Nov 3, 2008 Meeting Recap and Regional Conference Info

In attendance: Chris, Tara, Marissa, Jeff, Allie, Anne and Jackie

I. "State of Human Rights in the U.S." event recap
AI536 organized and sponsored this event onTuesday, Oct 28 @ Busboys and Poets (City Vista)
The general consensus of those who attended was that the speakers did a good job; however, the low turnout (19 people participated, including the speakers and organizers) was disappointing. Factors that may have contributed to this low turnout were: a fire on the Red Line, unpleasant weather, the annual High Heel Race on 17th St., and a lack of adequate promotion.

II. Jeff suggested AI consider raising awareness about violence against women through a visual display on a prominently-located billboard or large screen. Several members expressed interest in exploring this idea further. Marissa suggested the group consider looking into running the piece on large screens at/near the Verizon Center in Chinatown. Jeff promised to look into the screens further and to ask Jen @ Amnesty about legal issues that could arise. Allie committed to researching human rights-related dates on which such an ad or public service announcement could be run.

III. Meeting venues: All Souls Church came up as a meeting place possibility; the group will consider it for an event in the future but not as our regular meeting place. Chris suggested looking into meeting at Timberlake's just north of Dupont. Jackie promised to following up with that restaurant about the cost, if any, of meeting there.

IV. Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, November 14-16, 2008, Quality Hotel Conference Center, Harper's Ferry, WV

The pre-registration deadline has been extended to Monday, November 10th. Register now at: http://tinyurl.com/MAROConferenceRegistration

Pre-registering for the regional conference helps us ensure that we have enough materials and resources for all attendees and it saves you $10 off of the on-sight registration fee.

We've got an exciting, inspiring and fun-filled Regional Conference planned for you! Check out our agenda (http://tinyurl.com/MARCAgenda) and these other ways to make the regional Conference great:

One AI536 group member who plans to attend the entire conference has space available in her car and is willing to carpool. If you're looking for a ride, email Jackie at aiusa536@gmail.com.

Looking for ways to make the conference more affordable? Here are some ideas:
AI536 is offering subsidies to members interested in attending the conference
Contact Jackie at aiusa536@gmail.com for more info.

Get Your Regional Conference Fee Waved if you Volunteer
The success of the conference is greatly due to the generous help from those who volunteer at the conference. To compensate you for your hard work, we will be waiving the registration fee for all those who are able to volunteer 5 or more hours during the duration of the conference. To get your fee waived in exchange for volunteering please fill out this form: http://amnestyusa.org/events/mid-atlantic/pdf/08marcvolunteersignup.pdf For more info, contact Kelly at 202.544.0200 ext.245 or by email at knilsson@aiusa.org
**All volunteers must be available Monday November 10th in the evening for a training call.

Find a Roommate for the Regional Conference
Looking for a roommate for the 2008 Mid- Atlantic Regional conference? We have set up a Google group's account for this very purpose. You don't need to have a Google group's account, just login using your e-mail address and create a password.
Go to the link http://groups.google.com/group/find-a-roommate to access the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Room Share group and find your roommate for the regional conference!

Bring a group to the Regional Conference
For every 4 people that register from a group, the 5th person is free. To get this discount, fill out and send in this form: http://www.amnestyusa.org/events/mid-atlantic/pdf/marc08grpregistrationform.pdf

Be a member and Register NOW!
Registration costs non-members $10 more than members. And on-site registration is $10 more than pre-registration. So don't wait! http://tinyurl.com/MAROConferenceRegistration

MARO Special Focus Case Flag Action
Filep Karma and Yusak Package were arrested during a demonstration in Indonesia, during which a flag was raised. To show support for them, we will be making our own flags before and at the regional conference. The flags should have messages that embody human rights, freedom, peace and solidarity. We will incorporate the flag action into your events, and bring them to DC in May for the rally (date TBD). So come to the conference with a flag in hand or ideas about how you can make a flag with meaning.

If you can, please make your flag before you come to the regional conference. Flag making tips…
· Use any kind of cloth to create your flag, your flag can be any size
· Include messages about human rights, freedom, peace, solidarity, and ENCOURAGEMENT
· DON'T design flags that are representative of any country
· Amnesty International does not take a position on Papuan independence, so please make sure your flag design does not refer to Papua or any form of separatism

If you have any questions about the regional conference please contact us at aiusama@aiusa.org or 202-544-0200.

See you in Harpers Ferry!