Questions & Answers – global write-a-thon 2010

what is the global write-a-thon?

The Write-a-thon is the world’s largest letter-writing event. Each year in the weeks around International
Human Rights Day (December 10), tens of thousands of Write-a-thon participants in more than 50
countries bring concentrated pressure to help human rights defenders, prisoners of conscience, and
other people at risk of human rights abuses.

How does it work?

There are five easy steps to follow:

1. Sign up to Write for Rights! Participate as an individual, or host an event and invite friends,
family, and members of your community - www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon

2. Spread the word! Encourage others to sign up for Write for Rights! by texting or emailing them
the registration link: www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon

3. Check out the Write-a-thon resources online. You’ll find everything you need to participate:
• Case summaries and sample letters
• Addresses for sending letters and messages of solidarity
• Letter writing tips
• A detailed guide for how to plan a Write-a-thon event
• Helpful suggestions for using the media to promote your event
• Write-a-thon promotional materials
For hard copies of all these materials, please email us at writeathon@aiusa.org

4. Write and mail your letters between December 4 and 12, the primary dates for the Write-a-thon.

5. Report back: Let us know how many letters were sent. Send us photos of your event.
Visit the Write-a-thon website to complete our 10-second survey.

amnesty international USA • Campaign for individuals at risk

600 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. • Washington, DC 20003 • WWW.amnestyusa.org/IAR • IAR@Aiusa.org
Questions & Answers – global write-a-thon 2010

Who can participate?

Everyone! Whether a member of Amnesty International or not, every participant counts.

How do I sign up?

You can register at www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon. Once you do, we’ll notify you about available
resources and remind you when it’s time to Write for Rights.

Are materials only available on the website?

All the information you’ll need to participate in the Write-a-thon is available on the website. If you prefer
to receive a packet of materials by regular post, contact us by phone at: 202-509-8193, or email:
writeathon@aiusa.org.

I am thinking about organizing an event. What should I do?

1. Download the “How to Organize a Write-a-thon” guide at:

www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon/resources.php

2. Be creative! A Write-a-thon event can take on many forms. Think about:

• Organizing an event at a local coffee-shop or community center;
• Integrating it into your regular youth/student-group, community or church meeting;
• Encouraging your classmates to write during lunch break at school;
• Holding a potluck dinner with friends or family that includes letter-writing.
3. Contact your regional office. Let them know about your plans to participate and
find out great ways to publicize! (www.amnestyusa.org/contact)

How many letters am I expected to write?

It’s up to you. Every letter helps us reach our goal of 350,000 letters. There are a variety of cases, so feel
free to choose from the list or write on them all!

amnesty international USA • Campaign for individuals at risk

600 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. • Washington, DC 20003 • WWW.amnestyusa.org/IAR • IAR@Aiusa.org
Questions & Answers – global write-a-thon 2010

Does letter writing work?

It absolutely does! Letters from people like you have helped influence government leaders, free prisoners
of conscience, launch investigations, prevent torture and stop executions.
• Many individuals featured in past Write-a-thons were subsequently released, including Bu Dongwei
(China), Musaad Abu Fagr (Egypt), Birtukan Mideksa (Ethiopia), Yusak Pakage (Indonesia), Mohammed
Al-Odaini (Guantanamo), Hana Abdi (Iran), and Ma Khin Khin Leh (Myanmar).
• For success stories, please visit: www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon/successes.php

How do I write the most effective letters?

Please see our Letter Writing Tips, which you can download from the Write-a-thon website. (Look under
“Resources.”) Additionally, sample letters for each case are available on the website. These sample letters
are intended to help guide you in your letter writing.

Should I refer to Amnesty International in my letter?

You can refer to Amnesty International as your information source, but it may be more effective to simply
state that you have learned about this person’s plight and are therefore concerned.

There are addresses at the top and bottom of the sample letter.
To which do I send my letter?
Each case contains a “You Can Help” section which includes addresses for where to send your letters.
Address and send your letter to the government official at the top of the sample letter. If you can, we
suggest you send a copy of your letter to the official listed under “copy to” at the bottom. Below are
current postage rates:

Postage Rates: Airmail Letters (up to 1 oz.) Postcards (max. size: 6” x 4.25”)

Within the United States $0.44 $0.28

To Mexico $0.79 $0.79
To all other countries $0.98 $0.98

amnesty international USA • Campaign for individuals at risk

600 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. • Washington, DC 20003 • WWW.amnestyusa.org/IAR • IAR@Aiusa.org
Questions & Answers – global write-a-thon 2010

Is it more effective to send postal letters or emails?

A personal letter is often the most effective way to convince government officials to take action. However,
if you don’t have time to write personal letters, you can print and sign the sample letters, or you can send
an email, if applicable.

How do I let you know how many letters I have sent?

After the Write-a-thon we will send out a brief evaluation form, and ask you to report back to us.
You will also be able to find this evaluation form on the website at: www.amnestyusa.org/writeathon

Do I have to write between December 4-12?

Amnesty activists around the world will be writing and sending their letters during this time period. Your
letters can have the strongest impact by joining that effort. However, if that time just won’t work for you,
then feel free to hold your Write-a-thon event or send your letters at another time.

What if I receive a reply to one of my letters?

If you receive a reply from a government official or a prisoner, please send a copy of it to:

Amnesty International USA

Campaign for Individuals at Risk
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Do I have to wait for next year’s Write-a-thon to take more

action for individuals at risk?
Absolutely not! You can join the Urgent Action Network today and start receiving actions each month to
help people at risk. Visit: www.amnestyusa.org/urgent. To learn more about the Urgent Action Network and
other ways to help individuals at risk, visit: www.amnestyusa.org/iar

amnesty international USA • Campaign for individuals at risk

600 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. • Washington, DC 20003 • WWW.amnestyusa.org/IAR • IAR@Aiusa.org