Voices for Human Rights: Celebrating our Volunteer Activists

“I don’t remember when I first met Duncan. I have a vague memory of him hanging out during coffee time at Church of the Redeemer in downtown Toronto. I know for sure that when Amnesty International member Susanna Jacobs suggested we start an Amnesty Action Circle at Redeemer, Duncan was there from the beginning. He has been a faithful presence in the group; always asking probing questions, wanting to know more, about Indigenous people, refugees, Iran, corporate responsibility and other human rights issues. Susanna suggested Redeemer send a representative from our group to the AI Toronto monthly meetings and Duncan was quick to volunteer. The summer he began attending the AI TO meetings was the same summer that he had a landscaping job in Mississauga. He would be up at 4:30 in the morning to catch buses to get to the Mississauga job, and once a month somehow managed to also get to AI Toronto meetings… most of the time. I remember his disappointment one evening after rushing through the two cities and catching multiple buses and subways, the door to the AI Toronto office was locked. What impressed me most was that he was so disappointed at missing the AI meeting. I know that if I had been up at 4:30 am, I would have been heading to my bed, not a meeting.
And Duncan continues to impress me. In the two or more years the Redeemer group has been meeting, I don’t think Duncan has missed a single meeting. I know I can count on him. His commitment extends to AITO. In the past two years he has leaped from attending a monthly meeting to being an active member of the executive, a willing, keen, and talented member of the speakers’ bureau, with a willingness to attend any meeting and help in any way that he can. It is rare for me to attend an Amnesty event in Toronto when Duncan is not present. But it is more than simply being reliable and present. Duncan is a gracious, gentle and inquiring person. Amnesty International is privileged to have Duncan as a part of our team.”

Gloria Nafziger, AI Canada Refugee Coordinator

In Duncan’s words:

Little squeeks. My association with Amnesty started in a church basement two and a half years ago, first by signing petitions and writing letters. I’d always considered myself somewhat well informed and certainly well intentioned when it came to world events. But it took the formation of an action circle at my church to inspire me to take the plunge and get involved. Or should I say to dip my toe in. It was small and hesitant at first, just an hour a month. Looking back, I often wonder what took me so long. How did I spend this much of my life, thinking, caring, and talking about human rights but never taking action. In the end, I think it might have had to do with little squeeks.

At various times, many of us are defeated by a feeling that our lonely, solitary voices when raised will simply be lost in the wind. But there is a trap in that way of thinking. A big trap. A trap more powerful than any dictator and more destructive than chronic indifference or ignorance. It is the crushing belief that we’ll never be heard amidst the din and cacophony of oppression, hate, and intolerance.

Amnesty has been an amazing organization for me. It has encouraged me to develop strengths that I never knew I had, to find my own special niche, and with gentle, steady encouragement and mentoring, to gradually take on more responsibility. For me, that began to take shape by expanding on my hour a month letter writing in the church basement to becoming the bad penny that just kept showing up at the AITO monthly meetings. From there it evolved to being present at as many Amnesty events as possible, learning the issues, and eventually to taking on more of a leadership role.

This past year I’ve joined the AITO Executive as a Director-At-Large, and I’m also now a member of the Speaker’s Bureau. Both roles have come with a learning curve that has been both humbling and exhilarating. As part of the Executive, I’ve had the privilege  of meeting and working with many of our volunteers in groups and action circles throughout the city. I am forever inspired by their commitment and dedication to people from around the world and around the block.

With the Speaker’s Bureau, I’ve been invited to speak in schools. A lot of schools. I’ve spoken to large and small classes, to students that are engaged and to some who are secretly trying to tweet the time away. But what inspires me most is that in virtually every class I go to, there is at least one student sitting quietly, not speaking or raising their hand. Some will muster the courage to respond as the session gets going, but many will come to me only after it is over to ask how they can get involved, while many will wait to ask their teacher long after I’ve left.

Perhaps I relate to them most because these small, gentle, and nervous voices are very much like my own not so long ago. They may be little squeeks, but together they, and we, can change the world.

“It is with great pleasure over the past few years that I have observed Duncan Garrow growing into an AI leader in Toronto. He first began participating in AITO in 2010. He consistently attended AITO meetings and AI events in the GTA- enthusiastic, eager to learn, and always helpful. I often think he has the template down for how to become an active volunteer for Amnesty International: as with many things in life, intentions will only get you so far – you have to show up. Duncan shows up, and when he does he always has a warm smile and some quick wit at the ready!

