Cameron Stewart started working at the Amnesty International Bookshop in York in October 2023, ahead of the Literature at Work module in the following Spring. “I didn’t know much about the organisation then, but have enjoyed my time volunteering and learning more about what they do. I’m proud to still volunteer once a week and have made great friends on the team. They like to have academic discussions on human rights and latest news.” Here is his message to you:
Thank you! Thank you to all the students and staff at York St John who visit, purchase from, and support the Amnesty Bookshop on Micklegate in York. Thank you to all the students and staff who signed our paper and online petitions. You might know that in early June, the bookshop was told it was at risk of closure. This led to a hard-fought campaign by both the shop volunteers, of which I am incredibly proud to be part of, and the wider York community. The shop has now got a reprieve while the organisation reviews all the arguments.
The next big update on the bookshop will be in February 2026. This gives us five months to work together as a community to secure its future. York has a highly respected status as a city of human rights defenders. YSJ is a University of Sanctuary. I greatly admire the way both Amnesty and YSJ value inclusion, tolerance, human rights for all, and the pursuit of a fairer and kinder society and world. The students play a leading role in the work that YSJ does and the example it sets. The motto of the English Department is “Words Matter” and they really do. Words are tools that can construct a better world and counteract those who seek to sow division.
I am happy to tell you that from the 20th to the 28th September, the Amnesty bookshop will be offering 20% student discount, to all students. The usual student discount is 10%. We appreciate you and hope you will visit, share about the shop and find a good book to either use for your studies or for leisure. The shop is a very warm, welcoming place with a team who love to chat and share recommendations about the books they are enjoying. Also, if you follow The Amnesty Bookshop York Facebook page and booksforamnestyyork on Instagram, you will see the latest news.
We look forward to welcoming you back or seeing you for the first time.
Image via Amnesty Bookshop York. Used with permission.