I received the following message from our colleagues at the advocacy group Alliance Guinea:
We have been invited by the State Department, to a special briefing for representatives of Nongovernmental Organizations, on the Current Situation in Guinea. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, William Fitzgerald, will discuss ways that the United States can help facilitate the establishment of a democratically-elected government, restore economic and political development programs in Guinea this Friday, March 5, 2010 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.at the State Department.
Alliance Guinea will be represented and we would like to make sure that we are representing your voices, so we are reaching out to all Alliance Guinea members to gather your message for the State Department.
What would you like to see the State Department doing to support the transition to democracy, and help bring justice for the victims of crimes against humanity committed during last year dreadful events, in Guinea? Any questions or concerns that you would like the State Department to address?
Please take a moment to write few lines addressing the questions above and send us your reply no later than Thursday March, 4th.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Thank you,
Alliance Guinea
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
[Advocacy news] Advocate for Guinea!
A message from our colleagues at Alliance Guinea:
Congressional outreach is off to a fast start, but it’s not too late to join up! Americans and Guineans are already teaming up in North Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Minnesota to convince their Congresspersons to commit real, tangible support to the democracy movement in Guinea . If you live in NJ, DC, or MN, contact Brian (brian_d_b@yahoo.com) or Mackenzie (mackpfeifer@yahoo.com) ASAP to get connected with the teams there. We also have volunteers looking to partner in other locales across the U.S. , so send us an email no matter where you live and we’ll get you started.
Obama promised hope for Guinea in his Address last week. Help make sure that America follows through on that promise.
- The Alliance Guinea Congressional Outreach Team
Congressional outreach is off to a fast start, but it’s not too late to join up! Americans and Guineans are already teaming up in North Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Minnesota to convince their Congresspersons to commit real, tangible support to the democracy movement in Guinea . If you live in NJ, DC, or MN, contact Brian (brian_d_b@yahoo.com) or Mackenzie (mackpfeifer@yahoo.com) ASAP to get connected with the teams there. We also have volunteers looking to partner in other locales across the U.S. , so send us an email no matter where you live and we’ll get you started.
Obama promised hope for Guinea in his Address last week. Help make sure that America follows through on that promise.
- The Alliance Guinea Congressional Outreach Team
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
[Advocacy news] Today's march in NYC
The September 28 Coalition for Justice and Democracy in Guinea has announced its agenda for today's march in New York City.
March and Rally at the United Nations
Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 11am - 3pm
11am: Protest at the Guinean Consulate, E. 39th & Lexington
12noon: March down 3rd Ave. to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza
12:30pm - 3pm: Rally at the UN - E. 47th & UN Plaza
Speakers to include: Kadiatou Diallo, David Dinkins, Kevin Powell, Norman Siegel, and Guinean eye witnesses and activists
Frrom the September 28 Coalition:
On September 28, 2009, the military of the West African nation of Guinea brutally cracked down on tens of thousands of unarmed protestors speaking out against military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. According to the International Red Cross, at least 157 people were killed, 1200 people wounded, and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day. This rally is being held to raise awareness of these events and ask the UN to increase its efforts to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice and that Guinea has the support it needs to hold the first truly democratic presidential elections in its 51 years of independence. The consequences of inaction on the part of the international community are simply too dire. We cannot stand idly by as crimes against humanity go unpunished, a nation is kept hostage by its own military, and an entire sub-region is endangered by the very real threat of ethnic-based civil war. Not this time.
The Guinean Forces Vives in the US -Alliance Guinea - The Amadou Diallo Foundation
For more details and event sign-up: click here.
March and Rally at the United Nations
Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 11am - 3pm
11am: Protest at the Guinean Consulate, E. 39th & Lexington
12noon: March down 3rd Ave. to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza
12:30pm - 3pm: Rally at the UN - E. 47th & UN Plaza
Speakers to include: Kadiatou Diallo, David Dinkins, Kevin Powell, Norman Siegel, and Guinean eye witnesses and activists
Frrom the September 28 Coalition:
On September 28, 2009, the military of the West African nation of Guinea brutally cracked down on tens of thousands of unarmed protestors speaking out against military rule and junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara's likely candidature for president. According to the International Red Cross, at least 157 people were killed, 1200 people wounded, and women and girls viciously raped in the capital city of Conakry that day. This rally is being held to raise awareness of these events and ask the UN to increase its efforts to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice and that Guinea has the support it needs to hold the first truly democratic presidential elections in its 51 years of independence. The consequences of inaction on the part of the international community are simply too dire. We cannot stand idly by as crimes against humanity go unpunished, a nation is kept hostage by its own military, and an entire sub-region is endangered by the very real threat of ethnic-based civil war. Not this time.
