Amnesty International: A Complete Guide

How often have you seen news reports about people being treated unfairly or stories of basic human rights being ignored, leaving you wishing you could make a difference? If you want to transform that frustration into meaningful action towards a more just and equitable world, then why not consider joining Amnesty International?

The organization is a global movement where ordinary individuals rally to defend human rights, from letter-writing campaigns to frontline protests. This article will tell you what Amnesty International is, how it operates, and how high school students like you can be part of it.

• What Is Amnesty International?
• Amnesty International Acceptance Rate
• Amnesty International Application Deadline
• Amnesty International Requirements
• How to Get into Amnesty International
• Why Join Amnesty International?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Amnesty International?

Amnesty International is a worldwide non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting human rights. 

The organization’s story started in the UK, when Peter Benson was outraged by the jailing of two Portuguese students for raising a toast to freedom. He published an article titled “The Forgotten Prisoners” that sparked a global campaign that involved writing letters on behalf of prisoners of conscience.

Over the years, Amnesty International widened its focus beyond political prisoners to also address torture, the death penalty, women’s rights, corporate accountability, and more. The organization has also grown into a movement of more than 10 million members and supporters across over 150 countries—including the US as International Amnesty USA (IAUSA).

Let’s have a closer look at the organization’s mission and activities:

Mission

Amnesty International’s mission is to ensure that every person enjoys the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, operating on the principle that human rights know no borders.

Amnesty International maintains strict impartiality and independence from any government, political persuasion, or religious creed, which allows the organization to scrutinize any government or entity without bias.

The organization has widespread support and an autonomous funding model, which is largely financed by subscriptions and donations from its worldwide membership. This financial autonomy makes sure that its advocacy is driven by a commitment to justice, not by political or economic agendas.

Activities and campaigns

To combat human rights abuses, Amnesty International uses a mixed approach that includes rigorous research, campaigning, and direct action.

The organization always has multiple campaigns that it runs simultaneously. Each campaign has its own dedicated page where you can educate yourself on the issue or take action.

You can also find out about Amnesty International’s previous victories, whether that’s freeing unjustly-held prisoners or changing laws that otherwise would have hurt human rights.

Amnesty International Acceptance Rate

Amnesty International is open to everyone! If you’re applying straight to IAUSA and not your school’s chapter, all you have to do is donate at least $25 when signing up.

Once you do, you can start experiencing membership benefits, such as setting campaign priorities and being invited to members-only briefings.

Amnesty International Application Deadline

You can join Amnesty International any day of the year, and it’s also easy to renew your membership online after it has expired. However, if you want to engage in governance activities, you’ll need to apply or renew at a certain time so you can participate in some of them.

For example, the next Board elections takes place from April 28 to May 30, 2025. If you want to vote, you should pay your dues by January 20, 2025. Or, if you want to participate in the AIUSA resolution process, you should be a member for at least 50 days.

AIUSA student groups are also open to applicants throughout the year. If you need to register a new chapter in your school or area, you can do it at any time as well. 

Amnesty International Requirements

Amnesty International aims to be as inclusive as possible, even for young people, so it has minimal requirements for joining.

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for Amnesty International volunteer and internship roles. You may still be involved in those roles as a minor, but you’ll need your parent’s/guardian’s consent.

However, you can join your school’s chapter regardless of age. There are also youth programs for younger activists that you can join if you’re younger than 18.

Required documents

There are no required documents to join Amnesty International. You’ll only need to worry about requirements if you’re applying as an employee or intern.

Program cost

An Amnesty International membership generally costs $25, but students, senior citizens, and those with limited incomes can join at a discounted rate of $15. You can renew your membership by donating again.

If you join or participate in Amnesty International student groups, there typically isn’t any associated cost.

How to Get into Amnesty International

Getting into Amnesty International is actually as easy as signing up! However, there are two major ways to get involved with the organization:

Option 1: Find or start a student group.

The most common way for high school students to get involved is by joining or starting an Amnesty International student group. Amnesty International USA has over 600 youth and student groups nationwide, including chapters at high schools.

These groups are youth-led and faculty-supported, providing a structured environment for human rights work within an academic setting. Student groups actively educate their campuses about current human rights issues and take action through campaigns, protests, and educational events.

If your school doesn’t have an existing AIUSA chapter, the organization has an AIUSA Student Group Starter Guide that can help you. Here’s a quick look at how to create a new group:

1. Register. Fill out the online registration form and attend an online orientation. You can invite your other members to attend as well.
2. Connect on Slack. Slack is where you’ll communicate with other youth activists in the country. You’ll stay updated on AIUSA priority campaigns and calls to action, as well as get staff support.
3. Work with a Student Activist Coordinator (SAC). As a new group, you’ll be required to work with an SAC to help show you the ropes, making sure you have a good foundation for the coming years.
4. Find a faculty advisor. An advisor isn’t really required, but we still recommend asking a faculty member who’s also passionate about human rights to be part of your group. An advisor can help you in interacting with your school admin, recruiting new members, and overall giving ongoing support to the group.
5. Get recognized by the school. Gaining your school’s recognition can let you use their resources to organize events, raise money, and perform other activities. Consult your advisor or the Office of Student Affairs regarding the rules and timelines of creating a new group. Once you’re recognized by the school, you can officially start recruiting new members and holding meetings.

