troy davis global day of solidarity action kit

8/9/2019 Troy Davis Global Day of Solidarity Action Kit

1/24

GLOBAL DAY OF SOLIDARITYFOR TROY DAVISRESOURCE KIT


2/24

ABOUT AMNESTY INTERNATIONALOur Mission: We are individuals from across the world standing up together for human rights.Our purpose is to protect people wherever justice, freedom and dignity are denied. We investi-

gate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public to create a safer and more just world.

We received the Nobel Peace Prize for our life-saving work in 1977.

Our Vision: Our vision is of a world in which every person - regardless of race, religion, gender,ethnicity and other distinctions - enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Dec-

laration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.

Our History: Founded in 1961, our organization has campaigned successfully for the Interna-tional Criminal Court and a UN Convention against Torture. Through our research and action,

governments have been persuaded to stop human rights violations and change their laws and

practices. Death sentences have been commuted. Torturers have been brought to justice. Andprisoners of conscience have been released.

Our Organization: Amnesty International has a varied network of members and supportersaround the world. At the latest count, there were more than 2.2 million members, supporters

and subscribers in over 150 countries and territories in every region of the world. Although they

come from many different backgrounds and have widely different political and religious beliefs,

they are united by a determination to work for a world where everyone enjoys human rights.

AI is a democratic, self-governing movement. Major policy decisions are taken by an Interna-tional Council made up of representatives from all national sections. AI's national sections, like

AI USA, and local volunteer groups are primarily responsible for funding the movement. No

funds are sought or accepted from governments for AI's work investigating and campaigning

against human rights violations.

JOIN US!Become a member of Amnesty International today! Join us in the struggle for universal human

rights. Our network of members around the world is what makes us powerful. Its easy! Justvisit us at www.amnestyusa.org/join or call 1-800-AMNESTY
http://www.amnestyusa.org/human-rights/page.do?id=1031002&n1=2&n2=769http://www.amnestyusa.org/human-rights/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/page.do?id=1031003&n1=2&n2=769&n3=770http://www.amnestyusa.org/human-rights/universal-declaration-of-human-rights/page.do?id=1031003&n1=2&n2=769&n3=770http://www.amnestyusa.org/human-rights/page.do?id=1031002&n1=2&n2=769


3/24

CONTENTSOVERVIEW

BACKGROUND: TROY DAVIS HEARINGLEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICE ACTION

HOW TO: HOLD A VIGIL

HOW TO: TABLE EFFECTIVELY

WHAT IS A TEACH-IN?

HOW TO: ORGANIZE A TEACH-IN

TEACH-IN CHECK LIST

LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICE HANDBILL

TROY DAVIS FACT SHEET

TROY DAVIS PETITION

FACT SHEETS:

-RACE

-INEFFECTIVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION

-INNOCENCE

-GENERAL FACTS

EVENT SIGN-IN SHEETRESOURCE PEOPLE

FEEDBACK FORM


4/24

Troy Davis Campaign: June 22 Global Day of SolidarityTroy Davis has a hearing date (June 23, 2010) Please Take Action!

Who: Everyone who is concerned about the human rights case of Troy Davis.

What: A day of solidarity activities in communities around the world.

When: Tuesday, June 22, 2010 (anytime). (This is the day before the hearing).

Where:A visible location in your community.

Why: To keep a light on the Troy Davis case and to demonstrate a global community standing together

and remain vigilant as the court reviews the new evidence.

How: Please organize an activity, such as:

a. a vigil

b. tablingc. a teach-in

This kit provides some how to guides on organizing activities. Also, please use the toolsthe

event sign-in sheet to keep in touch with folks who come out, the fact sheet to educate them

about the case, the petition and the handbill about the photo mosaic action. At all events, please

take part in the photo mosaic action (Lend Your Face for Justice).

Important: We want to be able to report how many events will be taking place to demonstrate

the tremendous support. Please email [email protected] let us know if you will organize an ac-

tivity. Please include the name of your community, the type of event and how others can join you(i.e. a contact name, email address, time and location of the activity).

