to Auburn and Travis Powell’s.  Mayra brought petitions for us to sign and took the signed petitions for mailing.  We signed petitions to urge President Bush to take action to prevent violence against women, to ask the Mexican government to ensure justice in the cases of murder of young women and girls in Ciudad Juarez, to ask the government of the Republic of Congo to prevent their armed forces from inflicting violence on women, and to Donald Rumsfeld expressing concern over accountability, training, and transparency regarding the trafficking of women. 

 There was a beginning of discussion of the regional (entire Midwest ) Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Workshop in the Twin Ports and our vital role.  The group discussed the Take Back The Night events.  The Al-Humsi actions were reviewed.  The value in fostering relationships with members of the Duluth City Counsel was noted.

 The June 26 ^th Day of Action against torture was discussed.  Bret and Mayra could do a regular column in the Ripsaw or The Weekly Reader.  The local group might involve the Duluth City Council in this Day of Action. 

 The group discussed a possible trip taking citizens and students to the Victim of Torture museum in Minneapolis.  We discussed Outfront LBGT human rights program and the Gay Pride Parade.  There is not a parade in town that Amnesty International couldn’t be a part of.  We should use the Amnesty International banners in parades.  What else can we do to support the Gay Pride parade?

 Arlington North Veterans for Peace planned a Memorial Day memorial.  A video on social, economic, and labor rights was planned for June 9 ^th at Sarah’s Table.

Hal Bertilson

Chair, Amnesty International Local Group # 642