Just one thing - Thank you

I got this from Amnesty International:

Just one thing - Thank you

Hello.

My name is Steven Hawkins, and I'm the new Executive Director of Amnesty International USA.

And you are one impressive human rights defender.

Together with tens of thousands of donors, you helped defend human rights and make the world a more just, more peaceful place.

The September Membership Drive may be over, but for me, it's really a beginning, a moment where we bring human rights closer to home, and harness the full power of this grassroots movement.

Let me explain.

I'm here because of Sing Sing. I grew up in idyllic Ossining, NY, where the infamous prison is located. In high school, as a NAACP youth member, I had the opportunity to visit there. I had the opportunity to hold deep and personal conversations with inmates — many of them Black Panthers or inmates from Attica who fought inhumane prison conditions.

Through my conversations, I learned that prison bars are not a barrier to activism, that a life sentence is not a roadblock to compassion or to making a contribution.

This deeply personal commitment to defending human rights took me to New York University School of Law, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and most recently, the NAACP.

Along the way, I collaborated on death penalty cases with Amnesty's International Secretariat in London and with staff and members here in the US. The role of Executive Director is a natural step in this journey.

Last Wednesday, my first day in the office, was filled with introductions, passionate discussions, and the beginning of a new era of activism. Take a peek here: http://youtu.be/whX9cGhB0wM

I know firsthand how personal experience can ignite compassion and activism. My goal as Executive Director of Amnesty USA is to ensure that thousands of caring people just like you and me have opportunities to meaningfully and effectively channel their commitment to human rights.

It is my great honor to work with you. I have never been more hopeful for the future of this movement.

Thank you for everything you do to defend human rights for all.




Sincerely,
Steven W Hawkins
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA