2008 U.S. Elections
Help make Human Rights a priority
As the 2008 elections grow near, there will be a major opportunity to ask candidates about issues central to our human rights concerns and educate them on policy issues.
When you speak about Amnesty’s human rights concerns on-line, in print or broadcast media, or in public environments such as town-hall meetings, political rallies, debates, and press conferences, please carefully follow the guidelines below. In order to equip you with the background on the issues, legal framework, and resources, AIUSA has created an Election Briefs 2008 Toolkit. In this Human Rights Election Briefs 2008 Toolkit you will find:
- Background information on human rights issues:
- AIUSA campaigns: Darfur, Torture, Death Penalty, Individuals at Risk, and Violence against Women.
- Selected Country and Thematic Issues: China, US assistance to Mexico, International Justice, Private Military Contractors, Hurricane Katrina, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights.
- Guidance on how to speak to the candidates and sample questions
- Information on how to contact the candidate and find local events
If you choose to raise these issues as an AIUSA supporter, it is critical that you be aware of the legal framework that AIUSA follows in order to maintain its nonpartisan, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization. AIUSA neither supports nor opposes any political party or any candidate for public office and Amnesty does not seek to influence elections. Please be aware that when you raise these issues with candidates, in the media or in any other capacity, you are speaking as an AIUSA supporter, and not as an official speaking on behalf of AIUSA.
We hope you will find this toolkit helpful in raising awareness with your friends and your community. Thank you for courageously speaking out for human rights worldwide. It comes down to people like you to make a difference. Working together, we can work to protect the rights of people everywhere.
» Join the call: Human rights and the 2008 Elections
2008 ELECTIONS TOOLKIT
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Human Rights Briefs
- Protect Human Rights in Darfur
- Denouncing Torture
- Abolish the Death Penalty
- Stop Violence Against Women
- Maze of Injustice: Sexual Violence Against Native Americans and Alaska Native Women
- Protect Individuals at Risk Around the World Such as Prisoners of Conscience and Human Rights Defenders
- Human Rights in China
- Creating an International System of Justice
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights
- Accountability for Private Military and Security Companies
- US Assistance to Mexico: The "Merida Initiative"
- Housing for Displaced Persons After Hurricane Katrina