In a very short period of time Duncan has become one of the most reliable AI volunteers in the GTA, actively taking on leadership roles and becoming an invaluable member of our Speaker’s Bureau and the AITO Board of Directors. He continues to find his own voice as a human rights activist and in doing so, he promotes human rights for those who are voiceless.

I can’t say exactly when it happened, but it feels like Duncan has always been a part of the AITO family and now I cannot imagine AITO without his thoughtful reflections and hands-on-support.

Congratulations Duncan, I expect to continue to see more great things from you in the future!”

Shanaaz Gokool, AITO Chair

THANK YOU DUNCAN!

 ”I can’t recall when I first met Don Payne. He was already an essential part of Amnesty when I came to Toronto in 1985. He was also instrumental at the time in helping to set up the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, a worthy organization to which he still contributes his skills. In more recent years, we have worked closely together to deliver health-related actions to the Health Network.

Don has played a critical role, not only as the stalwart coordinator of the Health Network in Canada, but as a highly regarded professional at the international level as well. And in his career as a psychiatrist, he has helped many a survivor deal with their traumatic experiences. I have also treasured Don’s penchant for photography. We have profited from many a photo taken at Amnesty events through the years.

One of my favourite memories is of Don and me beetling it down the 401 to an AGM in his Volkswagen van. Topping that, perhaps, is his countless deliveries of homemade cookies on special occasions.”

Marilyn McKim, AI Canada Urgent Action Network Coordinator

In Don’s words: 

“I had been donating to Amnesty for several years before joining the Health Network (then the Medical Network) in 1979 when it was formed in Toronto. At that time, the Network centered on the assessment and treatment of torture victims. In 1982, I was appointed coordinator of the Network and expanded it to a national network with members across Canada.

Shortly after that, torture treatment centres opened in Toronto and later in other cities. They took over the torture victim work, leaving the Health Network to carry on with the core Amnesty issues such as opposing torture and the death penalty, and on health related issues.

Over the years I have lived though many changes in the Amnesty organization, many political changes in the world and changes in Amnesty’s style of functioning. I have attended AGMs with very heated discussions, one of the most heated being the 1989 AGM in Vancouver arguing over whether Amnesty should purchase a computer.

I have had the privilege of attending three international meeting of Amnesty Health Networks at the International Secretariat. I have continued my work as a psychiatrist with torture victims, providing assessments and treatment. I served a three year term as the elected Canadian representative to the international organization of torture victims, IRCT, in Denmark. I was proposed by Amnesty to provide expert testimony on torture at the Royal Commission regarding Mahar Arar. I have testified in Federal Court, and endured harsh cross-examination, in the cases of individuals on security certificates.

A highlight was meeting and photographing the Dalai Lama in 2003, and receiving a stole  from him. My camera has been my companion at Amnesty AGMs and other Amnesty events. I have enjoyed seeing some of the pictures published.

I have a love for East Africa and have been active in visiting and supporting its development work there through Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), with a focus on helping people help themselves. In the manageable weather I relax and exercise on my bicycle and in my kayak. I have been an active member of AI Group 123 – the Beaches where I am known for my homemade cookies. No admission without them.”

“I have had the pleasure to know Dr Don Payne for the last thirty years within the Amnesty International Health Professions Network.  This was about the time that Don, a psychiatrist, took over the national leadership of our group.  Over these years, Don has sensitively guided the Medical Network’s configuration on the world’s stage, in a wider evolving Amnesty movement.

Don has a disarmingly gentle, kind skilful heartfelt way of communicating. The ability to listen and hear what is actually being said is his enormous power.   To create a listening conversation anywhere, is a major feat when you realize that Don has faced the darkness of humanity with the deepest courage; he had a full-time practice, helped over one thousand survivors of torture along the way, as well as testified at a number of national and international highly politicized forums; speaking loudly and bravely for those who have been silenced, among many, many other initiatives.

It is with my deepest conviction I say that Don Payne is my hero.”

Ken Agar-Newman, AI Canada Health Network

“Of course many people know about Don’s experience and expertise in helping victims of torture recover from PTSD. Upon meeting him, you can’t help but be struck by his calm and caring demeanor.  But arguably, what Group 123 values most about him are not his knowledge or his gentle nature, but his baking skills! Don’s cookies are so good that even author Marina Nemat mentioned them in her memoir After Tehran. Sometimes, I wonder if the group would be so active if each monthly meeting wasn’t fueled by such cinnamon infused goodness.

