Interview with 133 Member Mike Bilotta

When did you join AI, and why?

I joined Amnesty during my freshman year of High School. That was three years ago and it seems I'm becoming more and more involved every day. I joined after the standard freshman assembly in which all clubs and activities were welcomed to try and round up some newcomers. Amnesty was something which intrigued me: Freeing innocent people from prison. The thought had never really occurred to me that people could be imprisoned for things I didn't think twice about.

What was your first meeting like?

My first meeting was great. I walked into the room with a couple friends and was immediately greeted by everyone in the room. "NEW MEMBERS!" everyone was screaming (about 30 or 40 kids). We went over what exactly amnesty does and then watched a video (Kevin Bacon, Oh Boy!) I left the meeting feeling very satisfied and excited. I was glad I had gone and looked forward to the next meeting.

Can you tell us about some of your roles in Amnesty?

About half-way through my freshman year I was asked to be membership coordinator. It was my job to get more people to join and to hang up posters and stuff around school. Sophomore year started and I continued this membership job and also took on the responsibility of Urgent action Coordinator. I learned a lot about amnesty by being around the UA's and learning about all of the various cases. About half-way through that

year, all of the Group Coordinators, being seniors and worrying about college, stopped coming to meetings. This job was sort of passed on to me. So now, my junior year, I serve as Student Group Coordinator. I'm also a Student Area Coordinator for MA (this is my second year and I plan to go on for at least one more).

What do is the most important part of you work with Amnesty ?

To me, the most important part of my work is motivating others to take action and seeing the great things that happen as a result. Opening peoples' eyes to what's going on in the world is a really important thing to do.

What was you best/most successful AI experience?

The best Amnesty experience I've had was my group's trip to London. Not only was I able to learn about the inner workings of the International Secretariat, but I also bonded with some really special people from my group.

Your worst?

I can't really say that I've had a really bad Amnesty experience. I guess it always tears at my heart when people in my school refer to Amnesty as the "Freak Club" where all the homosexual, satan-worshipping junkies hang out. The reason for this misconception is that Amnesty really is the most diverse "club" at school. My school has over 4,000 kids in it and there are people from just about every ethnic background and lifestyle in Amnesty.

Who are you role models?

My role models are my faculty advisor, Diane Lagadec, and the shining members of 133. Mrs. Lagadec has always been there for me and she just emits a beautiful aura. The is really in touch with herself and the world and I'm so happy she's become such a big part of my life. Group 133 has always been a "legend" at our meetings. The group is so alive and full of energy, and there's just so much that it accomplishes. They really make a visible difference and are dedicated to the point of no return.