Sunday, May 29, 2011

Amnesty International Turns Fifty

May 28, 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International. The world renowned organization began with one person and an idea -- to protect the basic dignity and human rights of those imprisoned for their beliefs.

Amnesty is not a political organization. It speaks on behalf of prisoners of conscience in every society. Through its meticulously researched reports on human rights and its grass roots campaigns on behalf of individuals around the world, Amnesty has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people, of dozens of nationalities. In addition to the many prisoners of conscience who have been freed because of Amnesty's work, the organization has profoundly affected the world's awareness of human rights issues. Its work for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from torture, and abolition of the death penalty throws a spotlight on injustice wherever it occurs.

I've been a supporter of Amnesty since I became an adult and learned of its existence. I deeply admire the courage of an organization that is ready to stand up to any country - no matter how rich and powerful - and challenge it to make a meaningful commitment to basic human rights for all.

To celebrate AI's fiftieth anniversary, I will make a $1 donation to the organization for every person who comments on this blog post.

And if you want to do more, get yourself a copy of the charitable anthology Coming Together: At Last. All proceeds from this two volume set of interracial erotic fiction benefit AI. The book includes my tale Refuge, set in an Asian refugee camp. You can read an excerpt from Refuge here

News Flash! All Romance Ebooks, the primary publisher of the Coming Together altruistic erotica books, is having a super Memorial Day Sale - 50% rebate on all purchases made by credit card or PayPal! And they're still paying the authors and publishers their normal cut! So if you want to buy At Last or any other titles, go to ARE right away!

To learn more about Amnesty's efforts for human rights, and what you can do to help, visit http://www.amnestyusa.org/. And don't forget to leave a comment!

Thank you!

29 comments:

Keziah Hill said...

Great cause Lisabet! Good on you!

Lisabet Sarai said...

Thanks, Keziah!

Anne Duguid Knol said...

A super promotion for Amnesty, Lisabet and what a generous thought. Fifty years, huh, and I used to work alongside one of the founding members. Thinks...no, I guess he must have been in post some time. LOL

Kate Richards said...

It's a wonderful cause, Lisabet, and one whose work I deeply admire.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Well done on having such a wonderful idea for Amnesty International, Lisabet.

Teresa said...

Great cause and hope you have many comments posted.

desitheblonde said...

hope you have more than 1000 and count put it on face book

Amy said...

Very generous offer, and I hope that many come by to comment, and if they aren't already aware, to learn about the work Amnesty International does.

Barbara Ehrentreu said...

We have been members of AI for years and it is a great cause and an organization that is there for all people who need them. I hope you raise at least $50 for them. Come on people, comment. Have you put this on Twitter and Facebook? Also post on the AI website in a comment. I'll bet you will get people here. Good luck. This is a very worthy cause. I am proud to be part of your effort.

Robin Glasser said...

Lisabeth,
even though i don't often respond, i always read what you've posted...you got me this time! you're such a thoughtful person which you've proven once again...merci beaucoup
Robin

Unknown said...

Break out your wallet. *lol* Great post for a great organization. Always love your blogs.

Anonymous said...

Good job.

Anonymous said...

This is so great that Amnesty International is 50 years old. They have accomplished so much, and so have so far to go. I have been a member for 5 years and believe they have done more for human rights than most organizations.
Thank you for standing with them, for without people speaking out up no change can happen.
You bet I will Twitter and repost on Facebook as well....
Thank you!

Darcy

Anonymous said...

A great cause go for it.
Bobbi

Colleen said...

Great cause... thanks for posting and sharing about it!

D. L. King said...

Great post Lisabet. I'm also a member of Amnesty International and will help to break your bank. I'm thinking about directing my blog readers to your post (don't worry, I don't have that many...) but maybe I should wait to hear from you first. It's not like you're a charitable foundation...

JeanMP said...

A great cause and a great organization!

Kristin said...

You are doing an amazing thing for an amazing organization and I am honored to "know" you! Thank you for stepping up and making a difference in the world!

Latesha said...

Thank you for making me aware of this important anniversary, Lisabet. Here's hoping for many sales for you all.

andys said...

A very good cause, and a great idea! Thank you for doing this.

Karen Cote said...

This is so fabulous of you to do. The importance of this freedom is one we have long taken for granted. Thank you for doing this.

Lisabet Sarai said...

Hello, all,

Thanks for commenting, and I do hope you pass it on!

I'll leave the offer open for another 48 hours.

Warmly,
Lisabet

Luxie Ryder said...

Great cause, and a fabulous way of raising money! Congrats to you and all involved.

P. Robinson said...

Great blog and great cause as well.

Delaney Diamond said...

What a great thing you're doing, Lisabet. I've made a note to include the anthology in my Love & Romance in Color column for Night Owl Reviews Magazine. I hope the additional publicity translates into many more sales to support this worthy cause.

Lee Rowan said...

The issue of human rights is more important now than ever. Great idea!

Bluemoonrogue said...

Thank you, Lisabet, for bring attention to an often overlooked organization. You have certainly enlightened me to their work. I will definitely explore more of their efforts and ways to contribute to them. Keep fighting the good fight!

J.Q. Rose said...

Thank you for your generous spirit for this cause.

Lisabet Sarai said...

Once again, thank you for joining in the celebration. Along with a few comment from people who couldn't get Blogger to cooperate (LOL), we raised $30. Maybe not a lot (guess I need to expand my blog readership) but I'm sure that every penny helps.

Warmly,
Lisabet

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