Available resources: For links and downloadable items, visit www.justicefortroy.org

Note: We are not calling for protests as the justice system has opened an important door to re-

view the case. Activities should mark the eve of the hearing, when we will remain watchful and

hopeful that the justice system will finally provide a fair process where testimony that has not yet

been examined in a court of law will be properly heard. Therefore, please keep messages re-

spectful in tone (e.g. I am Troy Davis, We are Troy Davis, Georgia, the world is watching,

Fairness matters).

As with all activities, please take advantage of the opportunity to educate people about Daviss

story, the larger system that it represents and the importance of abolishing the death penalty and

the importance of becoming a member of AI to support this long term human rights agenda.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.justicefortroy.org/http://www.justicefortroy.org/http://www.justicefortroy.org/mailto:[email protected]


5/24

BACKGROUND: TROY DAVIS HEARINGThe CaseTroy Davis has been on death row since 1991 for the 1989 murder of a white police officer in

Savannah, Georgia. No physical evidence links him to the crime and of the nine key non-policewitnesses, seven have recanted or contradicted their testimony. Of the two remaining, one is

the alternative suspect (who turned Davis in) and the other can only be sure of the color of the t

-shirt.

In the 1990s, when Davis needed investigation and work done on his appeals, the office

representing death row inmates got a 2/3 budget cut leaving just two lawyers to defend about

80 people on death row in Georgia. In 1996, the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty

Act (AEDPA) further limited prisoners ability to appeal in federal courts. So far, at each stage

of his appeals, the courts have deferred to the decision of the jury, hesitant to go against the

original trial decision and unwilling to hear testimony from the recanting witnesses. No court

has been willing to bring the witnesses, despite how many there are, back into a court of law to

cross examine their testimony, until now. Troy has faced execution three times and was less

than two hours from execution at one point.

What is the hearing?On August 17, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered an evidentiary hearing to receive

testimony and make finding of fact as to whether evidence that could not have been obtained at

the time of trial clearly establishes petitioners innocence. This was in response to a petition

Troy filed before the Supreme Court (an original habeas petition) seeking relief on grounds of

actual innocence. They delegated the hearing to the federal district court of southern Georgia

(in Savannah), as the Supreme Court is not a fact finding body. Judge William Moore was

assigned the case. He ordered the hearing after requesting briefs from the two legal teams in

preparation for the hearing. The hearing will begin on Wednesday, June 23 at 10am and could

be as short as one day and as long as a few days. It is unclear what the judge could do at the

conclusion of the hearing. He may issue his recommendations or findings then or perhaps after

further deliberation some time later. It is unclear whether he could grant relief to Troy or

whether this would have to come directly from the Supreme Court. If he does not believe that

the evidence meets a very high legal standard, he could clear the way for an execution date to

be set again. Also, whatever decision emerges could lead to an appeal by the dissatisfied side.

What it is NOTThis is not a new trial! The legal standard is extremely high! Troy is presumed guilty and the

burden rests on him to clearly establish his innocence. In a new trial, he would be presumed

innocent and the state would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty to a

jury. This is especially difficult because the crime happened over twenty years ago.


6/24

LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICEPHOTO MOSAIC ACTION

Please feature this action at whatever type of activity or eventyou organize for the Global Day of Solidarity!

We are building a giant image of Troy Davis made up of thousands of faces of people who sup-

port the call for justice in his case. The large composite image will be displayed in various ven-

ues around the world to educate people about his story and keep the spotlight on his case so

that justice will finally be served!

Set up a station at your event or activity where someone can take photographs of individuals.

All you need is a digital camera and a sign.

People stopping by your event can do this activity with other groups or simply as an individual.

Be sure to give them a copy of the handbill in this kit, as it has instructions.

HOW TO LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICE:1. Take a digital picture of yourselfSpecifications:

-The photo must only feature you (no group shots)

-Position your camera normally for a horizontal image

-Get a tight shot of your face head and shoulders only

-Optional: write on a sheet of paper with a thick marker or print out "I lend my face for jus-tice!" Hold this just under your chin for the photo.

2. Email it to us at [email protected] images will be reviewed before being posted.

Important - Terms of Agreement:By uploading or sending your picture to us, you consent to AI using your image in any materials,

including print and electronic, for all actions undertaken by our organization on behalf of Troy

Davis.

www.amnestyusa.org/abolish - [email protected] 202-544-0200
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


7/24

HOW TO: HOLD A VIGILSummaryVigils are typically silent and solemn gatherings held in a public space. Vigils can be a powerful

means of bring attention to an issue, a prisoner of conscience, etc. This page reviews important

points to remember when organizing a vigil.

