On Saturday 5^th July and Sunday 6^th July, members of our local group attended the Amnesty Amplify Summit: AGM & National Conference. Each year, the conference is held at a different venue in the U.K. . This year, it was local to us, being held at the University of Warwick in Coventry. The conference was a lively two days of workshops, voting and connections (old and new). It was wonderful to finally meet many who have become familiar faces from online regional and national meetings.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote by Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. Sacha Deshmukh (AIUK CE) was also in attendance. There were workshops available on the impact of U.S. policy on global human rights (in conversation with AIUSA Director, Paul O’Brien), activism for Palestine, everyday human rights, the  Prevent duty and human rights, working with young people and schools, building local power, tools for public action and tools for activist wellbeing. Moreover, voting on questions of AIUK governance took place, and the AIUK board were available for Q&As. There was also an activism awards ceremony, in which our co-chair and West Midlands activism lead, Dr. Alan Kessedjian was recognised for his work in rejuvenating local activism.

Although this conference was national, it has given us a renewed energy for local commitments. Perhaps Callamard put it best in her keynote speech, stating “it is not the time to imitate, negotiate or capitulate…where you repress us transnationally, we engage in transnational solidarity…resistance begins locally…” We look forward to bringing this spirit of globally minded, local solidarity to Moseley, Balsall Heath and Kings Heath.

by Bella (co-secretary B12, B13, B14)