• Jun. 26th

    #

    AIUSA Board Letter on the Angola 2

    No Comments

    Below is the letter I wrote on behalf of the Amnesty Interntional USA Board of Directors regarding the case of Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace (a.k.a. "the Angola 2"). The letter was sent to: Bobby Jindal, Governor of the State of Louisiana Dr. Raman Singh, Director of Medical & Mental Health Services for the Louisiana Department of Corrections (formerly of Angola Prison) James LeBlanc, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Corrections Rick Curry, Lead Attorney for the State of Louisiana in the civil case brought against the State by Woodfox and Wallace June 23, 2011 Dear Sir: Our Board of Directors writes to you today with grave concern ...[+]

  • Feb. 12th

    #

    Solidarity with Egypt

    1 Comment

    Congratulations to everyone on a terrific solidarity rally on Saturday. Exciting that it was just one of the many AI rallies held in 45 countries around the world on Saturday. But a lead story on the local news here in NY ain't too shabby. I'm also glad that we could add just a couple more voices to a thrilling movement that shows that the power of grassroots activism is truly profound. For a movement like AI, built upon that concept, events like this are beyond inspiring. [+]

  • Dec. 21st

    #

    A Vigil for Children

    No Comments

    A Vigil: "40 CHILDREN UNDER 5 DIE EVERY MINUTE DUE TO POVERTY" Join me, if you can, this Tuesday for a terrific vigil event at the 6th Ave entrance to Central Park, drawing attention to children's poverty and the work of Children International. [+]

  • Oct. 12th

    #

    Burma Benefit and Conference

    No Comments

    This is going to be a terrific conference, especially for anyone interested in human rights and Burma. On Saturday will be a terrific fundraiser at the historic Friar's club for a children's refugee cause, then on Sunday a film and panel conference, which Amnesty is assisting with. Please be in touch if you can make it, but buy a ticket in advance at: burmaevent.eventbrite.com. A great value that comes with food and drink too. Location: Date: October 16th, 2010, 7:00PM-10:00 PMVenue: Friar's Club 57 East 55th Street Date: October 17, 12:00PM-7:00PMVenue: The Liederkranz Foundation 6 East 87th Street Time: 7:00PM Saturday, ...[+]

  • Sep. 13th

    #

    New NYU program aims to help students understand the financial crisis

    No Comments

    Thanks to NYU's newspaper for featuring the Behavioral Finance professional certificate program I've been working on. There's still time to sign up for my Behavioral Corporate Finance class, too. Let me know if you're interested -- whether you're a finance professional or would just enjoy a really interesting class. New SCPS program aims to help students understand financial crisis [+]

  • Jul. 28th

    #

    My latest interview on BBC Burma

    No Comments

    I was interviewed by BBC Burma last week regarding the prospect of nuclear weapon development in Myanmar. Since it was on Burma's #1 news program it's in translation. My point was that the big loser in any such attempts is the Burmese people. Put aside "regional instability" and threats to large Western nations. The cost of prodigal military expenditure and int'l isolation falls on the Burmese people. Listen to the program online [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Herman-Wallace-Albert-Woodfox.gif

Jun. 26th

#

AIUSA Board Letter on the Angola 2

No Comments

Below is the letter I wrote on behalf of the Amnesty Interntional USA Board of Directors regarding the case of Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace (a.k.a. "the Angola 2"). The letter was sent to: Bobby Jindal, Governor of the State of Louisiana Dr. Raman Singh, Director of Medical & Mental Health Services for the Louisiana Department of Corrections (formerly of Angola Prison) James LeBlanc, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Corrections Rick Curry, Lead Attorney for the State of Louisiana in the civil case brought against the State by Woodfox and Wallace June 23, 2011 Dear Sir: Our Board of Directors writes to you today with grave concern ...[+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/yemen_protests.jpg

Feb. 18th

#

The Brave Protesters in the Middle East

No Comments

I participate in dozens of advocacy events each year, from protests to vigils, rallies and planning meetings. The safety with which we are able to do such things in the United States is easily taken for granted. Indeed, isn't part of liberty that one can take our human rights for granted? They are, of course, granted to each person on this earth. But I am truly in awe of people willing to get shot and tear gased defending their rights. Though it's on the other side of the world, it hits very close to home ...[+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/egypt-1.jpg

