Every year( photos from 2008) in the spring, Amnesty International USA sponsors a demonstration in NYC. Students from all over the US (mostly from the east coast states) gather at St. Bart's Church at 51st and Park Ave, first to listen to human rights activists from around the world report on their experience and second, to demonstrate for particular issues usually out in front of embassies. This year the primary issues were: Darfur, Myanmar/Burma, Bhopal, a Libyan political prisoner named Fathi el-Jahmi and on behalf of media workers in Sri Lanka. Student Amnesty clubs from both high schools and colleges gather for an inspiring day. I would estimate their numbers at close to a thousand. I have been taking a group from the school where I teach for the past few years. Because human rights are continuously under assault around the world, including in our great democracy, I think it is important to help show young people that they can stand for something important and make a difference. Get on the bus is a terrific learning experience for students and it always renews my faith in my profession.