Student Action Network Committee Elections 2024

The Amnesty Student Action Network (STAN) committee are at the forefront of student activism in the UK, leading campaigns and representing thousands of Amnesty students. 

Each year, the STAN committee are elected by our student network (you!). Each Student Group is eligible to vote in this year's election.

Please read all the candidate's answers and videos before deciding your group's vote in consultation with your committee and/or members. You can vote once for each officer role. You can read more about the officer roles here.  

Please note some candidates have not submitted videos or photos for personal reasons. This does not reflect on the strength of their application, so please be considerate of this when voting. 

Voting will close at 9am on 11 June 2024.  The voting form is at the end of this page.

If you have any issues with your vote, please email Hannah.Stokes@amnesty.org.uk.

2024 Candidates

Omar Saleh (he/him)

University of Glasgow
 

Roles applied for:

• Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer

• Higher Education Officer

• Chair

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

Growing up as a Palestinian in the Middle East, my life has been marked by conflict and human rights injustices. From the wars in my homeland and the Arab Spring to facing Islamophobia after moving to Cyprus at 14, I have been compelled to familiarise myself with international human rights. These experiences have driven me to advocate for the voiceless and use my privilege to speak out. I have dedicated myself to fighting for justice, focusing on educating others about the Palestinian struggle for freedom and engaging in various anti-racism projects. These issues are particularly crucial today as the world grapples with alarming levels of white supremacy, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

I have several practical ideas to improve student involvement and campaigning at Amnesty. One is to use art and cultural tools, such as plays, music, and paintings, to campaign for various causes. For example, we could organize a competition where artists submit pieces depicting struggles in a specific region, with the winner receiving a prize. This approach broadens our reach, engages art enthusiasts, and creates a powerful visual impact. My university did something similar during COP 26, focusing on the climate crisis, with excellent results. Additionally, organizing more workshops on pressing campaigns would be beneficial. While these are typically held during the annual conference, hosting more frequent workshops would involve more Amnesty groups and organizations that might not attend the conference. Implementing these ideas, among others will require effort but can significantly enhance our campaigns. 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

As a Palestinian, I am deeply passionate about combating hate speech, especially Islamophobic and antisemitic rhetoric. Unfortunately, many antisemites and Islamophobes use the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to justify their hatred, leading to harmful stereotypes and normalized racism. I have spent much of my life fighting against this through education, dialogue, and campaigns. As the Race Equality Officer at my university, I developed an anti-racism workshop and collaborated with university management to decolonize the STEM curriculum. These initiatives are transferable to larger groups, and I am eager to continue this work as the Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer. 

Sifi Kirya (she/her)

University of Reading
 

Roles applied for:

• Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer

• Higher Education Outreach Officer

• Student-led Campaigns Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

My friend Stine, who I met at the Amnesty Norway General Assembly two years ago had a can-do attitude and inspiring vision of a world where everyone enjoys their natural rights. She left a lasting impression on me. Stine's enthusiasm drew people to her. She ignited a passion in people for the causes she championed, even among those who were initially indifferent. This compelled me to deepen my understanding of social issues and actively advocate for change beyond casual conversations or occasional protests. I wanted to unite individuals and ignite in them the same passion for human rights that Stine instilled in me. Resultingly, I revived the Amnesty International club at my old college and am in the process of making a society at the University of Reading. Stine's influence continues to motivate me to create positive change and empower others to stand up for what is right. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

To enhance effectiveness, I would implement feedback mechanisms. Understanding individuals' sentiments toward campaigning is crucial for broader participation. Feedback loops can mitigate apprehensions and foster a sense of inclusivity. Additionally, I propose organizing interactive workshops to educate students on human rights issues and equip them with campaigning skills. Furthermore, I advocate for a greater focus on genocides and conflicts in Africa, such as the ongoing crisis in Darfur. UN expert Ms. Nderitu's warning of a "Rwanda-like" genocide in the article “World Ignoring the Risk of Sudan Genocide” highlights the urgency to bring awareness to this. She emphasises the need for global attention, lamenting its overshadowing by other conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza: "I'm calling for attention to this particular conflict. I have been trying to get my voice out but my voice is drowned out by other wars - in Ukraine and Gaza." 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

Racism in university accommodation is an issue that angers me. Often, when someone is the only Black, Asian, or ethnic minority in their flat, they face discrimination. For example, friends have felt left out or stigmatised because of their cultural food being labelled as "too stinky". I've grown used to slurs from flatmates, or entering the kitchen to the sound of "African tribal music" meant to "make me feel at home." My flatmates have touched my hair, exoticised its texture, and wished for hair like mine. I've been stereotyped, faced microaggressions, and endured rude behaviour, which is exhausting. The most effective solution, in my opinion, is ensuring racially diverse university accommodations. If universities can achieve gender-balanced flats, distributing racial diversity should also be feasible.  

