Category Archives: Local Chapters

Voices Against Gun Violence

Call to Action, Local Chapters, Main Events

A Letter-to-the-Editor Writing Workshop

In lieu of our Group 39’s regular May meeting, we are hosting a workshop on writing Letters to the Editor in the issue of gun violence and gun control. The workshop will include some instruction on best practices for writing a LtE; information about recent newspaper articles on the issue; and materials for writing drafts. The idea is that each participant writes one letter that night, and sends it to her/his favorite newspaper later from home (we’ll provide instructions where to send it to). We’ll also have options for people who don’t have internet at home. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Wednesday, May 8, 7pm
Where: First Unitarian Church (Schweitzer Room), 605 Morewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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Group 39 members lobby for sensible gun legislation

Call to Action, Local Chapters

On January 29, 2019, several members of Group 39, together with activists from CeaseFirePA, went to Harrisburg to call for sensible gun legislation. They participated in a rally and met with State Representative Dan Frankel to call for the following improvements to Pennsylvania firearms laws:

  • Universal background checks;
  • Ban on assault weapons and military-style accessories;
  • Safe storage requirements for gun owners;
  • Extreme Risk Protection Orders, which enable courts to temporarily remove guns from people who are at risk of harming themselves and others.

Will of City Council to support refugee resettlement

Local Chapters

On the initiative of Group 39, Pittsburgh City Council passed on December 11, 2018 a Will of Council to express support for resettling refugees to the U.S.
Pittsburgh is a city built by immigrant communities, and we thank City Council for declaring that our city continues to be welcoming for immigrants and refugees. We also thank Councilman O’Connor for sponsoring this Will of Council.

Group 39 Focus Case Update (Zunar)

Local Chapters, Updates

Good news! After the travel ban against Zunar was lifted in June, the much more serious charges against him under the Sedition Act were dropped end of July. If tried and convicted, Zunar could have faced more than 40 years in prison. It seems likely that the charges were brought forth by the previous government to silence a critic of the former prime minister Najib Razak. This situation fundamentally changed after the 2018 general election in Malaysia, which ushered a different political coalition into power. It remains to be seen whether the new government will continue to hold human rights in higher respect.

More information can be found here:
“Malaysia drops sedition case against political cartoonist Zunar”
“Malaysia: Acquittal of Zunar and others must lead to repeal of draconian sedition law”