Don is also an avid photographer. Over the years he has amassed an invaluable photographic history of AICES AGMs.”

Renee Saviour, AICS(ES) Board  and AI Toronto Group 123

 THANK YOU DON!

“I first met Sharmila at the 2000 AI Annual General Meeting during an icebreaker which she attended as a youth delegate. She made an impression on me immediately with her wonderful smile and friendly demeanour. Since that time, I have had the privilege of working Sharmila in the Fieldworker program and making a dear friend.  Her strength of character, passion, commitment and determination make her a great Fieldworker, Vice-President of the Executive Committee and most importantly a super human rights activist. “.

                                           Corinne de Reland – AI Canada Fieldworker

In Sharmila’s words:

I became involved with Amnesty International in high school – and I remember my first trip to the Toronto Office. I was nervous and overwhelmed but successfully managed to get a photo collection that documented the abuse of street kids in India.  It was a cool experience. I put these posters up in my social science class and gave a presentation as part of a school project. At the time I was very interested in the rights of women and children and beginning to learn about female genital mutilation which I continue to find very disturbing. I was honoured with a Humanitarian Award in high school for my involvement with Amnesty International. I didn’t make the award show because I was busy having a life changing experience at Amnesty’s first Human Rights College.  It was amazing to be surrounded by other youth from across Canada who were passionate and knowledgeable about human rights issues – I had never felt this kind of connectedness.

Fast forward 15+ years and I’ve taken on many roles from being involved with my group at the University of Waterloo; to becoming a Fieldworker and enabling and supporting the activism of others’; to an elected delegate to the International Council Meeting and now as a board member responsible for the overall governance of the organization. I don’t always have the chance but I love getting out to the schools and community to deliver workshops to help inspire others to take action towards a better world.

I have had the privilege to meet several human rights defenders over the years and I cannot fathom the courage it takes to fight for what is right in an environment where their lives and the lives of their family and community are often at risk. This renews and drives my passion and commitment to support whatever education, campaigns, and leadership I can to collectively have the greatest impact possible in securing human rights for all.

To keep balanced I have guilty pleasures like waiting in line to meet Hulk Hogan – that seemed to be hit on facebook from my friends and Amnesty family.  I love travelling and climbing up mountains no matter how slow”.

“I first met Sharmila in 1999, at Amnesty’s first Human Rights College (HRC) for youth. At that time, Sharmila was a student leader of the Amnesty club in her high school. I was really impressed with the passionate way that she approached social justice issues. At the time, I was just starting to work on our Branch’s diversity program. I noticed that Sharmila had volunteered to facilitate a discussion on diversity and human rights with her fellow HRC students, and I decided to sit in. I was blown away by her facilitation skills, her commitment towards cultural diversity, and her courage in challenging discriminatory attitudes. I remember thinking: “I wish I could insert Sharmila into various programs and structures in Amnesty, so that she can continue to challenge us as we carry out our diversity work.”

Well, my wish became true. Sharmila was involved in the HRC Planning Committee the following year and led sessions at subsequent HRCs. She joined the Fieldworker Program, and became the Chair of the Fieldworker Coordinating Committee from 2003-2005. I had the pleasure of working directly with Sharmila during that time. I was impressed with her leadership skills, with her ability to handle all the things thrown at her (including dealing with conflicts), and her analytical skills in helping us transition the Fieldworker program into the vibrant program that it is today. Sharmila chaired a number of working groups, including a working group that proposed many changes that helped AI Canada to fully value and include youth at all levels of the organization. This model has now expanded into the international levels of Amnesty.

Sharmila was elected by our membership to represent our Branch at two International Council Meetings (2007 ICM held in Mexico and the 2009 ICM held in Turkey). Now that she is on the EC, she is a member of our Diversity Committee as the EC rep; and I feel that we have come full circle.

My fondest memories of Sharmila include the time that the two of us were chosen to attend an Amnesty meeting on activism in Paris. This was the first time that Sharmila had travelled overseas, so I wanted to make sure that I could help her make her way from the airport to our meeting place. My flight from Ottawa arrived a couple of hours before her flight from Toronto; so we had arranged to meet at the airport. When Sharmila emerged from passport control, the breadth of her smile was matched by her ginormous red suitcase! We managed to lug that suitcase through the Paris subway system, to the Amnesty office in Paris, onto the train to Marly le Roi, and on our return, throughout Paris.