The Guinean Forces Vives in the US -Alliance Guinea - The Amadou Diallo Foundation
For more details and event sign-up: click here.
[Advocacy news] Musical fundraiser in NYC
La Musique Contre la Violence
Support justice and democracy in Guinea with Guinean music masters Missia Saran Dioubaté, Kakande, Bailo Bah & friends
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Time: 8-11pm
Venue: Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell at 134th Street
Suggested Donation: $15
With special guests including eye witnesses to the September 28 atrocities in Guinea and leading activists.
More details and event sign-up: click here.
Support justice and democracy in Guinea with Guinean music masters Missia Saran Dioubaté, Kakande, Bailo Bah & friends
Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Time: 8-11pm
Venue: Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell at 134th Street
Suggested Donation: $15
With special guests including eye witnesses to the September 28 atrocities in Guinea and leading activists.
More details and event sign-up: click here.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
[Advocacy news] Pro-democracy march in NYC on Dec. 8
From: Alliance Guinea
This is far from over - the latest news out of Guinea is a proposed deal that would have the CNDD junta heading a "national transition council" for up to 10 months and open the door for Dadis to stand in elections. At the same time, the UN is beginning the work of the international commission of inquiry into the crimes of September 28, but it's clear that more international pressure against the military and support for the population is needed.
Here in New York Alliance Guinea has joined forces with the Guinean Forces Vives in the US and our friends Kadiatou Diallo and Norman Siegel of the Amadou Diallo Foundation to form the "September 28 Coalition for Justice and Democracy in Guinea."
Together we are organizing a march and rally on Tuesday, December 8 from 11am - 3pm to demand justice for the crimes committed and support for a speedy and democratic transition to civilian rule in Guinea. At 11am we will gather in front of the Guinean consulate at 140 E. 39th St., marching then to 47th Street and rallying by noon at Dag Hammarskjold Park in front of the United Nations. See Stay tuned for a list of expected speakers.
If you live far from New York and cannot join us in person, here are two things you can still do:
1. Make a donation – help us offset the cost of the rally (permits, transport, stage & sound system costs, etc.) through our new online giving button at www.allianceguinea.org. Check it out and pass the word – every gift counts!
2. Write a letter (again!) to your local newspaper or Congressperson/Member of Parliament and tell them about the march and how the latest news out of Guinea confirms the critical need for international pressure and support is critical to getting justice and preventing what could spiral into civil war. For sample letters and other tips, see http://www.allianceguinea.org/advocacy-what-you-can-do/
And if you are in the New York area and can’t make it during lunch hour on Tuesday, don’t miss for what is going to be an amazing "Musique contre la Violence" unity night in Harlem on December 9 at 8pm at Shrine in Harlem with some of the greatest masters of Guinean music living in America and guest speakers from the September 28 Coalition.
The situation in Guinea is just as dire as ever, and justice must be served and the military must go. As those of us here in the US gather for Thanksgiving this week, let us give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and continue to do all we can to help our friends and family enjoy the same.
This is far from over - the latest news out of Guinea is a proposed deal that would have the CNDD junta heading a "national transition council" for up to 10 months and open the door for Dadis to stand in elections. At the same time, the UN is beginning the work of the international commission of inquiry into the crimes of September 28, but it's clear that more international pressure against the military and support for the population is needed.
Here in New York Alliance Guinea has joined forces with the Guinean Forces Vives in the US and our friends Kadiatou Diallo and Norman Siegel of the Amadou Diallo Foundation to form the "September 28 Coalition for Justice and Democracy in Guinea."
