Our biggest annual event is WRITE FOR RIGHTS in which we join thousands of Amnesty members and groups around the world for  a concentrated effort on behalf of 10-12 individuals at risk (and Prisoners of Conscience) in different countries. 

We worked with the City of Oakland on the I-Welcome Campaign Amnesty launched. In our case, the city already had passed a resolution to ensure that refugees are welcome. We made our local officials aware of the work Amnesty International USA has undertaken on behalf of refugees. 

Working with the International Rescue Committee, in 2019 our group mentored a family from Afghanistan for six months. We were one of the first AIUSA chapters to be part of this program.  Later we encouraged other groups to join the program with a presentation at the AIUSA Western Regional Conference. Mentoring entailed buying the furniture and installing that furniture and some donated objects for their new apartment as well as providing rental assistance for their first six months in the United States. We also helped one family member with English lessons, provided family members with transportation to medical and other appointments, celebrated a birthday and organized other fun events with the family, and provided other assistance. 

 Another major effort, in conjunction with other human and civil rights organizations, was the campaign to end the money bail system. We worked closely with the ACLU and other national and local organizations to support legislation in California to end money bail. While the legislation was not all we hoped for, it was an important start to end this unfair, racist system. 

There are many human rights issues that demand the attention of committed people around the world, and members of Group 612 are doing our part to address these issues. We welcome new members.

Past Events

World Refugee Day 2019

11:30 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday, June 23 

Think College Now Elementary School, 825 International Blvd., Oakland

Tabling -- sharing information about Amnesty International advocacy for refugee rights. 

World Refugee Day event hosted by the East Bay Refugee Forum. 

Write for Rights 2018: annual worldwide letter-writing for Prisoners of Conscience

World Refugee Day 2018

11 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday, June 23 

Think College Now Elementary School, 825 International Blvd., Oakland

Tabling -- sharing information about Amnesty International advocacy for refugee rights. 

Write for Rights 2017: annual worldwide letter-writing for Prisoners of Conscience

Tabling at Eastlake Music Festival

Saturday, 27 May 2017

We tabled at the Eastlake Music Festival on the south end of Lake Merritt.  We did this in 2016, it was a very successful form of outreach.

Film Screening to Support California Proposition 62 - "After Innocence"

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday, October 8, 2016

Oromo Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

100 Hacienda Ave, San Lorenzo, CA 94580

Proposition 62 is the ballot question to end the death penalty in California.  Our group is working to support it.  Please join us to see a moving film, to learn more about the death penalty and Prop. 62, and to find out how you can help.

Aaron Owens will also be speaking.

Tabling at East Lake Music Festival

May 28, 2016

Our group gathered petition signatures and educated voters about the 2016 ballot proposition to end the death penalty in California.  All with a shady tent and lovely Amnesty banner.  Here is some proof!