2008 Woodie Awards
Amnesty International Returns to MC
Erin Lynn
Issue date: 10/18/06 Section: News
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After a short appearance and disappearance two years ago, Amnesty International, the world's largest human rights organization, has returned to Manhattan College.
Kevin McCloskey, director of Campus Ministry, had registered for a Manhattan College chapter of Amnesty International several years ago, but a lack of student initiative brought the club to a quick demise.
Luckily, however, Jason Jeremias, a new member himself to the worldwide organization, visited Manhattan College last year for a conference on the situation in Darfur, an issue MC students hold close to their hearts. He realized that the school did not have an active Amnesty chapter, but immediately recognized "the spirit for it," particularly, he says, as a religiously based school.
Jason, the local area coordinator for Amnesty International, contacted Campus Ministry and agreed to help reignite the dormant chapter. He set up a table at the activities fair on September 6 and recruited potential members. Jason believes that his presence as an advisor who both works and volunteers for the organization itself will help keep the group focused.
While Manhattan College does indeed have a spirit for social action, visible in its many volunteer groups, a link to Amnesty International provides an obvious advantage. The organization will not only supply student members with specific knowledge of the most relevant world affairs concerning human rights, but also with ideas as to how to make a difference, as well connecting our small group with the other 1.8 million members worldwide.
Amnesty International has achieved great things since its inception in 1962, as a nonviolent, nonpolitical association dedicated to protecting human rights and defending human dignity. 40,000 prisoners of political conscience have been freed as a result of Amnesty's efforts. And the organization's tireless work in stopping the genocide in Darfur has led to the many rallies which have been held all over the globe.
Kevin McCloskey, director of Campus Ministry, had registered for a Manhattan College chapter of Amnesty International several years ago, but a lack of student initiative brought the club to a quick demise.
Luckily, however, Jason Jeremias, a new member himself to the worldwide organization, visited Manhattan College last year for a conference on the situation in Darfur, an issue MC students hold close to their hearts. He realized that the school did not have an active Amnesty chapter, but immediately recognized "the spirit for it," particularly, he says, as a religiously based school.
Jason, the local area coordinator for Amnesty International, contacted Campus Ministry and agreed to help reignite the dormant chapter. He set up a table at the activities fair on September 6 and recruited potential members. Jason believes that his presence as an advisor who both works and volunteers for the organization itself will help keep the group focused.
While Manhattan College does indeed have a spirit for social action, visible in its many volunteer groups, a link to Amnesty International provides an obvious advantage. The organization will not only supply student members with specific knowledge of the most relevant world affairs concerning human rights, but also with ideas as to how to make a difference, as well connecting our small group with the other 1.8 million members worldwide.
Amnesty International has achieved great things since its inception in 1962, as a nonviolent, nonpolitical association dedicated to protecting human rights and defending human dignity. 40,000 prisoners of political conscience have been freed as a result of Amnesty's efforts. And the organization's tireless work in stopping the genocide in Darfur has led to the many rallies which have been held all over the globe.