When I think of Shamila, I always see her with a big smile and a glint in her eyes; ready to take on the world in the cause of human rights for all.”

Lily Mah-Sen - Activism Coordinator: Community Activism, Fieldworkers, Diversity

“Sharmila’s commitment to and knowledge of human rights issues, and of the Amnesty movement,  continues to inspire me.  She is a creative, insightful thinker.   She is a strong leader, an extremely supportive team member, and a great planner.  I am very glad to have had the opportunity to get to know her through her work at AITO and on the Executive Committee!”.

Margaret Flynn, AI Canada EC Board member

THANK YOU SHARMILA!

In Patricia’s words:

I joined Amnesty International in 1988. If I reflect on why I believe in Amnesty International and what has kept me here year after year is that I never want to be complacent about the liberties and freedoms that I enjoy living in this country. It is so basic to me that I can vote, join, protest peacefully, travel safely, hold my political beliefs and sign a petition without fear of detention, torture, coercion, physical or psychological abuse, even death. These are things that I can easily take for granted. These are things not enjoyed by many people across the world.

I went to my first community group meeting (AI Gr. 18) with very little knowledge of AI except that it was a human rights organization and my ex-husband donated to it. I had moved to Toronto and wanted to get involved in some meaningful volunteer work. I had decided to investigate both Amnesty and the local Distress Centre phone line service. I went to both organizations and Amnesty stuck. At my first meeting I recall that the then Chair, William Deacon, was pleading with someone, anyone, from the group to take over as Chair. Apparently he had been telling the group for a few months that he had to step down.
He wasn’t getting any takers. I timidly asked what would be required of a Chair and of course all 28 people in that room leaned forward eagerly and said “not much”.
William was profoundly relieved and I privately thought: “what have I gotten into!”

There is one truism: taking on tasks immediately forces you to learn very quickly. I attended the AGM in Montreal that year, clueless about what an AGM entailed and overwhelmed by the resolutions. I remember on the first day Michael Bossin, one of the lawyers in the group, told me that I had to get our group together to caucus urgently about some resolution of great import. Talk about being out of my depth! The Gr. 18 contingent at that time included not only Michael, a future AI President, Faye Sims, the AI Refugee Coordinator, the immediate Past President of AI Canada, Michael Schelew, the-to-be President of AI Canada, Paul Bentley, elected at that very AGM, and a team of very experienced members, and then there was naïve me. I spent all the plenary sessions sitting beside Michael S. whom I peppered with questions throughout the entire proceedings. It was a very raucous AGM as I recall.

The next year I traveled to the Vancouver AGM where Paul B. and Michael B. talked me into running for the AI Canada Board. I spent three years on the Executive as a Director. I remained as Chair of AI Gr. 18, and also was part of a group of members in Toronto who were trying to organize a dying Toronto umbrella group which eventually became AITO and which has been going strong ever since.

My role in AITO at that time was as the National Board representative and of course the rep. from Gr. 18. In those early years, AI undertook two international mandate reviews. I chaired both of the Toronto teams. The mandate statement drafted by the Toronto team was adopted by AI Canada and then served as the basis at the international level for a revised Mandate statement. Once I had left the National Board I became very active at the local level. I found and find this personally very satisfying.
I stepped down as Chair of my group and became treasurer, and because no one wants to be treasurer, I was talked into taking over as AITO treasurer when the treasurer at the time wanted to step down. Luckily an AI member who was a bookkeeper partnered with me and automated the accounting. Alas, when after a few years she too wanted to step down as bookkeeper and we couldn’t find a replacement, I was cajoled into assuming that role. Well thank you Martha Huska for being a good teacher and for holding my hand all those years as I tried to wrap my non-mathematical brain around the mysteries of accounting!

There is a pattern here. Soon the Merchandising coordinator wanted to step down along with her right hand people. Nancy Cameron convinced me I could do this and she would help me. I have since then learned to say “No” many times.

I can’t thank enough, nor sing the praises too highly, of all the wonderful volunteers and staff I work with on virtually a daily basis. What makes Amnesty International very strong and very viable is the enormous dedication of its members and staff. I am the luckiest person to have worked with and to continue to work with people like: Paul Santamaura, Martha Huska, Wayne Smith, Andy Buxton, Patrick Furey, Richard Elliott, Richard Steinke, Nancy Cameron, Elena Dumitru, Shanaaz Gokool, Lisa Swainston, Nora Kerr, Michael Bossin, Paul Bentley, Michael Wilkshire, Ian Heide, Margaret John, Rosemary Oliver, Cheryl Rooney, Grace Wu, Gloria Nafziger, Ravi Sreedharan, Beth Berton-Hunter, and many, many more.