Together we are organizing a march and rally on Tuesday, December 8 from 11am - 3pm to demand justice for the crimes committed and support for a speedy and democratic transition to civilian rule in Guinea. At 11am we will gather in front of the Guinean consulate at 140 E. 39th St., marching then to 47th Street and rallying by noon at Dag Hammarskjold Park in front of the United Nations. See Stay tuned for a list of expected speakers.
If you live far from New York and cannot join us in person, here are two things you can still do:
1. Make a donation – help us offset the cost of the rally (permits, transport, stage & sound system costs, etc.) through our new online giving button at www.allianceguinea.org. Check it out and pass the word – every gift counts!
2. Write a letter (again!) to your local newspaper or Congressperson/Member of Parliament and tell them about the march and how the latest news out of Guinea confirms the critical need for international pressure and support is critical to getting justice and preventing what could spiral into civil war. For sample letters and other tips, see http://www.allianceguinea.org/advocacy-what-you-can-do/
And if you are in the New York area and can’t make it during lunch hour on Tuesday, don’t miss for what is going to be an amazing "Musique contre la Violence" unity night in Harlem on December 9 at 8pm at Shrine in Harlem with some of the greatest masters of Guinean music living in America and guest speakers from the September 28 Coalition.
The situation in Guinea is just as dire as ever, and justice must be served and the military must go. As those of us here in the US gather for Thanksgiving this week, let us give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy and continue to do all we can to help our friends and family enjoy the same.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
[Advocacy news] March for Guinea in DC on October 26
I received the following press release from Alliance Guinea
There will be a march in Washington DC this Monday the 26th [of October] to raise awareness about the events of September 28 in Guinea and to garner continued support for justice and a transition to and through democratic elections. The march is designed to emphasize Guinean women’s participation in particular, and thousands of people are expected to join in from around the country.
It’s short notice – but can we mobilize as many Guinean and non-Guinean friends of Guinea from the Alliance Guinea group to join in as well?
The march will begin at 10am Monday in Lafayette Park in DC, and will include stops at the State Department and possibly Capitol Hill. We are also making arrangements for smaller meetings with key State and Hill representatives to inform, show support for statements made thus far, and discuss ways to move forward.
If you are in the Washington/MD/VA area, we hope to see you there. If you are in another city, especially on the East Coast, and wish to get connected with transportation to and from the march with others from your area, please email allianceguinea @ gmail.com.
Let’s make this as big a show of solidarity as possible – demonstrating that Guinean tragedies and dreams are everyone’s tragedies and dreams.
There will be a march in Washington DC this Monday the 26th [of October] to raise awareness about the events of September 28 in Guinea and to garner continued support for justice and a transition to and through democratic elections. The march is designed to emphasize Guinean women’s participation in particular, and thousands of people are expected to join in from around the country.
It’s short notice – but can we mobilize as many Guinean and non-Guinean friends of Guinea from the Alliance Guinea group to join in as well?
The march will begin at 10am Monday in Lafayette Park in DC, and will include stops at the State Department and possibly Capitol Hill. We are also making arrangements for smaller meetings with key State and Hill representatives to inform, show support for statements made thus far, and discuss ways to move forward.
If you are in the Washington/MD/VA area, we hope to see you there. If you are in another city, especially on the East Coast, and wish to get connected with transportation to and from the march with others from your area, please email allianceguinea @ gmail.com.
Let’s make this as big a show of solidarity as possible – demonstrating that Guinean tragedies and dreams are everyone’s tragedies and dreams.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
[Advocacy news] Alliance Guinea calls for help from lawyers, educators, politicos, journalists and humanitarians
Jen from the newly created group Alliance Guinea (www.allianceguinea.org) writes:
(Notes: The name was changed from the former Guinea Solidarité which was similar to an organization that already existed. Le site est également disponible en français ici)
Calling all lawyers, educators, students, politicos, journalists, humanitarians
We've got our Facebook page, we have our website/blog, and now we need YOU to take these tools and *run with it*!