 

Sam Orman-Chan (he/him)

University of Lincoln
 

“Hi, I am Sam Orman-Chan, a Student of Computer Science Undergrad at the University of Lincoln. I am passionate, as I am sure everyone reading this, about Human Rights with my area of interest being the Intersection of the Digital Technology and Human Rights. As young adults, we are acutely aware of how Social Media can affect everything from our perception of Political Issues to our Perception of ourselves. However, more often than not, the companies behind these services are more focused on profit and influence than the impact that they have on society. Therefore, as part of the demographic that has spent their entire lives submersed in the Internet and Social Media, I feel that we are acutely aware of how Human Rights are both presented on Social Media as well how Social Media has both helped, harmed and changed our world. As such, I hope that if elected to the STAN, the Network can better explore the intersection of Technology and Human Rights, from Perceptions of Major Issues like the Gazan Genocide to the issues that have become quieter but still just as important like the Rohingya and Uyghur Genocides or the Toxic X (n´ee Twitter) Campaign, and the Impact of Technology thereof. Areas like AI and how it is being used to help human rights such as helping to analyse documents in investigations, as well as how it is being used in manners harmful to human rights, such as the Accusations of Israel using AI to target Civilians in Gaza or how China has used AI to surveil and persecute the Uyghurs of Xinjiang. Overall, I hope that if elected to STAN, Amnesty Student Action Network can better study the effects of Technology on Society.” 

Roles applied for:

• Disabled Students Justice Officer

• Socio-economic Justice Officer

• Chair

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

Most likely, the stories that ignited a flame for Human Rights would be the 2014 Bombings of Gaza and the Uyghur Genocide in PR China.  Both of these events awakened me to the fact that the world is imperfect but also gave me clarity in seeing that the majority of the vices of our world can be boiled down to the abuse of Human Rights and that therefore, Amnesty, through its work in documenting and publicising these cases, a genuine light can be shone into the Darkness, such as how Shell is being slowly brought to account over its pollution of the Niger Delta and that the Local People are now able to fight for Restitution and Reparation for the harm it caused them, their families and livelihoods.

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

My main ideas to improve student involvement in Amnesty would be first and foremost: Greater Inter & Intra-regional collaboration, through the usage of both pre-existing and new networks as well as collaboration with Local Groups and more broadly aiming to both reduce the segregation between Student Groups and the Youth, Local & TU Groups.

Secondly, I also feel that Amnesty has the unfortunate issue of London-Centrism at the expense of the rest of the UK, and thus I argue that the Regional Student Structures be reviewed with an emphasis on Federalism in so far as to encourage intra-regional collaboration (eg. Warwick and DeMontfort both Midlands) as well as allowing different areas to focus on issues that have greater relevance to the region and localities within.

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

An Issue that has agitated me is the Attacks on the Right of Protest and the 'Debate' on Freedom of Speech as part of the 'Culture War'.  My approach to organising around the issue of the Right to Protest would be based on two parallel but interlinked campaigns, one being a formal approach of Petitioning, Letter Writing to Authority Figures, Social Media Campaigning and the like; the other being focussed on the practice of studying the impact the Anti-Protest Legislation has had upon Students and Peacefully but Vocally Protesting Publicly in order to create a Spectacle, with the express purpose of drawing attention to Civic Rights of Protest as part of a Democratic Democracy.

 

Abigail Loucks (she/her)

University of Kent
 

Roles applied for:

• Gender Justice Officer

• Student-led Campaigns Officer

• Chair

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

I am from the United States, and when Roe V. Wade was overturned, my life changed. I was upset, disappointed, frustrated, and in disbelief. I have always been interested in human rights, but the overturn of Roe illuminated all of the inequalities women still deal with. These inequalities go far beyond the U.S. and abortion rights. I started researching gender inequality worldwide and realized that inequality is rooted in almost every country, whether it is apparent or not. It was then that I realized I have the power and the ambition to make a difference. I made a vow to myself that I would help women who do not have a voice. I am very fortunate in the way that I can speak up without risk, many other women cannot. I aim to help women become whomever they want and to have the freedom they deserve in every country.