I am humbled by the dedicated –Alex Neve – and the strong – Antonella Mega- people I have been privileged to meet through Amnesty. (To name only two.)

“Patricia Grenier is an Amnesty International Toronto Organization firecracker! She works tirelessly as the AITO Treasurer and Merchandiser for AITO products. Her volunteer commitment is critical in ensuring that AITO is a self-sustaining volunteer-run organization in the GTA committed to supporting AITO volunteers. Thank you so much Patricia for your dedication and commitment, as a volunteer you are a tour de force!”

Shanaaz Gokool, AITO Chair

“Patricia does a tremendous amount of work as Treasurer for both Group 18 and AITO, and that just scratches the surface of her dedication and commitment to the work of Amnesty. She’s also the force behind AITO’s wonderfully successful merchandise program. Every year she searches out new merchandise designs and ideas that are both creative and inspiring. Having been fortunate enough to work alongside Patricia at the AITO merchandise table at several AGMs, I’ve witnessed her awesome sales techniques. You can ask anyone – she knows what she’s doing and she’ s good at it!

Patricia was one of the first people I met when I joined Group 18. She was very welcoming and gave me a lot of guidance and support on ways to get involved with Amnesty and what it meant to be a member. And, she’s not only enriched my AI life, but also my cultural life with her extensive knowledge of literature, theater, and traveling!”

Lisa Swainston, AI Group 18 and AI Toronto Action Network for Women’s Human Rights

THANK YOU PATRICIA!

“Every volunteer organization needs to have cornerstones: key volunteers who are instrumental in shaping volunteerism within the organization, who work tirelessly to support the goals of the organization and who provide leadership in critical areas. Ellen Shifrin is one of our long-standing cornerstones for Amnesty International in the Greater Toronto Area. She is an active member of our Speaker’s Bureau, one of the leads of the Business and Human Rights Team and a passionate defender of human rights. She is also a dear friend and mentor. Well done and deserved Ellen!”

Shanaaz Gokool, AITO Chair

In Ellen’s words:

“I grew up in a middle class Anglo neighbourhood in Montreal. The only remarkable thing about it was that my parents instilled in me a sense of social justice. Recently a cousin said that I was like my parents on steroids. They found a way to live their beliefs, have a family, contribute to “culture” (classical music, theatre, dance, art), and do some travelling. I haven’t yet found that balance, as now everything seems to clash; travel = not good for the environment, classical anything seems colonial, and beliefs are urgent top priorities.

Amnesty International rose into view for me soon after I left a so-called spiritual community. As an Indiaphile, I had always wanted to find out what had happened with the Bhopal disaster, and contribute to that. I had travelled in India on meditation retreats; now I turned my attention to the work that really needs to be done. 2004 was the 20th anniversary of that disaster, and AI came out with a report that remains one of the important writings on Bhopal, almost 10 years later.

After exploring other issues and learning more about AI, I realized that Bhopal falls under the “Business & Human Rights” category, and so joined the BHR group. However, I found that unlike other issues, there was, it seemed, only I who wanted to work on Bhopal. To satisfy that inquiry, I joined the North American wing of International Coalition for Justice in Bhopal, and became part of the Advisory Committee. For the AI December 10th 2006 event, I helped organize the making of a solidarity banner for Bhopal. Three months later I presented it in Bhopal to a group of survivors and activists. There I met some of the amazing people who work on this issue, and resolved to return.

I finally got that opportunity in the winter of 2010. After a month in Andhra Pradesh on a team writing for an ESL curriculum, I headed up to Bhopal for the annual meeting of all the organizations working in various ways on the effects of the disaster. I was to spend the next 6 weeks there as a volunteer.

Enter the twist: on the evening of the second day I was walking back to the Sambhavna Clinic, an internationally funded clinic and research centre that provides health care free to all gas and water-affected people. In spite of the fact that I had been in India for almost 3 years off and on, and that I’m good at crossing streets there (it’s almost fun), I looked the wrong way and got hit by a motorcycle. Poor chap, he really didn’t have an opportunity to stop – I just walked out right in front of him. I heard a shout, and the next thing I knew I was down on the ground with a horrible pain in my left foot. A crowd of young men gathered around me, looking. Eventually a couple of the fellows got me up, asked me where I was staying, and helped me to an autorickshaw. They rode with me to Sambhavna, ensured that people were there, and left. They wouldn’t even let me give them some rupees for the auto. Satyu, one of the leaders of the clinic and Bhopal movement, smilingly said that I had insulted his countrymen by offering money.

