Peter wrote a letter, and shook the world

I got this from Amnesty International: 

 https://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/site/c.6oJCLQPAJiJUG/b.8455001/k.C6B4/Yearend_Appeal_2012/apps/ka/sd/donorcustom.asp?msource=W1212EYE4J

Dear Tracy,

When Amnesty founder Peter Benenson published his "Appeal for Amnesty" in 1961, little did he know he lit the fuse of a human rights revolution.

It was as if people were waiting for this signal.

Fast-forward to today and it is hard to believe the scale of the transformations that followed. Women's rights, children's rights, indigenous rights, workers' rights, the rights of disabled persons - all of these have been strengthened by international standards and in the public consciousness.

Each of these human rights achievements sprang from the ideals and efforts of a movement powered by people like you.

When you support Amnesty International USA, you are a part of this heroic history. If you join Amnesty right now, your gift will unlock matching funds - but only until Dec. 31.

When Peter lit the first Amnesty candle, he was reminded of the words of a 16th-century man who faced persecution with these words (paraphrasing), "We have today lit such a candle as shall never be put out."

We free the unjustly imprisoned.
1966, 1,000 prisoners of conscience released since founding

We are recognized for our groundbreaking work.
1977, Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for work to secure freedom and justice

We break the chains of oppression.
1986, Members write to 10,000 people of influence around the world urging them to pressure the South African government to end human rights abuses under apartheid

We elevate human rights.
1993, After intense lobbying, United Nations establishes UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights

We turn torturers into outlaws.
2002, International Criminal Court treaty enters into force after years of lobbying

We defend the defenders.
2010, Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is finally set free after spending some 15 years under house arrest

For 50 years, supporters like you never let Peter's light fade. Today we are three million members strong and growing with each human rights success.

I am so proud of what Amnesty has become, and so hopeful for what it can be.

To unleash the extraordinary achievements of tomorrow, we need your investment in this movement today. I urge you to take advantage of our matching gift challenge before it ends on Dec. 31.

LIGHT THE WAY: Join Amnesty today.

Together we can deliver hope for humanity.