Resources for organising letter-writing with others

You can make a difference to the lives of the many people worldwide who are under threat for standing up for what’s right; the words you write will change lives. Every year real change happens because of your letters and actions.

People wrongfully imprisoned are released. Abusers are brought to justice. And people in prison are treated more humanely.

You can take action, and organise letter-writing sessions with family, friends and neighbours, and communities in your school, campus, or workplace.

Who will you write to?

Every year, we ask supporters to write two types of letters. One is to the person in authority – it could be a king, president or head of police – who can help make change happen.

The other letter or message is to the person (or group of people) we are fighting for in solidarity, so they know we will never forget them.

When does it happen?

You can get involved anytime from now until mid-December, with a collective global day of action and celebration on the 10th of December – World Human Rights Day.

How to Write for Rights

  1. Read the stories in the letter-writing kit. There are 10 cases. You can choose to work on all 10, or pick a few cases that resonate with you.
  2. Look at the human rights education resources to explore a deeper understanding of the cases and the issues for school groups.
  3. Write your own letters to the target address included for each case. There are sample letters you can use, or you can write your own.
  4. Write solidarity letters/cards/messages to the person we want to help.
  5. Sign the petitions for all the cases on our website, and share this link with your networks.
  6. You can post letters and messages online and tag #W4R23 and @AmnestyIreland.
  7. Please post any physical letters and messages to us, and we will send to the targets. Be sure to note the details of you the sender, so we know where they are coming from. Send to: Amnesty International Ireland, Sean MacBride House, 48 Fleet Street, D02 T883

If you would like a printed pack of materials please email youth(at)amnesty.ie.