Since then my other human rights work – teaching children with dyslexia – has taken priority. This means that my eco-destroying trips to India haven’t resumed, although my heart is often there, and I enjoy listening to others’ experiences. I’m more involved with the current work of the AI BHR group, Corporate Accountability for Canadian mining abroad. My lens remains Human Rights, and each day I work to provide others with the means by which they can make informed decisions to participate in our eroding “democracy”. I am always grateful to AI for its vision, leadership, and opportunities to make a difference.”

“There are many stories to tell since I met Ellen during my first B&HR group in Toronto. However, more than a story about Ellen, I would like to highlight her commitment to solve human unkindness. She always keeps our perspective clear: we do what we do in order to alleviate and prevent harm done when we loose perspective of the impact our actions have on other humans. Her kindness extends beyond the work we do to make for a compassionate, strong, humble and wonderful human being.

If it’s someone profiting from cutting costs on maintenance from the Bhopal disaster, or a company that don’t want to clean oil spills in Nigeria or companies disregarding impact of mining in Latin America, Ellen is there to remind us all the very human suffering that we are causing each other in order to maintain a particular way of life.”

Freddy Osorio-Ramirez, member AI B&HRs Team

“One of the marks of a caring and compassionate organization is in how it treats those with special needs.  A task that Ellen cheerfully and ably took on as Toronto hosted the 2008 and 2010 AI Annual General Meetings was to serve as our special needs coordinator.  This behind the scenes work at the Toronto AGMs was in addition to the many things Ellen was also doing out front in campaigning for human rights – but working towards a fairer world also requires quiet behind the scenes efforts too.”

Andy Buxton – member AI Group 1, Hamilton

THANK YOU ELLEN!

“I remember meeting Andy at an Amnesty Annual Meeting years ago and discovering that he was on the verge of moving to Toronto. “Well”, I said, “The members there will be very glad of that!” How right I was. He became an extraordinary leader among us – on protecting human rights defenders in Colombia, on the use of tasers, in teaching youth about Amnesty, in coordinating membership activities (not the least was an AGM). Whenever Andy is involved, one can always be assured that event planning is in good hands. He continues to be an avid letter writer whether at group meetings, at public events, within the Urgent Action Network, or at Write for Rights. If he ever wears ordinary clothes, it might be hard to recognize Andy because he is The Best at wearing Amnesty’s promotional t-shirts in the summer and sweatshirts in the winter. “

Marilyn McKim, AI Canada Urgent Action Coordinator

“I first met Andy when he came to AITO having moved from Ottawa to Toronto. Andy had been an active member of his local Ottawa Amnesty community group and wanted to remain involved. He joined Gr. 63 in Toronto and soon became the group’s rep to AITO. Before long Andy was elected Chair of AITO. In that role Andy demonstrated many leadership skills, and assumed many volunteer roles in Toronto including chairing a few AGM local arrangement committees, speaking for Amnesty at schools in the GTA and becoming an eloquent, well-informed spokeperson on the taser issue- appearing many times in the media representing Amnesty Canada on the use of tasers by the police force.

As a Volunteer Merchandise Co-ordinator for AITO I really appreciated the many times Andy stepped up to the plate assisting me with merchandise sales at the annual December 10th Open Houses at the Toronto Amnesty office. One year when I could not attend the AGM in Winnipeg Andy generously volunteered to drive the merchandise to Winnipeg and look after all the details. On his return Andy remarked how much he enjoyed the experience because staffing a table at the AGM meant that you met and engaged with so many members across Canada (something I always appreciate). He remarked that he never enjoyed an AGM as much as that one.

I think that I speak for many in AITO when I say we truly miss Andy since he has moved with his family to Hamilton. Toronto’s loss is Hamilton’s gain! Thanks Andy for all you have done  and for all you do for Amnesty. ”

Patricia Grenier, AITO Treasurer

In Andy’s words:

I first joined Amnesty International over 25 years ago when I learned that support for AI and human rights could extend well beyond simply donating to the movement.  My first involvement was as a member of AI group 5 in Ottawa.

