Taking part in a movement

Earlier this year, Calling All Crows Volunteer Dylan Landay joined over six hundred other activists from around the Northeast for the annual Amnesty International Northeastern Regional Conference. He shares his story and pictures below.

CAC is dedicated to sharing information about and providing opportunities for volunteers to learn and explore social justice issues so that they can fully participate in a growing community of activists who have the power to change the world.

Being a part of Calling All Crows had been by far one of the most beneficial decisions of my life. Not only for the experiences, but the opportunities passed on through them. This is how I first heard of the Regional Amnesty International Conference. I jumped on this opportunity instantly. Arriving I figured it would be mainly adults, but to my surprise it was largely college students roughly my age. The conference consisted of organized panels and two open slot panels of which you could choose. My day consisted of learning about topics ranging from gun violence, to women’s rights, to the media's influence on societal views.

My most memorable moment during the conference was during the panel that addressed gun violence. While the session was wrapping up they asked if any questions would like to be asked to the panel. I leapt up and joined the line. I was second to go asking a question in a room of probably 300. My voice quivered a little as I asked my question about media’s role in gun violence. A woman roughly my age who was from Sandyhook, CT on the panel answered. She discussed the many ways other organizations are helping and great affiliates to link up with. I was thanked and returned to my seat. What I realized though, is if not for Calling All Crows I would not have had the courage to get up and ask my question.