The lack of fairness in our world has become an epidemic in human history being passed from generation to generation. As time elapses, this flagrant disregard for justice has most likely not gotten any worse but, unfortunately, it also has not gotten any better. Despite this grotesque phenomenon of society, one thing that has changed from yesteryear is the passion the people possess to lobby against these wrongful doings. Individuals are no longer afraid to stand against the abuse of human rights and stand for what is right.
On Monday Dec. 4, the Global Studies Club sponsored an event titled “Write a letter, change a life.” The purpose of this writing session was to compose letters for specific individuals around the globe who are suffering from mistreatment and deprivation of basic human rights. The event was in association with Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign. It was hosted by Dr. Patricia Campion, Associate Professor of Global Studies and Sociology and Director of the Global Studies Program here at Saint Leo, who is also a member of Amnesty International.
Amnesty International is an organization that aids in fighting the abuses of human rights worldwide, bringing torturers to justice, changing oppressive laws, and freeing individuals who are being incarcerated for voicing their opinions. They pursue this aim through detailed research and determined campaigning. Members of the organization internationally press for action from the people and institutions who can make a change occur. They do this through petitions, protest, social media, and most popularly through writing letters.
According to their website, Amnesty International is a global movement of over 7 million people who stand against injustice. They believe in a world where no one is deprived of rights they justifiably deserve. The organization aids immensely in the fight for equality, they do not believe that any government is above being scrutinized, nor is any situation unable to be resolved.
This writing session that Saint Leo participated in is the world’s biggest human rights event. Every Dec., Amnesty International supporters worldwide write millions of letters for persons who are being robbed of their basic human rights. “Your words have power!” read the flyer of the event in emboldened text.
The classroom where the event was held was encompassed by profiles of each victim whom the letters were being written for. The mini boards contained a summary of the individual’s situation, specific details of exactly how they were mistreated, the address of the person to write to in order to bring them justice, and the victim’s address to send them messages of solidarity and friendship. Refreshments, sample letters, and writing supplies were also provided.
Nicholas Fox, a sophomore majoring in General Biology, took part in this opportunity to make a difference.
“I think it is important that the basic right of everyone is respected. Everyone is allowed to fight for what they believe is right, and they should not be treated differently because of it,” said Fox. “This will create a domino effect, this little push for change is a part of eradicating the wrong in this world.”
Rose Rood, a student who also participated in the occasion, stated “I think that all of these issues are important and relevant. The government should not oppress its people and everyone deserves basic human rights.”
If you did not make it to the event, and you wish to contribute, you can still visit their website, anestyusa.org, and support this cause by reading the cases and sending letters to the addresses given.