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

I would organize more "fun" events. Human rights and social justice is a heavy topic that can be upsetting. Raising awareness for these issues must be done in a strategic way that does not make people feel uncomfortable to the point where they want to ignore it. To improve student involvement, I encourage students to volunteer with Amnesty and find local organizations that need help, thus encouraging involvement with Amnesty whilst helping the community. I would spread awareness of the multiple petitions Amnesty has by putting up posters with the QR code to the petition. Furthermore, I would organize walks/runs/hikes for human rights issues for fundraising and awareness. Overall, encouraging students that they can make a difference, however small, can go a long way. Many people want to help with social justice but are unsure how. Spreading awareness and information about what students can actively do will increase change.

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

I am extremely passionate about women's equality and rights, and the inequality upsets me. Although healthcare inequality is not as prevalent in the U.K., women are still at a disadvantage. Feminine care products are expensive and not every woman has access to those products. I would create a feminine hygiene drive where donations of all products will be collected and given to those in need.  I would also like to focus on women's safety as that is an ongoing issue. I would organize a walk where women can walk at night with security and lights.  Lastly, I would like to organize a "Walk a mile in her shoes run", where men or women can run/walk a mile in heels and any donations would go to domestic violence shelters. We do this in the United States and it is a great and fun fundraising event

 

Maghrib Tanveer (she/her)

Derby College
 

Roles applied for:

• Student-led Campaigns Officer

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

• Socio-economic Justice Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

I originally belong from the AJK (Kashmir) which is an illegally occupied territory. My dad, who's a public activist, taught me so much about history, geography, and human rights. Growing up in an illegally occupied territory has given me a unique perspective on human rights and social justice issues. Because of my father’s activism me and my family have been through a lot of difficult situations. My father has unlawfully been detained and tortured so many times. In these kind of situations I used to call the British Embassy, inform them and ask for help. In 2016, my father was conducting a public opinion survey and in summer holidays he took me with him. I learnt about the importance of the public opinion survey and afterwards my dad allowed me to take opinion from 1 citizen. The survey consisted of 10 questions in which I successfully asked 7 questions. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

1.Organise workshops or training sessions to educate students about human rights issues and how they can take action. 

2.Host awareness events, such as film screenings or panel discussions, to engage students and spark conversations about human rights. 

3.Utilise social media platforms to share updates, resources, and opportunities for students to get involved. 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

- Environmental stability: the solution is recycling, organising community cleanup events and plant more trees. 

- Racism &Inequality: It is very sad how there is a lot of racism not only on national scale but also globally. Starting from national we can take it to a global matter as every black life matters. It is very sad how in the past few months I saw famous Brazilian footballer Vinicius Jr burst out into tears during his interview about the amount of racism he is dealing with in and out of the football pitches. I personally think in the UK and worldwide humanity should be no.1 priority.  

- Human rights violation: At the moment 14% of the world is going through war crisis. There should be peace and it is very awful how human have been killed on daily bases. We can improve this by running campaigns and raising funds to support these countries. 

 

Rose O'Keefe (she/her)

University of Warwick
 

Roles applied for:

• Socio-economic Justice Officer

• Gender Justice Officer

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

I remember as a child, hearing from my Nan from a very young age how every week she and my Bampy would take homemade sandwiches and soup onto the streets of Cardiff to feed the homeless and offer them a chat and the hand of friendship. Despite their own financial insecurities they never wavered, and their soup kitchen predated and evolved into some structures in place in Cardiff today. They taught me to appreciate the opportunities I have been given and use them to help others. Everyone deserves the same basic rights of food, shelter, friendliness, and respect, irrespective of socio-economic status, gender, race, or immigration status. They inspired me to help out at a shop for a children’s charity while in sixth form, and now to volunteer at the local homeless shelter near where I live in term time, and at a food bank near home during the holidays.

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

In social movements, strength comes from numbers and unity.  I believe STAN can play an important part by increasing cooperation and communication between university Amnesty groups. Executive members from local student Amnesty societies could create joint campaigns to increase visibility, and share tips and advice on running campaigns to achieve impact beyond their own campuses. Campus campaigns can become national university movements.  The publicity and visibility generated will inspire more and more students to know that they can make a real difference by being involved with the amazing work of Amnesty student activists.

