I just saw this job announcement for an Internet Program Director at the General Secretariat of Amnesty International in London. Judging by what the brief job description says, it sounds like AI wants to copy part of the work that Derechos and our sister organization Equipo Nizkor have been doing for the last decade. It's ironic, because one of the main reasons why I left Amnesty International - where I began my human rights activism - was its reluctance to embrace the internet and associated technologies. But it's better late (even a decade) than never.
I wonder wether AI can be succesful at creating online communities. The other reason why I left AI - which as associated with the first - was AI's absolute need to control information, and therefore action. It was very difficult to do anything of notice within AI without going through many hoops to get approval. I would like to believe that the new changes that have been instituted will work by empowering AI members. I guess only time will tell.
CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP APPLICATIONS
WITNESS is seeking partnership applications from organizations based in Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia
WITNESS - www.witness.org - partners with local organizations around the globe, empowering human rights defenders to use video to document abuses and violations, and as a tool for advocacy. Since its founding in 1992, WITNESS has partnered with groups in more than 60 countries, bringing often unseen images, untold stories and seldom heard voices to the attention of key decision makers, the media, and the general public -- prompting grassroots activism, political engagement, and lasting change.
WITNESS collaborates with NGOs worldwide - our Core Partners - to incorporate video into their human rights advocacy. Over the course of 1-3 years, WITNESS trains and supports its partners in ‘video advocacy’ so that they effectively plan, film, script, produce and distribute video within a campaign for changes in human rights policies and practices. Within a given year, WITNESS works with 12-15 Core Partners around the world on specific human rights campaigns. We are currently looking for new partners based in Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
Please note that WITNESS works as a collaborator and facilitator - NOT as a funder. WITNESS partners with locally based human rights organizations – rather than individual activists, filmmakers, or journalists.
If you are interested in applying to become a WITNESS Core Partner, please read our Introduction to Partnership, Application Guidelines, and Letter of Interest Form for Partnership - all available on our website. To apply, please fill out WITNESS’ “Letter of Interest” form and submit it to partners@witness.org. We prefer electronic versions of the document, however you may also fax (718-783-1593) or mail it to:
WITNESS Attn: Partnership Application
80 Hanson Place, 5th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Due to the volume of applications expected, we are unable to respond to each application individually though we will send an email acknowledging receipt. A staff-member will then be in touch if there are any questions regarding your “Letter of Interest” and to let you know whether you should submit a full “Application”. (Please note that it may take up to 6 months to complete an application process including Letter of Interest and the full Application).
Although we are accepting partnership applications on a rolling basis, we strongly encourage all interested organizations to submit a letter of interest by May 31st.
For information on partnerships at WITNESS, please visit:
www.witness.org/partners
For WITNESS partnership application materials, please visit:
www.witness.org/apply