Amnesty International is a grassroots organization that promotes and defends human rights. It deals with urgent issues like disappearances, and it does campaigns like the upcoming campaign against discrimination. Amnesty International was founded by Peter Bensen who came up with the title Prisoners of Conscience. That is anyone who is imprisoned in any sense of the word. Since then Amnesty has regained the rights of 400,000 people. December first is national AIDS day. The Judge amnesty group is going to make banners and hand out cards with facts about AIDS. Amnesty has members around the world, but Judge has its own group that meets twice a month in Sra. Merino's room.

Mrs. Adams is also the teacher moderator and has been involved for 23 years. "I started when I was in college," Mrs. Adams said. "The Judge Amnesty group works with all the groups who work for justice, like the multicultural club, and the environmental club," she added.

Student Action week is coming up when students pick an issue and can set up tables, have people sign petitions, and write letters to government officials. "The Judge Amnesty group has mailed postcards, had speakers, and have done assemblies," Mrs. Adams said. For more information go to www.amnestyusa.org or talk to Mrs. Adams and Sra. Merino. "We want the students to be in charge," said Mrs. Adams. "So talk to Debra Emery, Tarrin Wilson, or any other student involved." The meetings usually are on Wednesday mornings and have donuts and juice, so go and join them. Kamari Yeh said "I like being part of this group. It's a great way to be involved in something that makes a difference."

by Laura Burchett '07