It is important for STAN to help amplify the voices of non-Russell group universities, as they are often harder hit by the cost-of-living crisis but have less of a presence on the national stage. Outreach work and help to ‘start your own Amnesty society’ could help empower those at greatest need to get their voices properly heard.

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

It infuriates me that, despite all the publicity surrounding initiatives to widen access to university education, students’ lived experiences often do not reflect the principles of equity and equality.  Student loans are insufficient in a cost-of-living crisis, meaning that many students from less well-off situations have to work and compromise their studies merely to survive. The situation reinforces class inequality, where the better-off can concentrate on their education, and retain the most privileged positions in society. 

I want to help break this cycle of socioeconomic injustice. Continuing to develop nationwide campaigns that focus on food and housing will allow all students to concentrate fully on their studies. It is incredibly exciting that we can transform our campuses and encourage class equality. As a member of the Right-to-Food working group, I have seen how much opportunity and potential there is to achieve great things for socio-economic equality. 

 

Raye Parker (she/they)

Newcastle University
 

 

“Hi! My name's Raye and I use they/she pronouns. I'm really passionate about social justice, for quite a few reasons I think. I am queer and autistic and have experienced first-hand a lot of the difficulties my communities face so think I would be a great disability or LGBTQ+ social justice officer. Disabled people's rights are also hugely important to me, as an autistic person, but also just because disabled people seem to be so often dismissed and victimised by our government and I want to play a part in changing that. We are not a scapegoat. We are an important and very real group in this country who is frequently ignored. In sixth-form, I ran my school's LGBTQ+ club, which our teachers had to fight to be allowed to run, and delivered educational assemblies about queer identities and struggles to the younger years -- who were much younger than I was when I first learnt about LGBT identities, having grown up in and still living in a very rural area. It was amazing seeing the huge change just in my school in just the seven years I'd been there and being someone actively driving that change.” 

Roles applied for:

• Disabled Students Justice Officer

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer

• Gender Justice Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

I realised I was queer while in secondary school but didn't meet an openly queer adult until I was 15. She was my geography teacher and told a boy off in my class for using the word "gay" in an insulting way in one of our lessons. I stayed behind after to thank her because it was the first time I'd heard a teacher say something, and she told me she was bisexual and had had to argue with the headteacher to be allowed to hang a pride flag in her classroom. Cut to 3 years later, when I was 18 and running the school's LGBTQ+ club, giving educational assemblies to the younger years and that same teacher was helping organise our school's second ever lunchtime pride festival. Seeing that change in just a few years was hugely inspiring, and it'd never happened without that geography teacher speaking out. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

More collaboration between regional Amnesty groups would be amazing, as I think has been partly seen in the ongoing pro-Palestinian protest encampments. I know our  groups have been in touch with Durham, Leeds, and Edinburgh, and support the social media campaigns of many others. I think raising awareness and giving opportunities for people to ask questions and educate and discuss is also hugely important for activism and involving others, so any way I could help increase that would be amazing too. For instance, I know with my friends, letting them ask questions about my experiences with autism has really helped many of them know how and when I need support, as well as understand how I may struggle more than others. 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

The issues that get me most agitated are those facing disabled people, especially disabled people from lower socio-economic backgrounds or those in other minority groups too. A prominent example for me is the masses of disabled people in Palestine, both newly disabled due to injuries and previously so, and the way the genocide is affecting them specifically. To me, it seems disabled people are frequently the last thought during any injustice. I gave a speech at one of our student protests about disabled people, particularly children, in Palestine and how important it is to think of them and help them, because I think education and us developing an understanding of a disabled person's needs and struggles is incredibly important, especially as anyone at any point can become disabled.