Option 2: Explore youth opportunities.

Beyond student groups, there are also other ways you can be involved with Amnesty International:

• Youth leadership roles. These positions can help you develop skills such as facilitation, public speaking, leading training sessions, honing campaigning expertise, and managing social media, letting you take on greater responsibility and shape the direction of human rights advocacy.
• Fellowships and internships. These are more intensive opportunities to build specialized skills within the human rights movement and influence the organization’s strategic direction. They may also shape your career path.
• Joining organizing task forces. For those interested in broader community impact, joining an organizing task force helps build grassroots power by mobilizing local networks to create change.

This diverse range of involvement opportunities lets you tailor your participation to your skills, interests, and time availability, which can maximize your potential impact and encourage personal growth within the organization.

Why Join Amnesty International?

Amnesty International lets you contribute to meaningful change while also gaining personal and professional benefits. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of joining the organization:

1. Skill development and experience

Participating in Amnesty International lets you learn by doing—which can be through organizing events, conducting research, or managing social media for a campaign. 

For example, as an intern, you might work alongside experienced professionals on human rights projects, gaining hands-on experience in research, advocacy, and project management. You might learn how to document human rights abuses, craft compelling appeals, or coordinate a team of volunteers.

These skills help build confidence, improve problem-solving abilities, and prepare you for future challenges.

Participating in Amnesty International can be a highlight of your high school years and a strong addition to your resume as well, showing your commitment to social issues and a capacity for leadership.

2. Advocacy impact and making a difference

When you volunteer with Amnesty International, you become part of campaigns that can literally save lives or change laws.

Think about the fact that since its founding, Amnesty International’s members have helped free tens of thousands of prisoners of conscience who might have otherwise been forgotten in jail cells. Nowadays, you could help stop a deportation, halt an execution, or support a survivor of abuse.

Knowing that your actions, no matter how small they seem, are part of a global effort fighting injustice can be very fulfilling. You’ll also often see the results of your advocacy: perhaps an update that a prisoner you campaigned for was freed, or that a law you protested was amended.

For instance, AIUSA’s advocacy to end gun violence pushed Illinois to become the ninth state to ban assault weapons.

3. Networking and community

When you join Amnesty International, you’re joining a global community of like-minded individuals. This network spans millions of people across 150+ countries, from students to legal experts. You might find that being active in Amnesty International opens doors to careers in international development, law, or public policy.

If you don’t see yourself in those careers, you can still tap into the organization’s vast community for advice, references, and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. After all, Amnesty hosts events, conferences, and trainings where you can interact with human rights experts and influencers.

4. Deepening your understanding of human rights

Active involvement with Amnesty International gives you a deeper, more practical understanding of human rights issues, their complexities, and the methods used to defend them.

Student groups help educate your campus and encourage an environment of learning and critical discussion. Amnesty International itself provides comprehensive resources for human rights education, including online courses and a Human Rights Academy.

Aside from learning through courses and lectures, you’ll engage with contemporary challenges, gaining firsthand exposure to the realities of human rights advocacy. This practical exposure helps you see the nuances of human rights work, including the risks involved and the resilience needed for advocacy. These experiences will make you a more informed and engaged global citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who funds Amnesty International?

Amnesty International is funded primarily by individual donations and member contributions. To maintain independence, it deliberately does not seek or accept money from governments or political parties for its human rights work. Businesses or foundations may donate too, but only if they’ve been vetted to make sure there’s no conflict of interest.

2. Is Amnesty International a good charity?

Yes, Amnesty International is widely regarded as a reputable charity in the human rights space. It has a long track record of over 60 years of impactful campaigns leading to real change, such as freeing prisoners and influencing policy. The organization even won a Nobel Peace Prize for its work.

3. What does Amnesty International protect?

Amnesty International works to protect basic human rights worldwide without discrimination. Examples of its agenda include women’s rights, children’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and minority rights.

Takeaways

• Amnesty International is a global human rights movement that empowers everyone, including high school students, to actively fight injustice and protect basic human rights worldwide. As a student, you can join this organization through school student groups and various youth opportunities.
• To join IAUSA as a student, you just need to sign up and donate at least $15. Alternatively, you can join through your school’s IAUSA chapter (or make one), or participate in opportunities like youth leadership roles.
• Some benefits you can experience when joining IAUSA include skill development and experience, advocacy impact and making a difference, networking and community, and deepening your understanding of human rights.
• Interested in other opportunities that can showcase your passion for community work? Talk to a private consultant to guide you to other related extracurricular activities you can try.