After moving to Toronto I continued my involvement in human rights activism with group 63 and a variety of AITO branches including the Speakers Bureau, the new members orientation team, several regional meeting planning teams, and AITO itself, first as secretary and later as chair.  AITO twice hosted Amnesty International’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto in recent years, and I chaired the local arrangements committee as well as serving on the national planning committee for these AGMs.

I fondly remember the time when I crammed a stockpile of AITO merchandise into my car and drove it to the AGM in Winnipeg, spending much of that weekend at the merchandise table.  “Before you feel sorry for him for ‘missing’ things, he insists that this is one of the best ways to participate at an AGM since you get to meet and talk to pretty well every attendee that way – everyone wants to check out what’s for sale.  (The drive through northern Ontario was spectacular too.)”  

The one thing I did most often in my decade in Toronto with AITO was to facilitate human rights seminars for students at dozens of local schools.  Clearly one imperative for human rights activists is to educate and involve youth in our work.  Outreach to students is a great (and fun) way to do this.

As well, I studied up on Amnesty International’s concerns over police abuses related to the use (and often overuse) of Tasers, taking these concerns several times to the Toronto Police Services Board.

This developed into a sideline in media work with dozens of radio and TV appearances and interviews.  I also debated a number of Taser supporters in the media, ensuring that AI’s concerns were heard loudly as part of the public debate.

Since my ‘retirement’ to Hamilton I have joined AI group 1 (group 1 was the first AI community group in Canada) and I continue to be an active part of the Amnesty International community.”

THANK YOU ANDY!

“Margaret is an asset to this organization and our mission to promote human rights; she always contributes her time and energy with passion and purpose. Margaret is a reflective thinker who takes time to process how decisions will impact our message and the people we work with and for. I value this quality about Margaret deeply. She also supports many AI members personally through regular check-ins and warmth and encouragement, AI-related and otherwise. She is someone I am proud to know, proud to work with and proud to learn from.”

Matthew Ponsford, AI Canada Board

“Margaret is a terrific colleague on the board, and a wonderful person generally. She’s thoughtful and caring, not to mention super smart.”

Andy Thompson, AI Canada Board

In Margaret’s words:

“I went to my first Amnesty meeting while I was an undergraduate student at Queen’s. Stephanie Coward (a long term AI member) was a guest speaker at that meeting – and gave an incredibly moving talk about the death penalty. I’ve been involved with Amnesty ever since.

Over the years I have taken on many different AI roles, including director of letter-writing at my university group, member of the AITO Speaker’s Bureau, and member of the Executive Committee. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that my Amnesty work has given me to learn more about human rights issues, and to meet great people doing great things. I have a particular interest in Amnesty’s work with respect to the rights of Indigenous peoples.

I am currently working as a human rights lawyer in Toronto. Before going to law school, I worked as a teacher in Canada’s Far North.”

“Margaret always offers a thoughtful and considerate approach to activism, human rights issues and life in general. She is a pleasure to work with and remains open and accessible to AI members and anyone concerned about human rights. As an active member of the AITO Speaker’s Bureau, Margaret never shies away from opportunities to spread the word about Amnesty International’s life-saving work to community groups, university campuses and high schools. Thank you Margaret for all the work you do on the Executive Committee of AI and for staying grounded in the local activism here in the GTA!”

Shanaaz Gokool, AITO Chair

THANK YOU MARGARET! 

In Katherine’s words:

“In 2008, I wanted be more involved at my university and I was told that the Amnesty student group had a great intro trivia night and I should go. I went and it was great! I realized that Amnesty was an organization doing amazing things and I wanted to be part of that.

I have become more and more involved in Amnesty and human rights work since then. The following summer I attended the Human Rights College and it was an incredible experience to be among so many like-minded people striving for change.

After moving back to Toronto, I knew I was going to stay involved in Amnesty but I wasn’t sure how. Then I found the Action Network for Women’s Human Rights and quickly realized that I wanted to be more involved in advocating for women’s basic rights. Through volunteering at Amnesty I have learned so much and met many amazing and inspiring people. Amnesty is a great community of people working for a common cause. I can’t imagine my life without being involved in Amnesty! “

“Katherine is a solid leader for the Toronto’s Action Network on Women’s Human Rights (ANWHR). With a welcoming demeanor and vision for the group, it’s easy to stand next to her and help execute our team’s mission. Her commitment to the cause is apparent, and her methods humble. I am pleased to work alongside her to raise awareness around issues that affect women and, inevitably, their communities. Congrats Katherine!”