 

Chi Kanyoka (she/her)

Newcastle University
 

 

Roles applied for:

• Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer

• Gender Justice Officer

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

Being born in Zimbabwe and having migrated to the UK at age 3, I’ve seen firsthand the censorship in my home country, and how freedom of expression rights of activists is stifled by the government in a post colonial Zimbabwe. Im also aware of the experience lived by women, close to me there, reproductive rights being incredible restrictions and how women face significant discrimination and barriers to achieving their full potential. Seeing the disparity between these two has made me aware of how different my life in the U.K in a predominantly white society is compared to my peers in Zimbabwe. My experience as an immigrant living in the uk, making me want to exercise my rights of free speech so people are aware of all the inhumane things that people experience not only in my home country but in countries that often aren’t in the forefront of western media. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

I think a good way to improve student involvement and campaigning at amnesty is the implementation of more student and direct action within amnesty and well as utilising social media in order to spread the word to students across a channel that we use the most (social media). I think now more than ever with the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the assembly of encampments on campuses all up and down the country, we’ve seen that when students come together as one in planned forms of direct action, we can get more effective results.  I think also doing more collaborations as students within each local area (ie. The amnesty student societies in north east working together on a single campaign) would be a great way to increase student involvement and student led campaigns in amnesty.

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

That the U.K. is the only country in Europe that has no time limit on how long immigrants can be detained, leaving people essentially trapped in limbo within inhuman conditions, there being a detention centre local to my university, (derwentside). Despite its inhumane conditions, there having been inspections highlighting this, the detention centre is set to have its capacity upped from 80 to 120 people in this upcoming year in inhumane conditions, and the facility charged to men only leaving many of the  women in the facility to be relocated, many being set to deported to Rwanda following hr passing of the Rwanda bill. I’d say a good way to rally to organise around this issue is to inform people of what’s going on through information stands as many people aren’t even aware this is going on and then mobilising together as a community in protest. 

 

Karnika Behl (she/her)

Queen's University Belfast
 

Roles applied for:

• LGBTQ+ Justice Officer

• Student-led Campaigns Officer

• Anti-Racism and Racial Justice Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

I am a council member at my university’s student union. It was then that I was introduced to Aidan Moran, campaigns and engagement officer of our SU. Working closely with him I was inspired to participate in campaigns and engage with social justice. I was an active member of the divestment campaign that we ran at Queen’s. I am still an active member of the Pro Palestine Campaigns and UCU in Belfast. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

I am extremely passionate about student rights and always make sure there’s enough support for them and specially the international students. I believe students have a huge role to play in the shaping of a university’s constitution and I would encourage all students to come forwards and take an active interest in shaping their own and the future of the youth. I would engage them in amnesty events and campaigns and draw more awareness around what Amnesty does. 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

The increase of rent at student accommodation really upsets me since I understand how difficult it is for students to fund their education and living expenses. The cost of living is already high in the UK and the year by year increase of tuition fees and rent is a burden on students. I would get students to raise their voice against this and campaign since it’s their right. I would use social media constructively and get students to talk more about this issue online as well so to create more awareness towards this problem.

 

Megan Hewitt (she/her)

Royal Holloway University
 

Roles applied for:

• Gender Justice Officer

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

• Student-led Campaigns Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

My family have always been a source of inspiration for me to promote social justice and combat gender and disability based discrimination. My dad has always been active in environmental protection groups and human rights organisations and it has been hopeful to see how his passion has spread throughout my entire family. One of the most common problems when being involved in social justice is the constant disappointment and frustration when you feel you actions aren't enough to make a difference. I always look to my dad as a reminder that his passion has influenced everyone around him and therefore does encourage more people to take action. I have so many people in my life that I love who are threatened by human rights violations and I am driven to help them and combat injustices for them. 

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

I feel student involvement in Amnesty is not as impactful as it could be. On my University the society is very newly established and the lack on information and advertising is the concern. In encouraging student involvement in campaigns I would ensure promotion of clear information that is engaging and visually appeal on a platform students are likely to see. Hopefully by also identifying a realistic end goal will help create a project that feels achievable and will widen participation. While ensuring campaigns are focussed on a specific area and reach out to not only Amnesty groups but other societies related to social justice. 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

I am particularly passionate about climate justice and gender equality. I have always been interested in environmental protection and have supported extinction rebellions activism in lobbying those in power to put in place policies to combat climate change. I really believe one of the biggest hinderance in this area is misinformation and hope to promote education on climate change and its causes. I would hope to direct Amnesty to support current actions by greenpeace and focus on holding those responsible accountable. I am equally focussed on transgender rights and combatting discriminative policies and attitudes that promote a dangerous atmosphere. On my own university campus I hope to change regulations for transgender students in sports to encourage more participation. 

