Seasons Greetings!

Thanks to AMG for these minutes. If you prefer, you can read them as a PDF.

We would like to warmly invite you to attend the next meeting of the AI Glasgow West Group. Please come and join us for a mince pie, get involved in our lively and friendly discussions and help us make a positive difference to supporting Human Rights around the world.

These updates include:

Details of our December meeting;
Information on our event being held in Hillhead library on Sat 10th Dec
Excerpts from AIUK's recent update for local groups; and
Minutes of our local group meeting held last month

December 2022 Glasgow West AI Group Meeting

Thursday 8th December, Woodlands International Methodist Church, 7:30pm

The next Glasgow West Amnesty meeting takes place on Thursday 8^th December at 7.30pm – 9pm at Woodlands International Church.

More details on Facebook - https://fb.me/e/24A3jSi3e

We would love to see you there on Thursday!

Our activities for the December meeting include:

Finalising plans for our event being held on Saturday 10th Dec in Hillhead Library, Byres Road, Glasgow. This is focused on engaging the public on AI's annual letter writing campaign, Write for Rights! We will be there between 11am – 4pm and would love you to drop in and get involved in writing short letters of protest to governments – as well as letters of support to prisoners of conscience. No experience required! AI volunteers will be there throughout the day to help you make a difference.

Sara Barry from Freedom from Torture will be attending our December meeting to provide an overview of FfT's work. On the evening, Sara will also be selling FfT Xmas Cards to help fund the work of that organisation. Anyone interested in purchasing these cards can also contact Sara directly at sara.barry1@ntlworld.com.

Extract Of Updates From AIUK

Human Rights at the FIFA World Cup 2022

32 nations are competing for the FIFA World Cup. Amnesty groups have seized this chance to highlight the current state of human rights in each of the participating countries, especially the hosts in Qatar.

Amnesty Lambeth had a meeting where eight members of the group assessed the human rights performance of the four countries in their allotted group. No prizes for the victor of the final but a trophy of shame. If you want to hear from the group sign up to their mailing list here.

Ewa Turczanska, a member of the Colwyn Bay group was part of an Amnesty response to an invitation from Melin Drafod, a Welsh think-tank to speak as part of a panel to discuss the World Cup and Welsh ethical foreign policy.

Since the panel discussion Ewa has been asked to speak for S4C (a Welsh tv channel) and has conducted a phone interview about Amnesty's take on Mark Drakeford (Welsh First Minister) going to Qatar.

Sign the petition

Amnesty Shop

A reminder that all local group members receive 10% off everything at the Amnesty Shop, as well as FREE P&P, on orders over £75.

We know that Local Groups and Student activists do amazing work for Amnesty. Buying and sending out cards and gifts from the Amnesty Shop is another way in which you can get involved and help spread our message. As always, we really appreciate your on-going support.

All our products are ethically made, so you can rest assured knowing that everything we sell meets high standards. And you can browse according to your own personal values - whether that be fair trade, vegan, plastic free, or UK made.

Order online and set yourself up with an account and log-on. Enter the code 10AMNGRP into the Gift & Promo Codes box on the Payment Options stage of the checkout to receive your 10% off and FREE P&P (minimum spend: £75).

Shop Here

Amnesty Christmas Raffle 2022

You may wish to enter the Amnesty Christmas Raffle and grab your chance to feel like a winner! How would you spend £5,000? That's what's up for grabs when the raffle is drawn in just a few weeks.

Tickets cost just £2 and with every ticket you buy, you're standing up for humanity.

Buy your raffle tickets online today for your chance to experience that winning feeling and you could help more unfairly imprisoned people walk free!

Enter now

Glasgow West AI October Updates

Amnesty International - Glasgow West Local Group

Meeting held on 10th November 2022

Present: Claire (Chair), Amanda, Hala, Kirstie, Andrew, Sharon, Jim, Merle, Christine and Silvia.

Welcome: Claire warmly welcomed Amanda and Hala to the group and members introduced themselves. Amanda and Hala will be invited to join the Signal Group and the new members welcome letter will also be forwarded to them – and also to Sharon, who was attending her second meeting. (Action - Claire / Andrew)

Glasgow West AI Group Updates

Silvia will continue to help update AIGW social media (including Facebook event for W4R). (Action – Silvia)
It was noted that Rob Hallam updates the AIGW website http://www.glasgowwestamnesty.org.uk/ with the monthly updates. Andrew will forward Rob's contact details to Silvia, as she will wish to liaise with Rob in considering any changes to the website*.* (Action – Andrew / Silvia)
It was suggested that the AIGW website may not need to contain the monthly minutes and instead could contain a note that they are available upon request. [post meeting note - there is currently very little content on the website other than the monthly updates and minutes, so we may wish to delay any changes until we have alternative content]
Agreed that we should revert to one e-mail per month for the wider mailing list, containing a summary of key updates, minutes, etc. (Action – Andrew)
Christine distributed posters she had made and various colleagues offered to put them up in local libraries shops, etc. (Action – Various members)
Prisoner of Conscience role within AIGW – To be discussed in New Year.
Andrew to ask Rob if it's possible to obtain info on how many e-mails sent to the AIGW mailing list are opened. (Action – Andrew)
Treasurer's Update - Jim confirmed that the forms had been completed to enable a change of signatories to the Group's bank account. Two signatures will be required on any cheques, etc from Kirstie, Jim and Andrew. Jim will remain as Treasurer until changes are made with the bank; thereafter Kirstie will take on that role. Jim noted he had been advised that the cost of hiring the church hall would rise by a relatively modest amount. Jim indicated he would try phoning The Stand Comedy Club about hosting a fundraiser for the Group. (Action – Jim)
The Group had agreed at the Oct meeting to donate £100 to AIUK's Iranian Women campaign Urgent Appeal. Having contacted AIUK regarding this, the advice was that donations to AI are generally not ringfenced for particular causes and that the appeal was aimed at individual donations. It was subsequently agreed that it would be best to rescind the previous decision to donate group funds and, instead, individual members may make a donation, should they wish to.
Name of Group – A brief discussion took place on whether we should consider changing the group name from AI Glasgow West to AI Glasgow. Following discussion, it was noted there could be a range of practical issues and other considerations. It was agreed that the Group's current name should remain.
Andrew confirmed that he had contacted Naomi McAuliffe of AI's Scotland Office, inviting her to attend a meeting of the Group in the New Year to discuss how we might work more closely with AI's Scotland office on campaigns, etc. No response had been received yet. Andrew to chase up later in November if still no response. (Action – Andrew)
Claire updated that she had contacted Interfaith Glasgow about the potential for joint working between our two groups. The response had been positive, though it would suit them better for something later in 2023. (Action – Claire to renew contact with Interfaith Glasgow later in 2023)