A powerful way to raise community members' interest in human rights issues is to hold a silent

candlelight vigil on behalf of a person or group of people your group is supporting. Consider in-

viting not only students and community members but ally organizations as well. Vigils can also

draw attention to other events you have planned, such as a guest speaker or film screening.

Some points to rememberObtain permission from local authorities or your school administration. A permit to demon-

strate is often required. Plan adequate time to obtain permits - depending on the venue, it

can take weeks or even months for a permit to be issued.

Plan your program. Set the length of the vigil by determining how it will start, how it willend and what will happen in between. Some vigils begin with a few words about the pur-

pose, a reading about a case or a poem that demonstrates the importance of the issue or

situation. During the vigil, participants may either maintain a silent focus or choose instead

to read names or statements relevant to the issue. To wrap up, give a call to action, and

make sure everyone is asked to join AIUSA.

To get your message across, be sure to have clearly worded signs that demonstrate your pur-

pose. Incorporate photos if possible (i.e., a giant photo of the person or issue you are focus-

ing on).

Bring lots of candles.

Use wax-paper cups to prevent candles from dripping or blowing out. Simply cut a hole inthe bottom of each cup and insert candles.

Use the candlelight to create a pattern - a line or a circle - that can easily be seen by others.

Don't block entrances, sidewalks or passages.

Designate two spokespersons to stand apart from the vigil line or circle to distribute action

materials and talk to passersby who want to know what your group is doing. The vigil itself

should be as free from distraction as possible.

As with any event, bring a sign-in sheet and clipboard to pass around or to greet people

with. Remember to follow up with newcomers.

Concentrate on the quality of the vigil; numbers are important, but are not decisive.

Check ListIdentify and reserve your location

Do you have a banner? (Contact your Regional Office if not)

Create a flyer for your group

Use the sign-in sheet

Need help? (Contact your Regional Office)
http://www.amnestyusa.org/activist_toolkit/referenceresources/samplesignin.pdfhttp://www.amnestyusa.org/activist_toolkit/referenceresources/samplesignin.pdf


8/24

HOW TO: TABLE EFFECTIVELYTabling is an effective way to make AI more visible in your community. Your group can publicize its cur-

rent work, announce upcoming events, recruit new members, and raise funds by tabling. Tabling can also

provide members of the public an opportunity to take action. Possible venues include community festi-

vals, art shows, special events, ethnic festivals, and local coffeehouses and bookstores. Schools venues

also include outside of dining halls, the student union, school library or any place many students pass by.

TIPS ON TABLING:Appearance is important. Attractive and well-organized materials and visuals will catch peoples eye.Videos or slide shows on a loop or images in a free-standing document holder are useful.

Table with at least two people. Engage more people at the same time; have a buddy to help withquestions, spot you if you need a bathroom break, keep up spirits if you encounter negative individual

Be proactive, polite and friendly. Stand behind or in front of your table, rather than sit, to be proac-tive and inviting. Be mindful of your body language. Dont expect that everyone who is supportive of

the issues will approach your table. Dont assume those passing by are disinterested. When a passer

-by gives you eye contact or looks at your table, greet them and have a short phrase to invite them to

the table, e.g. Hi there! How are you? Can I tell you about a human rights action were asking peo-

ple to help us with today it wont take much time and its free! Humor can break the ice, but avoid

sarcasm. Cookies and baked goods are often a useful lure.

Dont feature too many things. The Lend Your Face photo mosaic action and petition form will besufficient. Be prepared to describe the case and the action in about 1 minute. You should also be

able to answer basic questions about AI.

Know what your ask is. Have a finite number of asks and prioritize them. For example: sign our peti-tion on prisoner X; sign our postcard action on country Y; join our mailing list; make a contribution/

buy a sticker or button. You will sense how much you can ask someone, so take it one ask at a time.

Troubleshooting. Dont spend a lot of time with people who are clearly trying to push your buttons orjust enjoy arguing. Get them to do your actions and try to move them along politely so that you dont

miss other passers-by. Its perfectly normal not to have the answers for all questions tell them you

are not sure, but they could either look at the website, or if they give you their contact information

youd be happy to get back to them (but dont say this unless you really intend to get back to them).