 

Esma Turkmani (she/her)

Bournemouth University
 

Roles applied for:

• Chair

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

• Gender Justice Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

Growing up, the world felt like a tapestry woven with injustice. Women often faced limitations and unequal treatment, a reality permeated many aspects oflife. Itt wasn't just a local issue; I saw these patterns repeated across cultures and borders. The injustices weren't isolated; they affected children, refugees...countless others. It was bigger than any single community. While I may not have personally experienced the sting of these injustices firsthand, witnessing them left a mark. Perhaps it was a touch of luck or maybe privilege, but I wasn't directly subjected to them. Yet, the stories I heard, the struggles I observed sparked a fire within me. There wouldn't be peace of mind until I did something. Some might say it's easier to remain silent, to leave the world as it is. There's comfort in the familiar, even if it's flawed. But for myself, for many young people, inaction is a burden. Gender inequality, climate change, plight of refugees...We yearn to be part of the solution. These are interconnected-a violation of one human right often ripples across others.

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

- "Amnesty Unplugged", launching a student podcast series. 

- Hosting a "Humans of Amnesty" campaign  

- We can even use technology and art… Organizing an "AR Human Rights Walk 

- Or  "Human Rights Museum Pop-Up" on campus 

- "Insta-Justice" ": Launch a social media campaign challenging students to create short, creative videos advocating for human rights. Winners are chosen by a combination of public vote and a panel of human rights activists.  

- Holding a "Human Rights Film Festival" with interactive elements 

- "Hack for Humanity" Partnering with computer science societies to organize a hackathon focused on developing innovative tools or solutions for human rights campaigns. 

- Creating a "Green Amnesty Challenge" 

- Launching a "Pen Pal Project" connecting groups. 

- Human Rights Hero Training Camp" Organising interactive workshops with a gamified approach. 

- Skill-Building workshops focused on campaign planning, social media advocacy, and public speaking. 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

Fostering empathy and awareness is crucial. Featuring women from climate-impacted regions to bring their struggles to light, highlighting the gendered dimension of climate crisis…Sharing their stories alongside infographics and resources to trigger meaningful conversation and understanding. Co-hosting workshops with women's rights organisations to understand connection between gender inequality and climate vulnerability. Empowering women as leaders in climate action within a "Women in Climate Solutions" mentorship program could connect experienced female environmental leaders with young women eager to join the fight. Offering workshops specifically designed for young women, tackling climate advocacy and leadership skills equipping them with the knowledge to become powerful changemakers...Highlighting successful women-led climate initiatives on our platforms…Advocating for gender-inclusive policies is critical.. We would lobby authorities to ensure climate policies and action plans addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women. Campaigns calling for increased investment in education, training, and leadership opportunities or collaborating with student governments would push for sustainable practices on campus that consider the needs of all genders. 

 

Beth Farr (she/her)

Northeastern University
 

Roles applied for:

• Climate Justice and Sustainability Officer

• Gender Justice Officer

• Student-led Campaigns Officer

Tell us a story about yourself or someone else that made you get involved with human rights and social justice.

For me, my experience as a woman and the prejudices that I experience every day was the driving force of why I originally became interested in human rights. One story in particular was when I was involved in Army Cadets from the ages of 12-18 and I always had the aspiration of climbing to the top and being the best I could, and in the end I was really successful but when I joined there was a boy who joined at the same time and he was offered every opportunity and was always given the opportunity to succeed. Whereas, I am very proud of how much I was able to achieve because of the struggle against being just seen as a girl, rather than just as capable as the boys were. From then, I found it so important to encourage young people in whatever they want to pursue.

What ideas do you have to improve student involvement in Amnesty?

I would like to expand on the already created region groups to ensure that individual societies feel up to date and supported in the campaigns that they are running on campus. As well as ensuring that any students who are not in a university that have an Amnesty International society are still able to get involved. I think having joint meetings between universities can really inspire different types of events and allow you to get to know people who are passionate about the same things as you are! 

What issue gets you agitated, and how would you organise your community around it?

One issue that really angers me in the world is how disengaged people are with politically issues, particularly those relating to the environment. It is why I would like to harness the passion of young people and allow them to see the action that they can make. I was given the opportunity to attend an MP round-table conversation recently about the struggle for affordable student housing and that definitely made me feel empowered in my ability to enact change so I think talking to local MPs, mayors and people who are able to make change for us would be a great step to making students feel impassioned about the social issues that are affecting us right now.