North Atlanta High School is home to many different clubs and organizations. Offering everything from hiking adventures to making long-lasting friendships in Best Buddies, there are many fun options for students to pick from. However, juniors Sophia Campbell and Evani Malhotra wanted to create a new type of club, one that aims to foster students’ engagement in human rights issues. They eventually stumbled onto Amnesty International. This is a global organization that is focused on promoting and protecting human rights. They spread their influence by opening different chapters in different schools, run by students who want to make a positive impact by standing up for the rights of others. Now, with the collaboration of Campbell and Malhorta, a chapter was started right at North Atlanta, building a community of young activists passionate about creating a better world.
For Co-President Sophia Campbell, the Amnesty Club is about raising awareness of overlooked human rights issues. So far, Campbell’s main focus has been on banned books, addressing the freedom of expression and protecting writings of the author. However, she hopes to address topics like gender equality and climate change later down the road. Campbell acknowledged that at first, it was a challenge to expand the reach of the club, but she went to social media and printed flyers around the school to promote the club. With those two tools, she is happy to say that the numbers of the club are up and she is excited for the projects that she has planned in the next couple of months. “I have always been passionate about writers freedom and I am hoping to involve that in our upcoming projects,” said Campbell.
Secretary Myla Janae is hoping to inspire more people at North Atlanta to join the movement to make a difference in the school and the community. In her position, she helps organize events, keeps the project progressing, and ensures all members’ ideas are heard. Janae is passionate about global issues and she originally joined the club to deepen her knowledge and help others become more aware of social problems. “I hope that this club will help inspire change locally and encourage members to think deeply about social justice,” Janae said.
After only two months, the Amnesty Club has become a vital platform for students eager to make a difference. Through activism and collaboration, this club is full of young advocates dedicated to creating a positive impact within the school and broader community.