Sign-up sheet and money jar. Dont miss the opportunity to get peoples contact info so that you canadd them to your email list and invite them to upcoming meetings and activities. You may find new

group members or valuable supportsso, always follow-up! Also, a simple money jar (if the venue

permits) gives you an opportunity to raise funds for stamps and supplies and make a contribution to

AIUSA to help support the organizations work. Be prepared to tell someone what the funds will be

used for. If you have someones attention, ask them if theyre a member of AI and encourage them to

become one (brochures available from Regional Offices - contact info at end of kit)

SUPPLY CHECKLIST:(Check with your Regional Office or DPAC for supplies).

Table - reserve a table with the venue or secure

your own well in advance.

Banner - should be clearly visible from a distance.

Information - make copies of concise handouts.Flyers - have info about your upcoming events.

Sign In Sheet - get people's contact information

and follow up with them about future events.

Action Opportunities - supply background informa-

tion on opportunities for immediate action.

Pens, clipboards, paperweights (rocks work).

Donation Jar - raise funds for AIs work.


9/24

WHAT IS A TEACH-IN?A Teach-in is a session hosted by any group or organization to discuss an important topic.

Teach-ins are informative sessions on recent events which people may not be able to under-

stand clearly through news sources alone. It is a chance to inform people about an issue and

provide them with opportunities to take action

What is the goal of the teach-in?

The primary goal of your teach-in for Troy Davis is to inform the participants about the par-

ticulars of the case in such a way that they leave feeling energized and excited to take ac-

tion. Students should come away knowing exactly what they can do, and feeling confident

that they have a sufficient grasp of the background information to spread the word to others.

Since 1973, over 130 people have been released from death rows throughout the country

due to wrongful convictions. In 2003 alone, 10 wrongfully convicted defendants were re-

leased from death row. The possibility of innocent people facing execution in the US is very

real. It is so important that we continue to keep the light on Troy Davis case to ensure that

the process is fair and that the questions pointing to his innocence be properly investigated

and resolved.

Where should you hold your teach-in?

You can hold a teach-in just about anywhere, but make sure to keep in mind your audience

when choosing a location. If you are a leader or member of a student group, and you would

like your fellow students to attend the teach-in, it is a good idea to have it either on or near

campus, in a central location that others can get to without too much trouble. Cafeterias,lecture halls, classrooms, large conference rooms, or available study rooms are all good

choices. If you are a leader or member of a community group, you could use a community

center or a faith center with a recreational room. Libraries also typically have large meeting

rooms that you could reserve.

Other, more informal settings work as well. You could hold a teach-in at your home or in the

lunch room during your break at work, or even outside in a park. The important thing to con-

sider is that your participants should be in a setting that is comfortable to them, so that

they feel at ease and receptive.

Who is the audience for your teach-in?

If you are a student, the answer to this question is fairly simple. Your audience will most

likely be other students and faculty members from your school. But anyone, whether part of

a student group, community group, or acting as an individual, can expand the attendance of

their teach-in by inviting other groups that would be interested in hearing about Troys case.

If there is a local chapter of the NAACP, or Murder Victims Families for Human Rights, or

other similar groups, they may be interested in attending your event. (Or even helping with

it! See the checklist for more about this.)


10/24

HOW TO: ORGANIZE A TEACH-INBelow is a sample guide to a 1-hour teach-in. The guide also contains suggested times for a 1

hour teach-in if you would like to have more discussion. It is a good idea to plan for more

time with a larger group so that everyone gets a chance to ask their questions and share their

responses. The teach-in divides the hour into several sections, with a suggested time-line foreach part, details about the activities, and the locations of the materials you will need from this

packet.

Keep in mind that this guide is just that a very adaptable, moldable, expandable, contractible

guide. Use it in the way that works for you and your group. If you are working in tandem with a

faith community to put on your teach-in, you may want to include time for a prayer or an expla-

nation of the religious aspects of the issue. There is a lot of space for audience reactions and

answers to questions throughout the teach-in. You may find that you have to limit this a little

bit if you are working with a larger group.

