Amnesty AIUSA Youth Peer Trainer Session Notes: Running Your Group

Session Overview

• Topic: Running your Amnesty student group and introduction to Amnesty campaigns and priorities.
• Presenters:
  • Grace Naga — peer trainer with Amnesty in progress, based in Maryland (Centennial High School), rising senior.
  • Ashana Santo — from Portland, Oregon; second year as peer trainer.
• Roles and purpose:
  • Student facilitators who create and deliver activism training webinars throughout the year.
  • Goal: help student groups stay organized and informed about Amnesty's current priorities.
• Engagement invitation:
  • Attendees shared names, states, schools, roles in the chat; participants from across the U.S. (e.g., New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, etc.).

Community guidelines and session structure

• Zoom/community guidelines:
  • Be present for your learning: cameras on, participate, answer in chat, remove distractions.
  • Comfortable environment: you may have food or drinks; bring note-taking materials.
• Agenda for the day:
  • Six topics: 1) what groups work on, 2) student group coordinators 101, 3) leadership structures, 4) planning ahead, 5) planning for now, 6) setting goals.
• Interactivity: prompt to envision success for your group; a link was provided in chat to contribute answers in the slideshow.

Envisioning success for your group (student responses)

• Common themes from participant responses:
  • Keeping people engaged all year round.
  • Establishing the club.
  • Expanding group size.
  • Hosting regular meetings.
  • Creating more impact and educating members on topics.
  • Increasing outreach and social media activity.
  • Building larger turnout and educating new topics.
  • Spreading awareness and engaging local communities.
  • Pride in members fighting for human rights.
• Takeaway: success is diverse and includes engagement, growth, education, and impact; plan around these aspirations.

Amnesty’s priority issue areas (seven core areas)

• There are 7 priority issue areas representing Amnesty’s focus:
  1) Gender and sexuality rights — women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, bodily autonomy, and identity.
  2) Refugee and migrant rights — right to seek asylum and protection from violations.
  3) End gun violence — support common-sense U.S. legislation (background checks, restrictions).
  4) Individuals at risk — prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders, at-risk individuals/communities.
  5) Death penalty — abolition and cessation of executions.
  6) Racial justice — freedom from racial discrimination and related economic/criminal justice injustices.
  7) National security — preventing government overreach and human rights violations in the name of security; guard against labeling people as threats.
• Amnesty’s goal: influence US policy and practice; themes remain relatively stable year to year, guiding priorities for campaigns.

Campaigns and campaigns timing

• Campaigns: more specific actions tied to ongoing injustices. Campaigns don’t have fixed starts/ends; Amnesty runs campaigns to address current issues.
• Fall focus campaigns (four key campaigns):
  • Stopping the genocide in Gaza: push for enduring ceasefire, release of hostages, humanitarian access, and end of starvation.
  • Stopping mass deportations: oppose aggressive deportations/detentions; call on representatives to shut down mass deportations.
  • Sudan conflict: advocate for a weapons embargo and protection for civilians; remember the ~11{,}000{,}000 displaced figure mentioned.
  • Students’ rights campaign: launched Sept 1; protect rights to protest and to speak out against injustices; resources and actions will be provided.
• Annual mobilizations: planning anchors around real-world events; example of a focused framework to coordinate actions.
  • Banned Books Week (Sept–Oct): right to free speech and to resist censorship in schools; activities include displaying books currently challenged in U.S. schools.
  • Right for Rights (Nov–Dec): support for individuals at risk (prisoners of conscience) via letter-writing campaigns; requires items like stamps and fundraising.
  • National Week of Student Action (Spring): flexible focus based on current injustices in the U.S.; example from last year: dismantling the mass deportation machine.
• Indefinite nature of National Week of Student Action: campaigns can evolve as issues shift; plan ahead for flexibility.
• Iceberg of activism (visual framework):
  • Tip: Annual mobilizations (visible) like Banned Books Week and National Week of Student Action drive broad participation.
  • Between top and bottom layers: Priority campaigns, Individuals at risk, Core programs.
  • Core programs: foundation for key issues; groups can align with specific core programs for deeper focus.
  • Recommendation: prioritize the top two to three layers (annual actions, priority campaigns, individuals at risk) while keeping core programs in view.
• Urgent Action Network (UAN): centralized hub to find the most recent actions to implement with your group; a link will be provided.
• Collaboration with other organizations: example with National Honor Society (NHS) for write-for-rights campaigns; can earn volunteer hours or course credit.
• Resources for supplies: materials like banners, brochures, pins, pens; a resources/materials request list exists for groups to obtain supplies.
• Early planning and peer trainer sessions: specialized sessions tied to upcoming campaigns (e.g., Banned Books Week) to prepare groups.
• Practical guidance on running groups around annual campaigns (Write for Rights, Banned Books Week, National Week of Student Action) and planning around them.

Volunteer hours and tracking

• Volunteer hours: requirement for members and leadership to track hours spent on Amnesty activities (meetings, tabling, activism).
• Hour tracking process:
  • Individuals record hours on a form; leadership may submit for all members.
  • Entries include the activities (e.g., number of letters written) and total hours.
  • Amnesty provides a letter confirming the hours once processed.
  • Recommendation: submit the form once per semester or at year-end, not weekly.
• This tracking supports recognition, potentially for school credit or transcripts.

