In 2022, the global Amnesty movement adopted a new strategic framework for 2022–2030. At its heart is a simple but bold idea: people power.
People power is the collective strength of ordinary people acting together to defend human rights. It is the power of communities, activists, and rights-holders to influence governments, corporations, and society. When people organise, build skills, and support one another, real change becomes possible.
A people-powered movement creates space for leadership at every level. It values local knowledge. It supports autonomy within shared values. Most importantly, it centres those directly affected by injustice and works in partnership with them.
For Amnesty, this means growing not only in size, but also in diversity, capacity, and influence by 2030.
Karen Javorski, Mobilization and Movement Engagement Manager, leads a discussion on the Vision Statement for Amnesty International Canada’s People Power Strategy.
Why People Power Matters Now
Across Canada and around the world, hard-won rights face serious challenges. At the same time, communities continue to lead powerful struggles for justice.
To meet this moment, Amnesty International Canada is strengthening how we organise, mobilise, and collaborate. We want to deepen grassroots campaigning. We aim to build stronger activist skills and leadership. We are also committed to fostering an inclusive, anti-racist culture where more people feel they belong.
People power is not a new direction for Amnesty. Rather, it builds on what has always made this movement strong: members and supporters taking action together. Now, we are being more intentional about how we grow that power.
Our Journey So Far
Amnesty International Canada’s People Power journey has been taking shape over the past few years.
In October 2023, we hosted a workshop led by the Global Group on Activism. Soon after, we joined a global People Power community of practice with other Amnesty sections. Through this space, we have shared lessons and learned from peers.
Committee members break into small groups to shape key priorities for Amnesty International Canada’s People Power Strategy.
Our teams have strengthened capacity in areas such as civil disobedience, movement-building, and strategic campaign planning. We have also met quarterly with colleagues at Amnesty International USA. In addition, we have learned from the strategy development processes of Amnesty International Australia and Amnesty International Peru.
In March 2025, we launched a People Power Strategy consultation and invited activists to join a new People Power Strategy Committee. That committee, made up of member leaders and Activism Team staff, has been guiding this next phase.
On January 26–27, 2026, the Activism Team and the People Power Strategy Committee met in Toronto to define realistic and achievable goals for becoming a more people-powered movement by 2030. Together, they reviewed timelines and mapped out the steps needed to develop our section’s first People Power Strategy.
Activists and staff exchange perspectives while mapping out the future of Amnesty International Canada’s People Power journey.
Looking Ahead to June 14
We aim to present a first draft of Amnesty International Canada’s People Power Strategy by June 14, in time for our Annual General Meeting.
Between now and then, the Strategy Committee will continue consulting with members, staff, the Board, and civil society partners. Your input will help shape priorities for 2026–2030.
This strategy is not just a document. It is a shared roadmap for how we grow our movement. It will guide how we attract and retain new supporters, strengthen activist leadership, and deepen our impact in communities across the country.
People power is about all of us. It is about building a movement where everyone has a role to play and the support to play it well.
As we move toward the AGM, we invite you to stay engaged, share your ideas, and be part of shaping Amnesty International Canada’s people-powered future.