Information in [brackets] is for a 1 hour teachin.Part I: Welcome and Overview Suggested time: 5 minutes [10 min. for a 1 hour teach-in]

Welcome the participants and briefly introduce the Troy Davis case and its significance .As your participants arrive, make sure they sign in so that you know how many have at-

tended, and so that you will have their contact information for future use. If you have a large

group, or the participants may not know each other, it is a good idea to have everyone fill out a

name tag.

When everyone is seated, welcome all of the teach-in participants and introduce yourselfand the other facilitators. Briefly explain why everyone is there, both for Troy and to combat the

larger problem of the death penalty and its application. You should also explain a little bit about

Amnestys role in the case, and how we have coordinated efforts with other organizations. Keep

this short save the details for later on. [If everyone present is not familiar with each other,

have them do brief introductions. Each participant should say their name, and why they are

there. ]

After all of this, you can go over the goals of the teach-in and make sure no one has any

questions. This would be a good time to use a flip chart to enumerate your goals. These might

include:

To get people talking about Troy Davis case, why it is important, and what can be done.

Educate the participants about the flaws in the justice system that led to the problems

present in Troy Davis case.

Educate participants about Amnesty International and their role in individual cases such

as Troys.

Increasing the amount of action taken in support of Troy Davis.

Consider allowing the participants to provide more goals if time allows.


11/24


12/24

on this page: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-and-death-penalty Ask your

audience if the statistics and stories are shocking or surprising to them, and if they

have any reactions.]

Part IV: The Case of Troy DavisSuggested Time: 10 minutes [15 minutes]

This portion of the teach-in serves to explain the details of Troys case to the participantsAt this time you should pass out the fact sheet about Troys case and give your participants time

to look it over. They are probably coming to the event with varied backgrounds of knowledge

about the case, from none at all to those who have been following it. Allowing them to read it

over themselves prevents you from boring those who already know, or skipping over things for

those who dont. You can hand out the timeline as well for more background information.

After it seems like everyone is finished, ask them for their reactions to the facts. Here are a few

questions to help get a discussion started:

Does Troy Davis story surprise you, in light of what you know about racism, inno-

cence, etc.?

Do you think that the problems seen in his case are unique? Or do you think that

there are more complicated reasons?

What do you think would be an appropriate remedy for Troy Davis?

It is important that you are well-versed about the developments of the Troy Davis case, and are

able to answer any questions that may be asked. If there is a question you are not sure about,

let them know that you will find the answer and get back to them. Feel free to contact DPAC if

you have any questions that you are unsure how to answer.

Part VI: What you can doSuggested Time: 5 minutes

Lend Your Face for Justice!At the end of your event, ask people to go to an area where you can have some volunteers sta-

tioned to take peoples photographs for the photo mosaic project (see the handbill in this kit).

Spread the Word and Stay in the LoopEncourage them to take copies of the fact sheet and petition to further educate and activate

others.

To get alerts on the case, encourage them to send a text message with the word troy to

90999.

Let them know that you are available for questions and can help them if they would like more

resources. Ask the participants if they have more questions about the content of the teach-in.


13/24

Here is a list of planning goals for your teach-in. Keep in mind that every teach-in is different, andyou will probably need to adjust these to make them work for your event.

Identify a core group of people to help with your teach-in. This could include student organiz-

ers, community organizers, other allied student or community groups, faith communities, or

anyone available who has been personally impacted by the death penalty or by Troy Davis

case.

o If there are other human rights groups in your campus or community, they may want to

help with your event. It is good to reach out to different organizations to broaden your

audience.

o If you do ask other groups or individuals to collaborate, make sure that you are flexible.

Include them in all parts of the planning, and consider their input. Ask them well in ad-

vance about becoming involved in the event, and try to be specific about how you would

like them to help. Some options for involvement include:

Asking them to co-sponsor, and bring a speaker from their organization

Asking them to co-sponsor and advertise the teach-in to their members

Asking them to post information about the teach-in on their web site or in

their newsletter.

During the first meeting, it is important to plan the following things:

o An agenda for the teach-in, and possible speakers.

Amnesty International has a list of speakers that may be available to speak

on the subject of the death penalty. Contact your DPAC (Death Penalty Abo-

lition Coordinator) to obtain a copy.

o How you will publicize

o Turnout goals

o Location

o Date and time of the teach-in

o Assignments for those involved

o A planning timeline

Once you have a date and location for the teach-in, make sure to register at

www.amnestyusa.org/teachin so that others can find your event, and so that Amnesty can help

to promote it.