Student Group Coordinators 101 (communication and liaison duties)

• Primary role: liaison between AIUSA youth and student groups; maintain contact with Amnesty AIUSA Youth.
• Main communication channels:
  • Slack: announcements, urgent actions, success stories; channels provide targeted updates; use No Stupid Questions channel for inquiries; Slack access via Katie (community manager) or request access if not a member.
  • Text messages: important updates and reminders from Katie; do not reply with STOP to avoid missing vital info.
  • Email: monthly reminders about priorities and upcoming actions.
  • Social media: AIUSA Youth accounts on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Threads for current events and engaging content.
  • Student Activist Coordinators (YLA) — peer mentors (assigned in your first year) who provide ongoing information and monthly check-ins.
  • Activism calendar: downloadable calendar of AIUSA events and meetings; can be synced with personal calendars.
• Practical tips:
  • Use Slack for timely updates; join channels relevant to your group and actions.
  • Engage with YLA for guidance and accountability.
  • Follow AIUSA Youth social channels for updates and inspiration.

Checklist for running a new Amnesty student group

• Student group orientation (about 30 minutes): learn basics of Amnesty, be reminded that Amnesty is a grassroots organization and not a direct-service group.
• Maintain contact with your SAC (Student Activist Coordinators): never ghost them; they are valuable allies.
• Regularly check Amnesty Youth Slack: central hub for updates across channels.
• Attend additional peer trainer sessions: deepen understanding and get questions answered in real time.
• Embrace learning from mistakes: understand that mistakes are part of the process; use them to improve.
• Questions in group chat/Slack as they arise; use Slack for rapid Q&A and updates.

Common questions and clarifications

• TikTok presence: currently no Amnesty Youth TikTok account; future possibilities may exist; current platforms include X, Threads, and Instagram.
• Volunteer hours form: each member or leadership team tracks and reports hours; each entry reflects activities like letters written; Amnesty then processes and issues a confirmation letter. Best practice: submit once per semester or year, not weekly.

Leadership structure: roles and recommendations

• Core leadership roles:
  • Student Group Coordinator (often the President): primary communication with Amnesty; tracks group actions (e.g., Banned Books Week activities).
  • President: overall leadership and dispute resolution; ensures governance.
  • Vice President: supports the President; can serve as a successor or co-leader for continuity.
  • Treasurer: manages funds and logistics (e.g., purchasing stamps, supplies).
  • Secretary: drafts emails and communications; maintains documentation.
  • Media Manager: oversees social media presence and public communications.
• Additional roles for larger groups:
  • Recruitment Manager: focuses on gaining and retaining members; recruitment/retention micro-session exists.
  • Collab Manager: coordinates collaborations with other organizations (e.g., NHS for campaigns or protests).
  • Urgent Action Manager: navigates Slack to identify and prepare actions; conducts pre-meeting research.
  • Director of Education: ensures education and information-sharing; creates resources and presentations.
  • Social Care Lead: ensures inclusivity and accessibility; fosters a welcoming culture for all members.
• Leadership size and structure considerations:
  • Smaller groups: fewer leaders; focus on dependable yet accessible leadership.
  • Typical recommendation: 4–6 leaders for groups of 15–20 members early in the year.
  • Adapt roles to fit personal strengths and group needs.
• Core values to implement in leadership:
  • Inclusion: ensure everyone belongs and has a voice; value personal experiences.
  • Diversity: include a range of identities; be intersectional and reach out to diverse demographics.
  • Equity: recognize different experiences; provide support to those who may feel marginalized.
  • Accessibility: remove barriers to full participation and ensure diverse meeting formats (virtual options, slide sharing, etc.).
• Meeting structures and leadership best practices:
  • Communication: be open, honest, and reachable; maintain ongoing dialogue with members.
  • Connection: build meaningful relationships within the team.
  • Open-mindedness: respect diverse viewpoints; avoid judgment.
  • Adaptability: be willing to adjust plans and schedules when needed.
  • Teamwork: emphasize collaboration; ensure leadership shares the workload to prevent burnout.

Planning ahead: structuring and scheduling initiatives

• Organizational approach:
  • Use templates to plan meetings (content, content delivery, tasks, and timelines).
  • Check-in with members about capacity and interest before actions.
  • Ensure actions align with AIUSA scope and current priorities; integrate cross-topic relevance (e.g., abortion rights with gun restrictions) to maintain broad engagement.
• Task distribution:
  • Distribute work evenly; avoid burning out the group coordinator or president.
  • Use to-do lists or spreadsheets to assign tasks and track progress.
• Planning timeline and reassessment:
  • Allow for planning, implementation, and reassessment phases.
  • Example: Human Rights Day on December ext{ }10; plan in early November, assign roles mid/late November, implement around December 10 plus a week, then reflect afterward.
• Action-oriented planning:
  • Ensure each meeting has a clear purpose, concrete actions, and a connection to long-term goals (see PACK framework below).
• PACK framework for meetings (Purpose, Action, Connect):
  • Purpose: set one specific goal for the meeting.
  • Action: include an action (e.g., QR code petitions) to generate immediate participation.
  • Connect: ensure the meeting content aligns with long-term planning and expected outcomes.