Feb. 12th

#

Solidarity with Egypt

1 Comment

Congratulations to everyone on a terrific solidarity rally on Saturday. Exciting that it was just one of the many AI rallies held in 45 countries around the world on Saturday. But a lead story on the local news here in NY ain't too shabby. I'm also glad that we could add just a couple more voices to a thrilling movement that shows that the power of grassroots activism is truly profound. For a movement like AI, built upon that concept, events like this are beyond inspiring. [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/twitter.jpg

Feb. 2nd

#

Tweets Now Available

No Comments

I finally got on Twitter. Be sure to follow me @zackmichaelson. I'm using it for different content than Facebook; trying to be more lighthearted about the things I like to talk about, but no updates on what I had for lunch. #IGetItNow [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ci-post.jpg

Dec. 21st

#

A Vigil for Children

No Comments

A Vigil: "40 CHILDREN UNDER 5 DIE EVERY MINUTE DUE TO POVERTY" Join me, if you can, this Tuesday for a terrific vigil event at the 6th Ave entrance to Central Park, drawing attention to children's poverty and the work of Children International. [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ai.jpg

Dec. 10th

#

Why Today’s Human Rights Day Is So Special

No Comments

Happy Human Rights Day! It's the 62nd anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. And today also begins the 50th anniversary year of Amnesty International. Wonderful also that the celebration comes on the heels of the freeing of Prisoner of Conscience Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and a Nobel Peace Prize for Prisoner of Conscience Liu Xiaobo. Help us shine a light on the forgotten prisoners. [+]

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Dec. 7th

#

AI’s Holiday Card Action

No Comments

Join me and Amnesty Internation in supporting the reuniting of families this holiday season. View AI's holiday e-card here with music by David Byrne. Celebrate Reunions | Amnesty International USA | Human Rights Action [+]

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Nov. 27th

#

FBA-AI Inaugural Conference

No Comments

Thanks to Jeremy, Elena, and everyone who helped or attended the conference on either day. The weekend exceed all expectations. A lot of money was raised for great causes. And the discussion about advancing human rights in Burma was profound and insightful. [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/AungSani.jpg

Nov. 14th

#

Aung San Suu Kyi Finally Free

No Comments

Exciting news after years of long work on her case. I'm proud that AI was always at the front of it. Truth be told, it's not that surprising that she was released around now. Her sentence was up and it seemed like it might happen. What will be surprising is if she is able to lead her people and not be quickly detained again. Here's to hoping. [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/conference.jpg

Oct. 12th

#

Burma Benefit and Conference

No Comments

This is going to be a terrific conference, especially for anyone interested in human rights and Burma. On Saturday will be a terrific fundraiser at the historic Friar's club for a children's refugee cause, then on Sunday a film and panel conference, which Amnesty is assisting with. Please be in touch if you can make it, but buy a ticket in advance at: burmaevent.eventbrite.com. A great value that comes with food and drink too. Location: Date: October 16th, 2010, 7:00PM-10:00 PMVenue: Friar's Club 57 East 55th Street Date: October 17, 12:00PM-7:00PMVenue: The Liederkranz Foundation 6 East 87th Street Time: 7:00PM Saturday, ...[+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NYT-Icon.jpg

Sep. 21st

#

An Alarm on Maternal Deaths, Global and Local

No Comments

Read this New York Times Article for a great summary of our Maternal Mortality campaign work and the recent Times Square event. With several new bills working their way through Congress to address the issues raised in our recent report, this is a great example of how AI can indeed be effective in poverty related work. An Alarm on Maternal Deaths, Global and Local As the world leaders gather in New York this week, a large reminder of a persistent problem rises in Times Square. [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WSN-Icon.gif

Sep. 13th

#

New NYU program aims to help students understand the financial crisis

No Comments

Thanks to NYU's newspaper for featuring the Behavioral Finance professional certificate program I've been working on. There's still time to sign up for my Behavioral Corporate Finance class, too. Let me know if you're interested -- whether you're a finance professional or would just enjoy a really interesting class. New SCPS program aims to help students understand financial crisis [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/kevincarter-sudan.jpg

Apr. 23rd

#

Speaking Out for Sudan

No Comments

If civil war is to be avoided, both the governments of North and South Sudan must recommit themselves to protecting personal liberty and freedom in order for the referendum to be credible. These are not just lofty ideals - they are obligations that both parties agreed upon in the CPA. As a guarantor of the CPA, it is the responsibility of the United States to hold those who presided over fraudulent elections accountable and take all steps to further democracy in Sudan and protect the integrity of the 2011 referendum. Take Action: Speak out for Sudan | Save Darfur [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Protect-the-Human-Maternal-Mortality.jpg