Identify who is part of the broader group(s) planning the event. Get in touch with them to keep

them up-to-date about the plans and how they may be able to help.

Make sure that each person involved with putting together the event has a specific task, and a

timeline for completing it. Follow up with them frequently to make sure that they are not hav-

ing trouble completing it.

TEACH IN CHECKLIST


14/24

Advertise for your event in as many places as possible. Here are some suggestions:

o Ask to have a listing run in the school or local paper.

o Make flyers to hang on bulletin boards around campus, in grocery stores, coffee shops, or

libraries, or in other public places. Make sure to ask before hanging a flier somewhere if

you are not sure.

o Send out mass e-mails. This is an easy way to tell a lot of people about your teach-in.

Facebook events are also a good way to reach a network of people.

o Create quarter page fliers for your members to hand out to people throughout the day.

This gives the person a tangible reminder that they are less likely to forget about than an

advertisement seen in passing.

o Tell all of your friends and family about the event and tell all of them to tell their

friends! Word of mouth is an excellent way to get people interested in attending. Having

a conversation with someone about the event is more likely to get them interested than

an e-mail or a flier.

On the day of the event, make sure that you have all the materials you will need. These materi-als may include:

Food and drink

It is important that you provide at least water for your participants, but a few

snacks or even sandwiches or pizza would be great. It does not have to be

anything too fancy, and if you do not have a large budget you can always ask

local businesses to donate food. If you are on campus, you can ask other

student groups where they have had success with this in the past and go

from there.

Tables and chairs

A flip chart to write on

Multimedia facilities (if needed)

A sign-in sheet so that you know who was in attendance and can follow up with them

Copies of any handouts you will need to distribute

Evaluation sheets for feedback about your event

Copies of the petition to Georgia Authorities

Materials for the hand-print petition

After the event, schedule a meeting with the other planners for after the event to review the

evaluation forms, discuss the successes of the teach-in, and talk about how it could have been

improved.


15/24

LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTIC

We are building a giant image of Troy Davis made up of thousaof faces of people who support the call for justice in his case. T

large composite image will be displayed in various venues arouthe world to educate people about his story and keep the spotligon his case so that justice will finally be served!

HOW TO LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICE:1. Take a digital picture of yourself

Specifications:-The photo must only feature you (no group shots)-Position your camera normally for a horizontal image-Get a tight shot of your face head and shoulders only-Optional: write on a sheet of paper with a thick marker or

out "I lend my face for justice!" Hold this just under yochin for the photo.

2. Email it to us at [email protected]

All images will be reviewed before being posted.

Important - Terms of Agreement:By uploading or sending your picture to us, you consent to AI usyour image in any materials, including print and electronic, for aactions undertaken by our organization on behalf of Troy Davis.


LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICE!

We are building a giant image of Troy Davis made up of thousandsof faces of people who support the call for justice in his case. The

large composite image will be displayed in various venues aroundthe world to educate people about his story and keep the spotlighton his case so that justice will finally be served!


Specifications:-The photo must only feature you (no group shots)-Position your camera normally for a horizontal image-Get a tight shot of your face head and shoulders only-Optional: write on a sheet of paper with a thick marker or print

out "I lend my face for justice!" Hold this just under yourchin for the photo.

2. Email it to us at [email protected]

All images will be reviewed before being posted.

Important - Terms of Agreement:By uploading or sending your picture to us, you consent to AI usingyour image in any materials, including print and electronic, for allactions undertaken by our organization on behalf of Troy Davis.


LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTIC

We are building a giant image of Troy Davis made up of thousaof faces of people who support the call for justice in his case. Tlarge composite image will be displayed in various venues arouthe world to educate people about his story and keep the spotligon his case so that justice will finally be served!


Specifications:-The photo must only feature you (no group shots)-Position your camera normally for a horizontal image-Get a tight shot of your face head and shoulders only-Optional: write on a sheet of paper with a thick marker or

out "I lend my face for justice!" Hold this just under yochin for the photo.