Following the call we had yesterday, we've identified the following areas of action, as stated on the website:
Advocate to governments, international organizations and agenda setters in support of human rights and a peaceful, democratic transition in Guinea. Serve as a resource to human rights organizations, law clinics, and international agencies investigating human rights abuses in Guinea. Serve as a resource and nonpartisan, multiethnic forum for activists, journalists and victims of human righs abuses in Guinea. Conduct outreach and provide resources for educators and student groups to raise awareness and promote activism in support of human rights and democracy in Guinea.
To acheive these things, we need you. Specifically:
• If you are a lawyer, law student, human rights clinic, pro-bono clinic, or human rights organization staffer: please email the new head of our law/human rights subcommittee, Rachel Cherington, at rcherington@yahoo.com, for more information and to get connected.
• If you are a high school or middle school teacher - or high school/middle school student - and want to work on discussion guides/lesson plans or anything else cool that you think of, please email ... me (jbsfela@yahoo.com) - until I can confirm our new education head -- or tell me if you want to be that person!
• If you are a university student or faculty member and want to help organize information and advocacy sessions at your school, please email our campus organizing heads Ataoulaye Fela Bah (afb21232@columbia.edu), Susan Martonosi (smartonosi@yahoo.com), and Lisa Mueller (lmmueller@ucla.edu)
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• We are also looking for someone to take the lead on victim support efforts that people want to do, i.e. possibly connecting to Medecins Sans Frontiers to channel donations, etc. Please let me know if you are interested in this angle.
• Finally, we need people to be regular bloggers posting on our site, getting the discussion going on what’s going on in Guinea in general. If this is you, let me know.
We are now nearly 500 strong on Facebook – and I haven’t had a chance to count the number of letters that have been flying out but it’s got to be dozens (and that’s only the ones I know about). At this time, it’s about everyone making the most of these tools we have to start taking whatever initiatives you think would be helpful to further our collective goals.
In solidarity,
Jen
(Notes: The name was changed from the former Guinea Solidarité which was similar to an organization that already existed. Le site est également disponible en français ici)
Calling all lawyers, educators, students, politicos, journalists, humanitarians
We've got our Facebook page, we have our website/blog, and now we need YOU to take these tools and *run with it*!
Following the call we had yesterday, we've identified the following areas of action, as stated on the website:
Advocate to governments, international organizations and agenda setters in support of human rights and a peaceful, democratic transition in Guinea. Serve as a resource to human rights organizations, law clinics, and international agencies investigating human rights abuses in Guinea. Serve as a resource and nonpartisan, multiethnic forum for activists, journalists and victims of human righs abuses in Guinea. Conduct outreach and provide resources for educators and student groups to raise awareness and promote activism in support of human rights and democracy in Guinea.
To acheive these things, we need you. Specifically:
• If you are a lawyer, law student, human rights clinic, pro-bono clinic, or human rights organization staffer: please email the new head of our law/human rights subcommittee, Rachel Cherington, at rcherington@yahoo.com, for more information and to get connected.
• If you are a high school or middle school teacher - or high school/middle school student - and want to work on discussion guides/lesson plans or anything else cool that you think of, please email ... me (jbsfela@yahoo.com) - until I can confirm our new education head -- or tell me if you want to be that person!
• If you are a university student or faculty member and want to help organize information and advocacy sessions at your school, please email our campus organizing heads Ataoulaye Fela Bah (afb21232@columbia.edu), Susan Martonosi (smartonosi@yahoo.com), and Lisa Mueller (lmmueller@ucla.edu)
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• If you are are following the policy options very closely and/or have links to lawmakers and other decision-makers and want to be involved in our policy/advocacy subcommittee, please email me at (jbsfela@yahoo.com).
• We are also looking for someone to take the lead on victim support efforts that people want to do, i.e. possibly connecting to Medecins Sans Frontiers to channel donations, etc. Please let me know if you are interested in this angle.
• Finally, we need people to be regular bloggers posting on our site, getting the discussion going on what’s going on in Guinea in general. If this is you, let me know.
We are now nearly 500 strong on Facebook – and I haven’t had a chance to count the number of letters that have been flying out but it’s got to be dozens (and that’s only the ones I know about). At this time, it’s about everyone making the most of these tools we have to start taking whatever initiatives you think would be helpful to further our collective goals.
In solidarity,
Jen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)