Planning for now: meeting design and execution

• What to include in meetings (three-part structure):
  • Purpose: one clear goal for the meeting.
  • Action: a tangible activity (e.g., petitions, letter-writing, sign-ups).
  • Connect: connect the immediate action to longer-term goals and campaigns.
• Meeting formats and tools:
  • Slideshow with a clear action at the end.
  • Virtual platforms (Discord or Zoom) to accommodate members.
• Ongoing planning considerations:
  • Establish and communicate a regular meeting schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly).
  • Include a team reflection to evaluate what works and what doesn’t.
  • Ensure inclusivity and broad member engagement, not just board participation.
• How the group should respond to changing circumstances:
  • Be flexible; plans may shift due to events or new information.
  • Regularly revisit goals and processes with the board and the SAC.

Meeting fundamentals and engagement strategies

• Core meeting components (typical structure):
  • Icebreaker/introductions to build comfort.
  • Education piece: update on current events and relevant topics.
  • Group planning: brainstorm and plan future actions.
  • Action: conclude with a concrete activity (e.g., letter-writing party, fundraiser ideas).
• Creative engagement ideas mentioned: letter-writing nights, practice gymansties (e.g., gymnastic fundraisers), pie-throw fundraisers for fundraising at school.
• Scheduling considerations:
  • Don’t overcommit: avoid weekly meetings if planning cannot be sustained.
  • Use team reflections to adjust cadence.
• Ongoing adaptation:
  • Meetings should evolve with member needs and real-world events; COVID-era adjustments were cited as an example of adaptability.

Handling participation challenges: a scenario and solutions

• Scenario: Participant turnout is low and brainstorming yields few ideas; how to respond?
• Suggested approaches discussed:
  • Start by introducing opinions from others to spark discussion.
  • Review current actions and initiatives (e.g., tallying topics with a whiteboard) to identify interest areas.
  • Create an activity to engage members and encourage participation.
  • Use “piggybacking”: invite members to build on the ideas of others to lower participation barriers.
• Outcome: turn a low-engagement situation into a collaborative planning moment by engaging quieter members and building on feedback.

Goal setting and forward planning

• Personal/club goals: attendees were prompted to list concrete steps for the coming year (e.g., posters, newsletters, reach out to officers, board meetings, first meeting presentations).
• Examples of goals gathered in the session:
  • Create posters to advertise meetings and the club.
  • Use weekly newsletters or bulletin boards to communicate.
  • Brainstorm with co-presidents to implement engagement strategies.
  • Meet with board members to prepare first meeting content.
  • Build a structure and long-term focus for meetings.
  • Create recruitment flyers and an advertising strategy.
  • Reach out to other members of the board to clarify roles.
  • Engage an adviser early in the planning year.
  • Outline meetings for the year (not overly detailed; leave room for adaptation).
  • Move leadership tasks into Slack for visibility and accountability.
• Additional practical reminders:
  • Confirm roles to avoid overlap or confusion.
  • Reach out to your adviser early to secure ongoing support.
  • Consider preparing a year-long outline rather than detailed day-by-day plans.

Recap: key takeaways

• Education and action: groups educate communities on Amnesty priorities and generate actions toward systemic change, not direct service.
• Staying connected: maintain communication with Amnesty through Slack, Instagram, text, and email to stay up to date.
• Organization is essential: leadership and planning require careful organization; plan meetings in advance and be prepared to adapt.
• Use Slack and SAC for questions; expect changes and be ready to adjust.
• Upcoming resources and events to watch for:
  • Materials list and resource slides linked in the resources section.
  • Peer trainer micro-sessions (fundraising, policy, social media, Slack).
  • Upcoming peer trainer session on Recruitment and Retention: Aug 19, 5PM PT / 8PM ET (registration link provided).
  • Student Rights Campaign launches Sept 1.
  • Banned Books Week (Sept–Oct) and related peer training sessions closer to the date.
  • Regional Activism Conferences in Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Berkeley; virtual option in Austin.
• Contact information:
  • Katie on Slack (community manager) and general AIUSA Youth contact: youth@AIUSA.org; Slack access available via request.

Resources and next steps

• Resources slide includes: materials request list, peer trainer sessions, and micro-sessions (10-minute videos) on fundraising, policy, social media, and Slack.
• Upcoming reminders and events will be posted in Slack and via monthly emails.
• Encourage ongoing participation and use of the Activism Calendar for planning.

Endnotes and clarifications

• If you have questions after the session, you can ask in Slack or reach out via youth@AIUSA.org.
• Acknowledge that some details (like the exact cadence of National Week of Student Action) may shift year to year based on external events; adapt planning accordingly.
• The session emphasized inclusivity, collaboration, and flexible, staged planning to sustain long-term student activism.