Important - Terms of Agreement:By uploading or sending your picture to us, you consent to AI usyour image in any materials, including print and electronic, for aactions undertaken by our organization on behalf of Troy Davis.


LEND YOUR FACE FOR JUSTICE!

We are building a giant image of Troy Davis made up of thousandsof faces of people who support the call for justice in his case. Thelarge composite image will be displayed in various venues aroundthe world to educate people about his story and keep the spotlighton his case so that justice will finally be served!


Specifications:-The photo must only feature you (no group shots)-Position your camera normally for a horizontal image-Get a tight shot of your face head and shoulders only-Optional: write on a sheet of paper with a thick marker or print

out "I lend my face for justice!" Hold this just under yourchin for the photo.


Important - Terms of Agreement:By uploading or sending your picture to us, you consent to AI usingyour image in any materials, including print and electronic, for allactions undertaken by our organization on behalf of Troy Davis.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


16/24


17/24

NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP

GEORGIA:JUSTICE MATTERSSTOP THE EXECUTION OF TROY DAVIS

We the undersigned call on Georgia authorities to grant clemency to Troy Davis. We are concerned that strongquestions of innocence have yet to be resolved. Seven of the nine non-police witnesses have changed their

story and no physical evidence links Davis to the crime. Georgia cannot afford to make such a mistake!

Sincerely,

Please send completed petitions to:

Keep m

updated


18/24

THE DEATH PENALTY AND RACEUpdated Apr. 2010

In a 1990 report, the non-partisan U.S.

General Accounting Office found a

pattern of evidence indicating racial

disparities in the charging, sentencing,

and imposition of the death penalty. The

study concluded that a defendant was

several times more likely to be sentenced

to death if the murder victim was white.

This has been confirmed by the findings

of many other studies that, holding all

other factors constant, the single most

reliable predictor of whether someone willbe sentenced to death is the race of the

victim.

From initial charging decisions to plea bargaining to jury sentencing, African-Americans are

treated more harshly when they are defendants, and their lives are accorded less value when

they are victims. All-white or virtually all-white juries are still commonplace in many

localities.

A report sponsored by the American Bar Association in 2007 concluded that one-third of

African-American death row inmates in Philadelphia would have received sentences of life

imprisonment if they had not been African-American.

A January 2003 study released by the University of Maryland concluded that race and

geography are major factors in death penalty decisions. Specifically, prosecutors are more

likely to seek a death sentence when the race of the victim is white and are less likely to

seek a death sentence when the victim is African-American.

A 2007 study of death sentences in Connecticut conducted by Yale University School of

Law revealed that African-American defendants receive death penalty at three times the rate

of white defendants in cases where the victims are white. In addition, killers of white

Since 1977, the overwhelming majority of death row defendants have been executed for killing white

victims, although African-Americans make up about half of all homicide victims. African-Americans

account for one in three people executed since 1977.

We simply cannot say we live in a country that offers equal justice to all Americans when racial

disparities plague the system by which our society imposes the ultimate punishment.

- Senator Russ Feingold on Civil Rights as a Priority for the 108th Congress, Senate, January 2003

Read the full report: United States of America: Death by discrimination - the continuing role of race in capital caseshttp://www.amnesty.org/en/report/info/AMR51/046/2003

15%6%

77%

2%

African

AmericanHispanic

White

Other

Race of homicide victims in cases

resulting in death sentences since 1976


19/24


20/24

Examples of wrongful convictions:

THE DEATH PENALTY AND INNOCENCEUpdated Apr. 2010

Factors leading to wrongful convictions include:Inadequate legal representation

Police and prosecutorial misconduct

Perjured testimony and mistaken eyewitness testimony

Racial prejudice

Jailhouse snitch testimony

Suppression and/or misinterpretation of mitigating evidence

Community/political pressure to solve a case

Since 1973, over 130 people have been released from death rows throughout the country due to

evidence that they were wrongfully convicted. In 2003 alone, 10 wrongfully convicted defendants were

released from death row.

When Moore was originally found guilty for murder and sexual assault of

Karen Tipton in 2002 he was sentenced to death by the judge overruling the

jurys original consensus. However, he was acquitted in 2009 when 256

pages of withheld evidence were finally revealed.