Upcoming Event - Write4Rights (W4R)

Kirstie advised that Hillhead Library (Byres Road, Glasgow) had confirmed the venue for Saturday 10th December 2022, where our Group will host a W4R event. The aim is to encourage members of the public to participate in W4R, raise awareness of our group and encourage new members to get involved.
Andrew circulated copies of the W4R booklets that had been requested on behalf of the group. (Kirstie hadn't yet received a response from AIUK to her request for booklets).
Agreed to cover the W4R event between 11am - 4pm. (Rota – 11am – 1pm Merle, Christine and Amanda; 1pm – 3pm Silvia, Jim and Andrew; 12pm – 4pm Claire; 2pm – 4pm Kirstie; others invited to input as and when they may be available). (Action – various members)
In preparation for W4R event, equipment to be brought to our next meeting, which is two days before the event: colouring pencils, pens, paper, non-religious cards, group promotional cards and banner. (Action – various members)
The cupboard in the church hall contains some suitable AI posters, badges and a collection tin.
We will share details of the event with the other Glasgow AI groups and invite them to participate with us. (Action - Andrew to share with Daytime Group and Silvia to share with Student group)
Also agreed that we could invite local politicians to attend the W4R event (MPs/Councillors/MSPs). (Action – all to consider and make contact, as appropriate)
Final preparations for the event to be made at our next meeting on Thursday 8th November.

AIUK Local Group Updates

Claire provided an update on some of the issues covered within the AIUK local groups update, including:
Jamnesty in solidarity with Luis Manuel event. AIUK was inviting groups and supporters to hold local ‘Jamnesty' live music events to celebrate Luis Manuel's life and work, raise awareness of his case and raise vital funds for AIUK.
AI Conference cancelled due to train strikes.
*Petition: https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/close-guantanamo/ *
Amnesty Shop - 10% discount for members - Code: 10AMNGRP
Ukraine Appeal – Help Amnesty International Expose War Crimes by Fundraising with Your Group - Nov-Dec - you'll be able to donate funds raised directly to our work supporting human rights in Ukraine. We are not always able to offer groups the opportunity to raise money in support of specific areas of work, so we are looking forward to seeing how you make the most of this opportunity. Read more about our Ukraine Appeal and how you can get involved; download a Donation Form for our Ukraine Appeal
British Nationals in Iran No-One Left Behind: Download our new campaign toolkit. This new toolkit gives you information about the campaign, how to involve your MP and take part in the London to Tehran challenge, and where to find all the tools you need to take action.
Update: Morad Tahbaz was sent back to Evin prison in Iran after being released on furlough. We are asking the Foreign Secretary to urgently meet Morad's family to outline the UK's plans to secure his freedom. You can read our response to this news here. Petition
End Israel Apartheid: new report calling on The International Criminal Court to investigate unlawful attacks committed during Israel's August assault on the Gaza Strip as war crimes. Link to recording from conference on the Right to Boycott
Youth Activist Coach - piloting a new project to support Amnesty Youth Groups and youth activism in schools. We are recruiting local activists and human rights educators who are based in/can easily travel to one of the following areas, inc. Falkirk FK5! Successful applicants will be matched with, trained, and supported to offer tailored coaching to a participating Amnesty Youth Group over a 9-month period. If you are interested in being part of our pilot, please read the Youth Activist Coach role description to find out more and for how to apply.
Amnesty Christmas Raffle 2022 - Tickets £2: https://raffle.amnesty.org.uk/
Online training courses - on futurelearn / Amnesty Academy: People, Power, and Politics: Influencing Political Decision-Makers on Human Rights; Amnesty website

Urgent Actions

Merle circulated the most recent Urgent Actions. Members within the core group and the wider mailing list are encouraged to respond to the Urgent Actions, if they can do so.

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/urgent-actions

Date of Next Meeting

Thursday 8th December 2022, 7.30pm - 9pm @ Woodlands Methodist Church, 229 Woodlands Road, G3 6LW

Donations

We appreciate that there is a cost-of-living crisis and a great many are feeling the squeeze. If you do feel able to support us with a donation to help our ongoing running costs, we would be very grateful.

We have set up a Paypal donation page.

If you would prefer to donate at a meeting, that too would be welcomed!