A Note from our Regional Director

Dear Friends,
Let me tell you about my recent trip to Kansas City.
On Thursday, 10/27, Laura Osborn-Coffey (chair of the Area Coordinator Steering Committee) and I co-facilitated a lively Leadership Institute with 13 emerging and experienced leaders from across the region. By the evening, we had reached a level of emotional (and physical) comfort with each other that led participants to remark that they felt like they’d known each other since high school. On Friday, participants put their skills to the test, and presented fun, interactive and effective 45-minute trainings on topics ranging from Facilitating a Successful Meeting to Dealing with Conflict within Groups. Now they’re ready to take their show on the road and offer trainings and support to groups that need it.
Next, we headed to a Justice for Reggie Clemons Rally along with more than a hundred Amnesty members and community partners. That chilly, but invigorating, action was followed by a reception celebrating Amnesty International’s 50th anniversary by honoring long-term members and groups. I was particularly moved by our special guest, Ed LeMaster, who spoke of his time as one of the very first prisoners of conscience that Amnesty International worked to free, and even brought Christmas cards that he’d received from Amnesty members while he was in prison.
The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind for me – informative and inspiring plenaries on the death penalty, uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa, and workers’ rights; hands-on workshops; and lots of networking! If you were there, I hope you left feeling as energized, inspired and connected as I did.
A conference of this magnitude doesn’t happen without the involvement of a lot of very dedicated (and very tired!) people. I’d like to thank the Midwest Regional Office staff and interns, the Regional Conference Planning Committee, the MW Regional Planning Group, and all of the member leaders and volunteers who contributed their time and energy to make this a great event!
As we approach the holidays, I’m feeling thankful for all of you – for your commitment, and for everything you do to help protect and advance human rights. Have a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving.
-Debra Erenberg

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