Mar. 24th

#

Shocking death rates among pregnant women in the U.S., Sierra Leone and around the world

No Comments

Every minute one woman dies as a consequence of complications during birth or pregnancy. That's approximately 500,000 women a year, 1 woman every minute of every day. These women do not die of diseases that can't be treated or complications that can't be prevented. Visit AIUSA Facebook page to learn more. [+]

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Dec. 9th

#

Join the Global Write-a-thon

No Comments

We held our Global Write-a-thon event last night, but anyone else can still participate online. Be a part of the hundreds of thousands writing these letters. Join the Global Write-a-thon [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Oxfam-Congo.jpg

Oct. 27th

#

Stop the killing in the Congo

No Comments

Sign the petition and make sure to come to the event that our Amnesty International chapter is organizing to raise awareness about the cause, in particular focusing on violence against women in the conflict. The event will be on December 10th (in commemoration of the UDHR signing), at 7 PM, taking place at Columbia's Jerome Greene Hall (435 W. 116th, Rm. #105). Sign the petition on Facebook [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/BBC-Burmese.gif

Jul. 28th

#

My latest interview on BBC Burma

No Comments

I was interviewed by BBC Burma last week regarding the prospect of nuclear weapon development in Myanmar. Since it was on Burma's #1 news program it's in translation. My point was that the big loser in any such attempts is the Burmese people. Put aside "regional instability" and threats to large Western nations. The cost of prodigal military expenditure and int'l isolation falls on the Burmese people. Listen to the program online [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Burma-Point-Event.jpg

Jun. 30th

#

Burma Point in the LIC/Astoria Journal

No Comments

The watchful eye of the world can have positive effects. Good work to all the Burma Point folks who brought the message straight to the U.N.! View the article here. [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/burma.jpg

Feb. 28th

#

Zachary Michaelson Seeks to Raise Awareness of Burma

No Comments

NEW YORK, NY -- Zachary Michaelson, a New York-based financial consultant and lecturer, has announced his intention to launch an awareness campaign to further expose the plight of religious and ethnic minority groups in Burma (Myanmar). Using the Internet, media and other forms of communication, Michaelson hopes his efforts will bring much needed attention to the people of the war-torn region of Southeast Asia.  “The Burmese military government is currently intimidating, imprisoning, torturing and murdering anyone who even talks about democracy,” says Zachary Michaelson.  “We must make sure those standing for democracy and human rights in Burma are defended,” Michaelson adds.  A graduate ...[+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Ban-and-Than-Shwe.jpg

Dec. 12th

#

Event hosting former Burmese political prisoners

No Comments

Thanks to those who helped me host some of the founding members of Burma's opposition NLD party this week and attended our film premiere and speaking event. You can read the article about it here. Inner City Press: Investigative Reporting from the United Nations [+]

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Nov. 1st

#

Human Rights via Alien Tort Claims

No Comments

If the US really wants prevent allegations of human rights violations abroad from interfering with business and foreign policy, what better way than to give suits an impartial venue at home under Alien Tort Claims? Not to mention that in so doing the US could regain some relevance in shaping international human rights law. Companies and human rights | Test case | The Economist [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/NYT-Icon.jpg

Oct. 19th

#

Sudan Arrests Militia Chief Facing Trial

No Comments

Will a Sudanese show trial (or mere investigation) satisfy the Rome Statute's complementarity clause? Even if it must be allowed to, the ICC is more powerful and successful for having launched its investigation into Darfur -- against the odds. Sudan Arrests Militia Chief Facing Trial - NYTimes.com [+]

http://www.zacharymichaelson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Abdul-Hassouneh.jpg

Sep. 8th

#

Civil Universal Jurisdiction for Human Rights

No Comments

You don't hear as much about the civil approaches to universal jurisdiction and international justice, but here's one that's interesting both for the potential precedent and the information it’s uncovering. Palestinians Seek to Overturn Judgment, but There’s a $192.7 Million Catch - NYTimes.comIn order for their case against the family of a U.S. victim of terrorism in Israel to be re-examined, Palestinians must post a bond for the amount of the initial judgment, a judge said. [+]