Amnesty International enters its first in person year at Barstow.

Amnesty International is an international human rights organization dedicated to changing oppressive laws. Barstow’s Amnesty International is a relatively new organization to the list of Barstow clubs, having begun in 2020. Club leader Lahna Groden, junior, says that the club “Focuses on promoting human rights and educating people about what they are,” and that “During our club we’ll be working on writing letters, signing petitions, and spreading awareness about human rights issues.” 

Amnesty International began in the 1960’s, and was created for the benefit of helping support organizations that need supplementing from outside sources, and enlisting volunteers for various human rights causes. 

When asked about why she began the club she says, “I’ve known about them for a while,” and, “Going into tenth grade I wanted to start my own club, and was looking for organizations that I could help out with.” Groden ‘23 was struck by their mission and wanted to help create change. She became inspired when she “found out I could partner with them.” This year, the club has met twice, however in the future Groden plans on increasing meeting time and hopefully beginning to get involved with service projects. 

No materials are needed for the club, and all students are welcome to join. The club meets in the library on Mondays during lunch and is mentored by Ms. Hopkins. If you’re interested in joining the club there is no paperwork required or dues paid. Members are also not required to come to every meeting. “I think students joined to make a positive change,” says Groden, “and [they] want to hang out with friends, and have a community while they do that.”