Cristina de Miranda, AI ANWHR Member

“I feel so honored to be able to say something here about Katherine. In my years of work with her, she has been a driving force for youth participation and empowerment. From her work with the Queen’s University Youth Group, to her participation on the Human Rights College Planning Committee, Katherine always brought passion, commitment, and her smile.”

Shauna MacLean, National Youth & Student  Coordinator AI Canada

THANK YOU KATHERINE!

“George is passionate and kind beyond measure. I have never met or spoken to anyone who does not have overwhelming respect and admiration for the work George does and for his strength of character.

I will give you one small anecdote: when I was selected to attend the ICM in 2011, George was one of the first to express how proud he was of me and how excited he was for this opportunity. This is who George really is: someone who is intelligent, articulate, compassionate, and very much interested and attentive to sharing in the successes of others and encouraging them to do more – always.”

Matt Ponsford, AI Canada Board

 In George’s words:

“Volunteering with Amnesty International has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.  Whether it is writing letters during Write for Rights, attending the Reel Awareness Film Festival, or marching in the Pride Parade, the experiences I have will be with me forever. 

I started volunteering with Amnesty in 2005, specifically in LGBT rights.  The nature of LGBT rights cases tend to be very violent and distressing.  It is very common for me to hear: “You must find that so depressing”.  This could not be further from the truth.  One of the things I love about Amnesty International is that it brings together a diverse and confident group of people united by one cause: To make the world a better place. 

I know that the laughs I share with my Amnesty friends, the moments we rely on each other for support, and the sense of unity we share can only help our cause.  We find joy and strength where those who oppose equality would wish us to find misery and weakness. 

These moments are to be sought out and cherished and only serve to strengthen our resolve.  We have heartbreaking cases that inform us of the need for Amnesty International but we have moments of victory and celebration as well.  I think the Pride Parade is a great example of one of these moments. 

I find myself constantly learning new things at Amnesty International…about the world around me, about the process of human rights, but also about the incredible strength of the human spirit.  I am constantly inspired by the people I volunteer with and they truly make me so grateful to be a part of this movement.  I have many more things to learn, but knowing I share this journey with a group of people like the volunteers and staff at Amnesty International encourages me every single day.”

 THANK YOU GEORGE!

“While so many young teens devote their summers to Justin Bieber, iphones and Xboxes, there are a few whose passion is to make a real difference. In the spring of 2012, 13 year-old Beatrice Perusse attended her first Amnesty International meeting in her east Toronto neighbourhood.  She expected to hear about Amnesty’s large-scale campaigns going on all over the world, but she had no idea she would realise the desperate need for justice for someone simply down the street.  That night she met Antonella Mega who, with remarkable calm and candour, explained that her husband Canadian citizen Hamid Ghassemi-Shall  had been wrongfully prosecuted and now sat on death row in an Iranian prison.
Beatrice knew she had to become part of her neighbour Hamid’s fight for freedom.  She was inspired by over 6000 cards and letters from children and young people across Canada that had been sent in support of Hamid and Antonella. With the help of Antonella, dedicated Amnesty members led by Kara Dawson, filming “coach” and media producer Ian Hannah, and a dozen determined kids on-screen, Bea set out to shoot a video for Hamid. She wanted it to show that kids understand something desperately important: that the adults who have the power to do so must act and save Hamid’s life immediately.”

 Kara Dawson, AI group 123

In Beatrice’s words:

I joined Amnesty in March of 2012. I had always been passionate about human rights.

My mom suggested Amnesty International. I contacted Kara Dawson, our amazing coordinator, and my friend and mom went with me to my first meeting to group 123. It was a great experience. Everyone was polite, and treated me like an equal with valid opinions, despite my age. At my first meeting I also met Antonella, the wife of Hamid Ghassemi Shall. Hearing her talk about what was happening with Hamid’s case was a real wake up call. All of a sudden, a human rights violation was no longer a picture on a screen, but something that someone right in front of me was, and is, going through.  We were inspired to make our Free Hamid video by the thousands of cards of support and concern sent to Antonella by students. It has been a life altering experience working with Amnesty.

I cannot imagine going back to being uninvolved and I want to work with Amnesty for a long time. 

“Beatrice inspires us all to hope for the coming generation of young activists: she is passionate, articulate and willing to do the work to promote human rights. Keep up the great work Beatrice!”

Shanaaz Gokool, AITO Chair

Check here the “Free Hamid” video Beatrice woked on during the summer of 2012

http://www.freehamid.org/