Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. I co-lead the Amnesty International service group at FIS. We meet regularly and hold events to discuss, raise awareness, and raise money (for Amnesty International) to recognize the violation of human rights across the world. When our club members meet, we also write letters to send to governments to raise the matter of cases within their country that violate human rights, to their attention.
March for Our Lives
The mission and focus of March For Our Lives is assure that no special interest group or political agenda is more critical than timely passage of legislation to effectively address the gun violence issues that are rampant in our country. On March 24th, more than 800 marches around America and the world to place to protest the issue of gun violence that regularly occurs in America- in schools, churches, night clubs, movie theaters, airports and more. The organization Democrats Abroad lead this march in Frankfurt. The march started at the Alter Oper, and ended at the Römer with a ceremony. Many people from Amnesty International FIS including myself took part in this march.
Police Station Visit
Being that I am now co-leading this club, Julia (the other leader) and I visited the police station in Oberursel to meet with two officers. We discussed different matters regarding police sensitivity, and how they handle different issues regarding various cultures and religions. It was a very successful trip and gave us a lot of insight, so following our meeting we arranged a time for them to pay our school a visit so they can talk to more students in an assembly like setting, to educate more students on how in this day in age the police handle various matters in a politically correct manner. They will be visiting the school before the school year ends.
World Fest
I had volunteered at Worldfest this year, and worked the Amnesty booth. The purpose of the booth was to educate anyone who wanted to know more information about the club, as well as supply anyone who was on a scavenger hunt and needed us to answer a question in order for them to complete the hunt.
Supervisor Review and End of Year Reflection
Taking part in Amnesty this year has been a wonderfully rewarding year, being able to engage with a club that handles matters of global significance. I have developed leadership skills in the process of this year, being that I am now co-leading the club. The work load has presented new challenges that I am not shying away from. Being able to co-lead has allowed me to work collaboratively as we build up this club, hoping it only progresses in the future.
Refugee Book Drive
Hearing that the 3rd grade of FIS was studying child rights, I figured that a great way to get involved would be to hold an event with them. In addition, the refugee center I teach English at on a weekly basis has shown a need for books in English, so what better way to get involved than hold a book drive in the elementary school. We started the afternoon with playing an interactive presentation game with the whole of the 3rd grade. We showed slides with a picture on it, and asked what rights were not being met. The kids then volunteered answers. The game came full circle and lead us into a conversation about refugees and education, thus introducing the book drive. Our club then separated into smaller groups in each 3rd grade classroom, to hold a Q&A. The following week boxes were put outside the rose carpet in the ES, and an ES wide book drive was opened. About 200 books were donated!
Reflection
Amnesty's main focus this semester was our book drive- and it took A LOT of work to put on. Because I was the one with the connections, I was the main person leading the project. Because I had to communicate with so many parties to make sure this ran smoothly (my club members, the elementary school 3rd grade teachers, ES principal's approval, the head of the refugee center ), organization was key in putting on this project. In addition, being a good leader was important in order to distribute the work load appropriately. Thankfully, I enjoy both leading and organizing which made the whole operation so much easier. The largest issue was coordinating times that coincided with both our club members in the upper school, as well as times that the whole of the 3rd grade could meet in the elementary school. Eventually, we managed to find a time, and some of our club members were able to get dismissed from class. This project showed me how smooth projects can run if you do communicated and organize it in a timely manner!
Another major event this semester was handing off our club for other people to run. This club was like my baby, and I poured a lot of hard work into it. However, my co-leader and I found a really good pair of 10th graders to carry on the club. We also spoke at a lot of service events to promote the club, and gained many new members in the process. As bitter sweet as this was, I am secure and glad to know that this club will be left in good hands, with people who really care about what we're for.
Another major event this semester was handing off our club for other people to run. This club was like my baby, and I poured a lot of hard work into it. However, my co-leader and I found a really good pair of 10th graders to carry on the club. We also spoke at a lot of service events to promote the club, and gained many new members in the process. As bitter sweet as this was, I am secure and glad to know that this club will be left in good hands, with people who really care about what we're for.
Venezuelan Event Planning
We are currently in the works on putting on a photo exhibition, promoting awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The people in Venezuela have been going without food or other basic human needs due to an ongoing stand off regarding who is the President of Venezuelan. To raise awareness, we will be putting on a photo exhibition with photos of those affected in Venezuela. The photos will be displayed on the sky bridge of our school, a heavily frequented bridge by many students. Pictured below is our club organizing the logistics of the event.
Fridays for Future March
Reflection
From Applefest to marches, this year at Amnesty has been a delight. Different matters that we have addressed are climate change, the refugee crisis, and education. Some challenges that have been posed has been constantly holding events that are unique, and original. This year we have gained so many more members, which is very rewarding to see how much the club has grown. I am excited to see the direction the club is heading