AlabamaDaniel Wade

Moore acquit-

ted in 2009

Sent to death row on the basis of confessions extracted through the use of

torture by former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge and other Area 2

police officers in Chicago. They were pardoned by outgoing Governor George

Ryan, who also commuted the remaining 167 death sentences in Illinois to

life imprisonment.

IllinoisMadison

Hobley, Aaron

Patterson,

Stanley Howard

and LeRoy Or-

ange, pardoned

in 2003

North CarolinaJonathon Hoff-

man exonerated

in 2007

Convicted and sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of a jewelry store

owner. During Hoffmans first trial, the state's key witness, Johnell Porter,

made undisclosed deals with the prosecutors for testifying against his

cousin. Porter has since recanted his testimony, stating that he lied in order

to get back at his cousin for stealing money from him.

I cannot support a system which, in its administration, has proven so fraught with error and has

come so close to the ultimate nightmare, the states taking of innocent life Until I can be sure thateveryone sentenced to death in Illinois is truly guilty, until I can be sure with moral certainty that no

innocent man or woman is facing a lethal injection, no one will meet that fate.

- Governor George Ryan of Illinois, January 2000, in declaring a moratorium on executions in his

state, after the 13th Illinois death row inmate had been released from prison due to wrongful

conviction. In the same time period, 12 others had been executed.


21/24

THE DEATH PENALTY DEFIES INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS.Over two-thirds of the countries in the world 139 have now abolished the death penalty in

law or practice. In 2008, 93% of all known executions took place in five countries - China,Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the US.

THE DEATH PENALTY IS RACIALLY BIASED.Since 1977, the overwhelming majority of death row defendants (79%) have been executed for

killing white victims, even though African-Americans make up about half of all homicide vic-

tims.

THE DEATH PENALTY CLAIMS INNOCENT LIVES.Since 1973, 139 people have been released from death rows throughout the country due to evi-

dence of their wrongful conviction. In this same time period, more than 1,000 people have

been executed.

THE DEATH PENALTY IS NOT A DETERRENT.FBI data shows that all 14 states without capital punishment in 2008 had homicide rates per

capita at or below the national rate.

THE DEATH PENALTY COSTS MORE AND DIVERTS RESOURCES FROM GENUINE CRIME CONTROL.The greatest costs associated with the death penalty occur prior to and during trial, not in post-

conviction proceedings. Even if all post-conviction proceedings (appeals) were abolished, the

death penalty would still be more expensive than alternative sentences.

THE DEATH PENALTY DISREGARDS MENTAL ILLNESS.The execution of those with mental illness or the insane is clearly prohibited by international

law. In the US, constitutional protections for those with other forms of mental illness are mini-mal, however, and dozens of prisoners have been executed despite suffering from serious men-

tal illness.

THE DEATH PENALTY IS ARBITRARY AND UNFAIR.Almost all death row inmates could not afford their own attorney at trial. Local politics, the lo-

cation of the crime, plea bargaining, and pure chance affect the process and make it a lottery of

who lives and who dies. Since the US Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976,

80% of all executions have taken place in the South (37% in Texas alone).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY:www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/death-penalty-facts

FIND OUT ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY IN YOUR STATE:www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/action/page.do?id=1101153

Amnesty International USAs Death Penalty Abolition Campaign:

202-544-0200 / [email protected]

DEATH PENALTY FACTSUpdated December 2009

END THE DEATH PENALTYwww.amnestyusa.org/abolish
http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/death-penalty-facts/page.do?id=1101088http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/death-penalty-in-states/page.do?id=1101153http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/death-penalty-in-states/page.do?id=1101153http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/death-penalty-facts/page.do?id=1101088


22/24


23/24


24/24

TELL US HOW IT WENT!FEEDBACK FORMName:

Group Name:

Activities your group did:

What sort of response did you receive from your community?

How many people sign the petition and how many took part in the Lend Your Face action?

For activities that went well, why did you think they went well?

For activities that didnt go well, why did you think they didnt?

What would you do differently next time?

Did you find the resource kit useful?

If so, what in particular was helpful? If not, why?

THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO GIVE US FEEDBACK!Please send your responses to DPAC

AIUSA, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 5 th Floor, Washington, DC 20003 / Fax: 202-546-7142 / [email protected]

troy davis global day of solidarity action kit

Documents