Ways To Help Tibet

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1.  Give a prisoner hope

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Chinese prison officials in Lhasa report that they

receive many letters of concern for Tibetan prisoners.

Your letters get through. This  can make a tremendous impact in

improving conditions, preventing or lessening torture, and leading

to an early release of some prisoners.  

Gendun Rinchen, a tour guide who was released after

eight months without being tortured, is living proof.

Chinese officials received thousands of letters in his support.  

 

Watch for urgent prisoner appeals in Tibetan support group

newsletters, SFOT's email campaigns, the International

Campaign for Tibet's email campaigns Students for a Free Tibet's

campaigns. Listen to radio and internet broadcasts such as the

Tibetan Radio Hour on KVMR.org, the Tibet World Service on

Open Mind Radio, NPR stations or contact Amnesty International.

 

2.  Support a nun in exile

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Tibetan nuns are at the forefront of the demonstrations for Tibetan independence in Lhasa despite the fact that they face brutal torture in prison. Once released, they are often forbidden to return to their nunneries, and many end up fleeing to India for refuge. In India, the nunneries are overcrowded and desperately need funds for books, clothes, and general support. The Tibetan Nuns Project is actively working to bring in much-needed contributions. One may also sponsor a nun directly from a nunneries website at  www.gendenchoelingnunnery.org,  www.jamchoe.org

 

3.  Support a monk in exile

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Their is a revival of the surviving Tibetan Buddhist institutions..

 

4.  Travel wisely

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China tries to use tourism in Tibet to legitimize rule there, showcasing selected sites to imply that Tibetans are content. Most tourist dollars, particularly on group tours, go to Chinese pockets and do little to help poor Tibetan communities. If you travel in a group, be sure the company uses Tibetan guides and patronizes Tibetan businesses. Educate yourself about Tibet before you go by reading Victor Chan's "Tibet Handbook:  A Pilgrimage". To learn more about how you can make your trip help Tibetans, and for a map and guide of Lhasa that explains what Chinese tour guides will try to hide, contact the International Campaign for Tibet.

 

5.  Tell Congress or the President what you think

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Congress funds a Tibetan-language Voice of America broadcast that is now the most popular news source in Tibet;  they provide annual assistance for Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal; they also maintain a policy that Tibet is an occupied nation under foreign rule.

 

For more information about congressional initiatives, contact the International Campaign for Tibet at (202) 785-1515 or visit their website at http://www.savetibet.org

 

Write your elected officials about Tibet:

For a complete list and to find your representative by your Zip Code

Find Representatives Click Here

 

Write to President elect Barak Obama and tell him your feelings about Tibet. Let Hillary Clinton know we are waiting and listening for her to speak up on Tibet.

 

6. Join A Local and International Tibetan Support Groups

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Sierra Friends of Tibet and Placerville Friends of Tibet are small groups in the Sierra Nevada foothills. They are grass roots organizations which hosts cultural and educational events. The International Campaign for Tibet works globally on behalf of the Tibetan people. Visitwww.savetibet.org

 

7. Donate as a gift in someone's name instead of buying gifts

 

8.  Boycott Chinese goods.

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Boycotting Chinese goods is a simple and direct way for anyone to make their support of Tibet count. A growing boycott campaign is being led by Students for a Free Tibet, the U.S. Tibet Committee, Milarepa Fund, and other Tibet support groups.